Beginning to implement health insurance for “private” workers and domestic workers

The compulsory health insurance system for workers in private sector companies and domestic workers began yesterday at the state level.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation recently launched the system, in cooperation with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, and the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, in coordination with a number of insurance companies, in line with the Cabinet’s decision to extend health insurance coverage to include all emirates of the country for workers in the private sector and domestic workers. .

Starting from January 1, employers must purchase the new health insurance policy as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency, through the “Care Network – Dubai Care” or any of the approved insurance companies.

Workers who have work permits issued before January 1 are excluded from this, but insurance must be purchased when renewing their residency.

The health insurance policy can be purchased through the website “whi.ae”, or from business services and guidance centres.

The Ministry confirmed that employers in private sector institutions and establishments, and employers of auxiliary service workers, will bear the cost of health insurance when issuing or renewing any residency permit for workers, as of January 1 (yesterday), as the health insurance system provides its package at a competitive price of 320 dirhams annually, while the health insurance system provides its package at a competitive price of 320 dirhams annually. Inpatients (insured persons admitted to hospital) A deductible of 20% paid by the insured, up to 500 dirhams per visit, and an annual limit A maximum of 1000 dirhams, and above these limits the insurance company will cover 100% of the treatment costs.

She pointed out that outpatients (who do not need to be hospitalized) bear a 25% fee paid by the insured, up to a maximum of 100 dirhams for each visit, and there is no burden percentage if a follow-up visit is made within seven days for the same disease, while the deductible percentage for medications is 30%. Covered up to 1,500 dirhams annually, while the insurance policy does not include pregnancy, childbirth and dental coverage.

The Ministry has identified six advantages of the basic health insurance package, including the competitive price of the package (320 dirhams per year), the duration of the policy is two years, with the possibility of recovering its value for the second year in the event of cancellation of residency, and treatment of chronic diseases and pre-existing medical conditions without a waiting period, while Most insurance products do not cover the first six months of purchasing the insurance policy, and the network covers seven hospitals, 47 clinics and medical centers, and 44 pharmacies.

The benefits included the possibility of dependent members of the worker’s family to benefit from the benefits and prices of the product, in accordance with the provisions of the insurance policy, and the provision of remote health care services, and medical consultations conducted over the phone or the Internet, allowing patients to obtain advice and treatment without the need to visit the clinic or The hospital and without paying any deductible, except for pharmacy services.

The Ministry stressed that the health insurance system will have a significant positive impact in enhancing the competitiveness of the labor market, by contributing to raising competitive indicators with regard to the quality of life of individuals, and human rights, social and health protection, in parallel with the significant positive impact on workers, employers and society, in terms of Reducing the financial cost resulting from treatment and the unpaid leave that workers take if they are not health insured.

It is worth noting that the health insurance system was approved within the framework of the state’s keenness to complete the protection system for all workers in the labor market, and to support the provision of a decent life for them, within a comprehensive vision to expand the umbrella of the integrated human rights and social protection system that includes the workers’ protection system, the unemployment insurance system, and the system. The optional alternative to the end-of-service reward (savings system), to enhance the established trends in providing a safe and healthy work environment for workers, and achieving quality of life for them.

“Human Resources”:

. The health insurance policy can be purchased through the website “whi.ae”, or through the business services and guidance centres.

. 6 advantages of the basic health insurance package.