Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Starting January 1, 2025, the UAE will implement a new basic health insurance scheme to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for private sector employees and domestic workers across the northern emirates. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), is set to ensure tat 100 percent of the UAE’s workforce is covered by insurance. Employers are required to purchase the insurance as part of residency visa issuance or renewal. Policies start at just Dh320 annually, offering affordable healthcare for workers. The insurance policy will cover employees in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah starting January 1. The scheme is already mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Coverage will benefit individuals aged 1 to 64, while those over this age must complete a medical disclosure form. The scheme includes coverage for chronic illnesses with no waiting period and co-payment options of 20 percent or a maximum of Dh500 per visit and an annual limit of Dh1,000 for inpatient care. The insurance company will cover 100 percent of treatment costs over this limit. Outpatient visits require a 25 percent co-payment, capped at Dh100 per visit. No co-payment is required for follow-up visits for the same condition within seven days, while co-payments for medications are capped at 30 percent, with an annual limit of Dh1,500. Insured individuals can avail of services in seven hospitals across the UAE, 46 clinics and medical centers and 45 pharmacies. Dependents can also benefit from similar packages, ensuring families receive necessary medical attention. Employers can access the packages through DubaiCare Network and other accredited platforms. ICA/Expat Media
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