vk101
I'm a little concerned about my lack of knowledge of how health insurance and the health care system works in Dubai. I'm thinking of moving there, and am hoping some residents could give me their insights on how it works. I looked at which left me with a few questions.
Quote:
- Nationals and foreign residents have access to state medical care, but need a health card.
Application forms for health cards are obtainable from clinics and from the Ministry of Health (PO Box 848, Abu Dhabi, Tel. 971-2-330 000). Completed forms should be returned to the Ministry, with two passport photographs, two photocopies of you passport, a letter of employment and the appropriate fee – currently AED275 ($75).
The above quotation confuses me - so newcomers to Dubai from other countries who are currently employed can pay a one-time fee of AED275 which gives them access to state medical care? For how long - there must be some recurring fee, right?
What's the actual name of the health program or initiative referred to above (so that I can search for more information about it)?
What services are included and what aren't when you have this health card? (e.g. Does this cover everything from visiting a neighbourhood clinic because of a cold to getting very specialized surgery in a hospital?)
Does this health card give holders access to public clinics and hospitals but not private ones?
If your employer doesn't pay for medical insurance, why would you get medical insurance if you can just get this health card instead (ignore other services like dental, vision, and prescriptions for the moment)? Multiple sources make it seem like wait times for public medical services in Dubai are very low and the quality is comparable to that of other countries, so I'm not seeing a problem with sticking to the public system.
I eagerly await your insights on how Dubai's health insurance and health system works.
Thanks a lot.
bonk
Government health card covers you for everything but in government hospitals, not private hospitals.
People get private healthcare to get into more comfortable private hospitals, and for things like Medivac to other countries, healthcare when travelling.
Government hospitals are less friendly, "customer service" is poor, but for serious medial care, they are good in my experience. Cases that private hospitals can't deal with get shifted to government hospitals anyway.
vk101
When you say it covers you for everything, does that include pre-existing conditions? I've read in a few places that pre-existing conditions aren't covered, but I'm not sure exactly what program that relates to.
Could anyone point me to the official Dubai government's website on this health card program?
bonk
- vk101 wrote:
When you say it covers you for everything, does that include pre-existing conditions?
No for private care usually. Sorry, can't say for sure with government care.
Quote:
- Could anyone point me to the official Dubai government's website on this health card program?
try or search for DOHMS (Department of Health and Medical Services) if that doesn't work.
JSO-RSA-GH
If anybody would like som eadvice regrading Medical Insurance for the region, give me an email-
ahmed45
Hi,
by provides a detailed listing of virtually all health insurance companies as well as general insurance companies operating in Dubai, UAE The information includes contact information and website addresses.
Thanks