Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. ARCHIVE

Soon, all Emiratis living in Sharjah will receive free health insurance, the emirate's Ruler pledged during the Direct Line radio programme. "When it comes to providing health insurance to its people, Sharjah have not and will not cut corners — but we are taking the matter slowly," said Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council. The Sharjah Government has provided health insurance to its employees, their families, and senior Emiratis. Now, they are expanding this coverage by lowering the age limit for their "insurance for the elderly" program from 50 to 45 years old. To qualify for the insurance, individuals must be UAE citizens and residents of the emirate, according to Dr. Mohammad Falah from the SHA's medical insurance department. Sharjah is also preparing for the mandatory health insurance program for all employees, set to launch in January 2025. Industry experts say that residents with Northern Emirates visas are likely to benefit from cheaper premiums than those of Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to the region's relatively lower healthcare costs. Government departments are also looking at insurance plans in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to create a basic scheme that gives employers the option to add more benefits if necessary. FLE/Expat Media
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