The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) stated that it is working to establish a “new mechanism” to cover visitors with insurance, stressing that health insurance is mandatory for visitors according to the law, a new report by Emarat Al Youm said.
The new mechanism, targeting visitors, includes treatment benefits in emergency situations and ensures that the individual enjoys high-quality insurance services throughout their stay in the country, the report said, citing Saleh Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation.
Prices of the insurance packages in Dubai start at AED525, Al Hashimi said, adding that there is a basic package imposed by the authority, and a number of specially designed and improved packages, according to the products and needs in the insurance market in the emirate.
Al Hashimi also explained that the coverage ceiling for the basic package is AED150,000, however the improved packages are according to the needs of the beneficiaries, provided that they exceed AED150,000, and the packages issued by insurance companies are not less than them.
Al Hashimi emphasises that the authority follows “strict procedures” to ensure compliance with the health insurance laws and procedures in the emirate.
The authority also issues violations to employers and sponsors in the event that they “do not include persons who are mandated to include them in health insurance,” the report said, citing Al Hashimi, who said, “the authority works in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to monitor violators and implement the law on a large scale.”
He added: “The authority seeks, through its affiliated Dubai Health Insurance Corporation, to create a health system that is efficient and transparent, by developing systems and setting regulations and procedures that serve the insurance system.
Al-Hashimi emphasized that providing proper medical care and access to medical services for patients in government and private hospitals and centers is contingent upon having adequate insurance coverage as mandated by law, regulations, and controls, particularly those that connect residency with insurance coverage.
Furthermore, the authority has urged various business establishments and companies to review the lists of their workers and employees to ensure they have the necessary insurance coverage, in order to prevent any legal breaches and ensure that employees in the emirate receive adequate treatment services.
