Healthcare for expats in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global business destination in recent times and is now home to many foreign nationals

Medical Insurance A Must

All expatriates living, working or visiting the UAE should have a complete comprehensive healthcare/medical insurance

As per UAE media reports most expats prefer private treatments but they are costlier

It is easiest to obtain health insurance, through application of a health insurance card, which costs nearly USD300 and comes with one-year validity

If you are new to the country it is advisable to meet a health insurance broker on how to choose the right expatriate medical insurance in the UAE for your family needs

Medical facilities in public hospitals are good, and emergencies are handled free of charge

Public Health Insurance Program for Expatriates – ISAHD

ISAHD (Insurance System for Advancing Healthcare in Dubai) => It defines a basic coverage (AED 500 to AED 700 (i.e. USD 136 to USD 190) p.a. per insured employee) that employers must provide to all employees earning less than AED 4,000 (about USD 1,088 per month) This would cover general physician visits, any referral, surgery, maternity or any emergency

Public Health Insurance Program for Expatriates – ISAHD

The new law of june 2016 gave health treatment access to expatriates with insurance cover at all the 20 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres that are spread throughout the emirate from Al Ghusais, Nad Al Hammar to Umm Suqeim and Al Safa

Health insurance will be linked to the work and residence visa so no company can evade the lawUnder the law, employers are only required to cover the cost of health insurance for their

employees. They are not obliged to provide insurance or bear the costs for dependents

For employees with a higher salary, the best way is to find a potential employer who covers expenses of your medical insurance. Ideally, companies provide this health insurance as part of the salary package - so it is best to check what any prospective employer is offering and who funds the health insurance costs

Private Medical Insurance Options

If you own a private medical insurance, you are expected to visit a private hospital for non-emergency cases. Therefore, it is good to know the location and contact details of your insurance network

Private Medical Insurance Options

Prescription Laws

•Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are not allowed in the UAE

•If you require a medication and are unsure if it is permitted in the UAE, it's best to contact the MOH directly to see if the drug is on the controlled list. If it is on the list, you will need permission to bring it prior to your arrival to the UAE

Prescription Laws

•The Customer Service Centre of the Drug Control Department can be contacted via email at drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae•And by telephone on +971 2 611 7240 or by fax +971 2 632 7644•Also it is important to seek medical advice and ensure vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling to UAE, including protection against Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and other common infectious diseases such as chicken

pox, viral hepatitis B and pulmonary tuberculosis

For more information visit at www.bayzat.com