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United Kingdom We take the hassle out of health insurance: these two health insurance companies provide international medical and dental insurance for expats in the United Arab Emirates. Get quick simple quotes, and check out our list of FAQs to select the best health coverage plan for you.
Health insurance quotes for expats in the United Arab Emirates
The Munich-headquartered financial services company offers international health insurance plans for expatriate students, professionals, couples and families. Depending on the policy, Allianz Care covers everyday medical expenses, emergency treatment, dental consultations, maternity, surgery, and outpatient fees.
APRIL International is a health and travel insurance provider operating in 180 countries. Their range of insurance products is tailored to the needs of expats, whether you’re relocating your family, studying for a semester abroad, enjoying a working holiday, or simply travelling. 130,000 expats already trust APRIL International.
Healthcare in the United Arab Emirates
What do I need to receive healthcare in the UAE?
Both state and private healthcare exists in the UAE. The country boasts state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, some of the best in the region. All residents, including expats, can access state health services at a 50% reduced rate if they purchase a health card. However, public facilities are limited and many foreign residents take out private health insurance to access a wider and quicker range of services.
Do I need private health insurance in the UAE?
If you live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, health insurance is a legal requirement and you will be subjected to monthly fines if you don’t have it. Insurance is usually arranged by employers and will give you access to the best healthcare available in the UAE. For anyone else, private health insurance is the advised option in order to receive treatment from the best doctors and specialists in the best quality UAE hospitals.
FAQ: Health insurance in the UAE
If you are shopping around for your own private health insurance package in the UAE, make sure that you consider all the options and find the deal that’s best for you.
Questions you might want to ask include:
1. Does the package cover family members?
Most standard private health insurance policies are tailored towards individual coverage. If you want to include additional family members, you’ll usually have to ask for this to be added on. Shop around to see who offers the best deals for family-friendly coverage.
2. Are there any restrictions, limitations, or exclusions on the policy, e.g. relating to age or pre-existing conditions?
Private firms place higher premiums based on factors including age, health profile and lifestyle. If you have any chronic conditions or a history of ill health, you may be refused coverage or required to pay higher premiums. Shop around for the most comprehensive coverage.
3. What’s a coverage gap and could I be affected?
If you are travelling to the UAE from a country where you are covered by public health insurance or a private policy that only covers you within that country, you could leave yourself exposed to a coverage gap between leaving your old residence and sorting out your new insurance policy.
The best way around this is to look into setting up a private policy before you arrive in the UAE. You can also opt for international coverage which can be used in multiple locations.
4. Am I covered while I travel?
Many national insurance companies in the UAE will only cover you for treatment within the country or possibly extending as far as neighbouring gulf countries. For medical coverage when traveling elsewhere, an expat-friendly international health insurance plan could be the most sensible option.
5. What treatments are covered?
This very much depends on what level of coverage you take out. Most private insurers offer a range of coverage packages. This starts with basic coverage and extends to cover things such as expensive dental treatment, specialist care and alternative therapies.
However, many of the more specialist treatments cost extra. Again, it makes sense to shop around and find the best deal that covers everything that’s important to you.
6. How straightforward is the process for making a claim?
The claims process in the UAE varies from insurer to insurer. Some will deal directly with healthcare providers and pay bills on your behalf while others require you to pay upfront and claim a reimbursement. If you’re worried about having to initially cover costs, look for a provider who will sort out claims directly.