Guide to Understanding the Dubai Healthcare System for Travelers and Expats

Dubai healthcare systemAre you a traveler or an expat and wondering how to get your healthcare in Dubai? This article provides information on the choices and kind of healthcare offered in Dubai.

Dubai is a fast-growing country and a member of the UAE. Their growth in technology has ensured they have modern equipment and this ensures that both locals and foreign visitors have access to better medical facilities.

You ought to consider taking an insurance policy to cover your medical coverage and for your family when visiting or relocating to Dubai. The best family insurance in Dubai is the one that will cover international health insurance, travel medical insurance, and expatriate insurance at affordable rates. Below are some things you should know.

Dubai Health Care System

Dubai is a member of the UAE and has an overview body of the ministry of health and prevention (MOHAP). However, each emirate state has different healthcare provisions. Recently, the Dubai health authority issued an implementation to health insurance scheme to allow the expats to access both public and private hospitals.

Expats who want to use the public hospitals are required to register with the department of health and medical services for a health card.

For both small-time and tour or a long vacation, understanding the Dubai healthcare system is vital. This will help you receive low-cost treatment for both in-patient and outpatient medical care. It is also crucial that you bring your medical history. It will help the doctor in charge to understand your medical conditions for accurate and fast treatment.

You ought to consider sticking to one GP. The DHA has a website that allows you to search for doctors and dentists online. This has helped ease the struggle to get a GP and book an appointment with a specialist. Dubai healthcare has given out emergency numbers to call for an ambulance, and police, so you should dial 999 in case of anything.

Health Restrictions in Dubai

On arrival, all expats are required to test for tuberculosis HIV/Aids. Although you are given access to hospitals and medication, there are some restrictions put in place in Dubai by DHA. It is prohibited to buy antidepressants, tranquilizers, and also sleeping tablets. However, you can purchase other drugs in the pharmacy, but you need a prescription.

If you are an expat on medication before arriving in Dubai, you need to check the list of banned drugs on the government website. However, you are allowed up to three months of your existing prescription while locals are allowed to carry up to 12 months.

How Insurance Works in Dubai

DHA made legal changes to provide a minimum health insurance level for all employees. This helps ensure there is affordable medical coverage for all employees. However, your health insurance depends on your financial capabilities. This will also depend on where you work and the cover you wish to take. However, having insurance cover is mandatory before applying for any job.

Those with expired insurance are required to renew them. Failure to renew their cover monthly will lead to fines. Even though employers are required to provide mandatory minimum level health insurance, they are not obliged to provide for dependents. It will be a personal objective to arrange for your family and those dependent on you for their insurance cover.

There is a basic cover through an essential benefits plan for individuals earning less than $1,000. This covers screenings for both breast and cervical cancer. It also covers any emergency treatments for those with the treatment of less than US $40,000.

Benefits Expats Get on Employment

As an expat, you should ensure that you receive cover from your employer. You should ensure that you understand the cover and benefits provided. Some employers opt to provide a health cover that gives maximum benefits for the minimum legal requirement. The comprehensive cover offered can extend to the immediate family. DHA has made it mandatory for married women to take maternity cover.

Advantages of Having Insurance in Dubai

Having insurance cover in Dubai, which happens to be mandatory, is crucial. The insurers provide ambulance services up to a certain amount. You also get coverage on both online and physical consultations. Additionally, insurance companies also help cover expenses such as harvesting a major organ from a donor and free checkups. In case you get admitted to a hospital, you don’t have to pay for anything since you can use the cashless claim process.

Conclusion

Having an understanding of the Dubai health system helps you reduce unnecessary costs and avoid risk of deportation. It is advisable to understand the restrictions and how you can access them for both your health and that of your family. Also, ensure that you take an insurance cover, which will help cover most of your medical bills and your family.

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the Dubai Healthcare System

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