Flexible health insurance in Abu Dhabi; targets current and future entrepreneurs and investors

Abu Dhabi's health department introduced flexible health insurance options on Thursday, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The new flexible health insurance policy targets current and future entrepreneurs and investors, while attracting more investments in the capital. The policy provides entrepreneurs, investors, and others with an insurance option at a low and competitive cost while flexible insurance holders can upgrade their insurance coverage in agreement with the insurance provider. Several categories can subscribe to the new insurance option according to conditions set by the Department of Health (DoH).

The flexible health insurance policy benefits community members including expatriates residing in the emirate who work in the private sector, provided that their monthly income exceeds Dh5,000. It also includes investors and holders of free business licenses, their families and their employees, as well as the family of the resident expatriate and their workers who are not covered by health insurance from the employer (governmental or private).

The flexible health insurance policy is added to the health insurance options currently available in the emirate, including the enhanced health insurance and basic health insurance. It is characterised by insurance coverage for the costs of treatment services amounting to Dh150,000 annually, 100 per cent emergency coverage, 20 per cent copay of the cost of all outpatient treatment services and 30 per cent copay for medications.

Policy holders can benefit from healthcare services in a network of healthcare providers in the emirate, with the possibility of upgrading insurance coverage according to the patient’s needs. The new option seeks to elevate the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors that seek to live and work in the emirate, as well as broaden access to world-class healthcare services for all community members in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

As part of the new insurance option, health insurance providers will evaluate the condition and medical record of the insured to determine whether they will accept the request for inclusion in the flexible health insurance policy.

DoH indicated that companies or individuals wishing to subscribe to the 'flexible health insurance' policy must contact health insurance companies when the current health insurance policy is about to expire to obtain more details and apply to the 'flexible health insurance' if the eligibility conditions are met.

Since the health insurance launch in 2005 under Abu Dhabi Law No. (23) of 2005 and its executive regulations, Abu Dhabi has been able to enhance community members' access to healthcare services and raise the levels of competitiveness among healthcare providers in the emirate, thus improving the quality of services and consolidating the emirate's position as a leading healthcare destination in the world.