Health Insurance in UAE

Sharjah - 16 April 2008 - Health Insurance for Expatriates in the U.A.E.

More than a year has passed since the regulations implementing the Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law No 23 of 2005 (the “Health Insurance Law”) came into effect. The law was implemented in stages, and has applied to all expatriates living or residing in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi since January 2007.

While the Abu Dhabi health insurance scheme has clearly ensured that all expatriates can be assured of healthcare in a manner that is affordable to the expatriate and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and it has created additional opportunities for the local insurance industry, its implementation is not without challenges for both employers and the insurance industry.

On 6th November, 2007, we read in the U.A.E. newspapers that there will soon be health Insurance for expatriates in Dubai, and Northern Emirates soon. The news item stated that expatriates residing in Dubai and the Northern Emirates will be covered by a health insurance system from year 2008, under a federal insurance law.

"The draft law has been finalized and submitted to the Legislations Committee. It awaits approval of higher authorities," said the minister concerned. The Ministry of Health (MoH) had earlier suggested implementation of an insurance law with the aim of providing expatriates with Medicare services at affordable prices. The minister also said: "The policy will contribute to improvement in medical services available in the country.”

The insurance scheme might also help in providing expatriates with medicines at reasonable prices "depending on the kind of insurance policy," the minister said.

But we are now in mid-April, 2008, and yet, do not hear anything more on the subject. We are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the insurance scheme in Dubai, and the Northern Emirates - Librahitech.