Health Insurance for Abu Dhabi Residence Visa

For those residing in Abu Dhabi, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring that health insurance companies in the Emirate comply with the EBP requirements. Expatriates seeking to obtain a residence visa in Abu Dhabi are required to have valid health insurance coverage in line with the EBP policy.

In this article, we will discuss the requirements for obtaining health insurance for a residence visa in Abu Dhabi, the benefits of having health insurance, and the various health insurance options available for residents. We will also provide insights into the current state of the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi and how having health insurance can help individuals and families access quality healthcare services.

Healthcare System in the UAE: An Overview

Abu Dhabi's capacity to accommodate more patients has directly benefited from greater investment in healthcare infrastructure. Along with Dubai, which is aggressively trying to complete the Dubai Healthcare City (a complex specifically designed for medical tourism), Abu Dhabi is also earnestly developing its medical facilities in an effort to draw better-off foreigners to the city.

Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, also known as SEHA, oversees the operation of all government-operated hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Emirate while the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, or HAAD, oversees the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi.

Any visitor to Abu Dhabi who faces a medical emergency is entitled to free emergency care at one of the city's public hospitals. Although you have the choice of receiving care at a public or a private institution, it must be noted that if you choose to receive emergency care at a private hospital while visiting Abu Dhabi, you will be in charge of paying for your own treatment.

However, whether the treatment is done at a private hospital or a public institution, payment is necessary for any elective treatment received in Abu Dhabi that is not an emergency. Although Abu Dhabi hospitals offer a wide range of treatment options, the associated fees might be rather significant.

Public vs Private Health Care Scenario in Abu Dhabi

Public healthcare and private healthcare are Abu Dhabi's two main options for healthcare delivery.

Residents of the emirate can get affordable healthcare treatments through the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The required Abu Dhabi health insurance programme, which is paid for by contributions from employers and employees in the Emirate, covers the costs of the public healthcare system. As per Emirati legislation, it is a requirement for anyone working in Abu Dhabi to pay into the national Abu Dhabi Health Insurance fund.

You are eligible to obtain economical medical care at one of the city's 13 public hospitals by making a contribution to the fund. However, there are a number of problems with government-run healthcare systems, including congestion and unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, just like with public healthcare services offered throughout the world, such as the NHS in the UK. While the level of care in the UAE is certainly higher than many other free healthcare systems offered globally, getting an appointment with a doctor quickly may be challenging.

The city's private medical system is the alternative route for receiving healthcare in Abu Dhabi. A majority of foreigners and medical visitors in Abu Dhabi choose to utilise the private healthcare services offered by the Emirates. The level of treatment provided in an Abu Dhabi private hospital is generally superior to that offered through the public system, and these facilities frequently resemble five-star hotels more than standard medical facilities. Keep in mind, however, that the patient will be required to cover the additional costs associated with the higher levels of care, prompt access to services, and extraordinarily high standards of devotion to the patient out of pocket.

The price of medical care in an Abu Dhabi private hospital can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars (USD) in many cases. As a result, if you are travelling to Abu Dhabi specifically to receive medical care, you should be ready to cover the costs of your care. One of the most effective methods to do that is through an Abu Dhabi health insurance policy.

Why is Health Insurance Mandatory for Abu Dhabi Residence Visa Holders?

An Abu Dhabi residence visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Abu Dhabi. The visa is generally valid for 1 to 3 years (as per the sponsor) and can be extended. One of the mandatory requirements for obtaining an Abu Dhabi residence visa is having health insurance. 

The mandatory health insurance law in Abu Dhabi was introduced to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for all residents. It ensures that individuals in the Emirate receive adequate medical care without financial burden. 

To know how you can get health insurance Abu Dhabi residence visa and the details about Abu Dhabi visa insurance, scroll down and keep on reading.

Types of Health Insurance for Abu Dhabi Residence Visa

In Abu Dhabi, the type of health insurance required for a residence visa depends on the specific category you fall into. 

Given below are the different types of medical insurance for Abu Dhabi residence visa — 

1. Students Traveling to Abu Dhabi

Individual Health Insurance: If you are a student traveling to Abu Dhabi, you will need individual health insurance. Specifically covering you, this type of health insurance covers services such as inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, and dental and vision care (if applicable). 

It’s essential to check the policy details to ensure it meets the requirements set by the Abu Dhabi government for a health insurance Abu Dhabi residence visa​.

1. Employers Traveling to Abu Dhabi for Work

Group Health Insurance: For employees traveling to Abu Dhabi for work, the employer is responsible for providing group health insurance. It covers not only the employee but also their dependents, including one spouse and up to 3 children under 18 years old. 

Group health insurance is mandated by law in Abu Dhabi and offers comprehensive coverage that includes routine medical care, emergency services, and sometimes additional benefits like maternity and dental care. 

1. Golden Visa Holders

Individual and Family Health Insurance: Golden Visa holders in Abu Dhabi can access exclusive health insurance plans tailored to their needs. These plans provide comprehensive coverage for the individual and can also be extended to cover family members. 

Health insurance for Golden Visa holders includes a wide range of benefits, such as inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, maternity care, and (sometimes) even international coverage. Golden Visa holders must ensure their health insurance is valid throughout their stay in Abu Dhabi​.

Ultimately, for individuals across all categories, having valid medical insurance for Abu Dhabi visa is crucial to meet legal requirements and access high-quality healthcare services. This mandatory health insurance requirement helps residents stay protected from high medical costs and ensures that they receive the necessary medical care when needed.

Benefits of Health Insurance for Abu Dhabi Residence Visa 

As we’ve seen so far, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a residence visa in Abu Dhabi. 

However, the benefits provided by health insurance plans for a health insurance Abu Dhabi residence visa are comprehensive, cater to various medical needs, and go way beyond just compliance. 

Some of the key coverages provided by the health insurance plans are given below — 

1. Emergency Treatments: Health insurance covers emergency medical treatments. You can receive prompt and necessary care during urgent health situations without the financial burden​.
2. Inpatient and Outpatient Care: Policies usually cover both inpatient and outpatient services, including hospital stays, surgeries, consultations, and follow-up visits. This comprehensive coverage gives you access to medical care for various health conditions​. 
3. Maternity Cover: Maternity benefits are a crucial part of health insurance for residence visa holders. This includes prenatal and postnatal care, delivery expenses, and sometimes even neonatal care for the newborn​. 
4. Dental Care: Many health insurance plans provide coverage for dental treatments. This includes routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and, in some cases, orthodontic treatments. 
5. Chronic Condition Management: Health insurance plans also cover the treatment and management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. This gives continuous medical support and medication for chronic illnesses​.
6. Prescription Medications: The coverage includes the cost of prescribed medications necessary for treating various health conditions. It reduces the financial burden of ongoing medication needs​.
7. Preventive Services and Vaccinations: Preventive healthcare services, including vaccinations and regular health screenings, are often covered. This helps in early detection and prevention of diseases.

How to Get Health Insurance for Abu Dhabi Residence Visa?

You can easily apply for health insurance for your Abu Dhabi residence visa for multiple types of plans, such as individual health insurance and family health insurance. 

Websites like Policybazaar.ae offer a wide range of health insurance plans from the top UAE insurers. Besides the variety of plans, Policybazaar UAE provides expert advice, 24x7 customer service, and attractive offers and discounts.

To get medical insurance for Abu Dhabi residence visa from our site, here’s what you need to do —

1. Click on ‘apply now bottons’ and enter the specified details
2. Alternatively, you can scroll up and fill out the lead form near the top of the page.
3. Once done, simply check out the top health insurance quotes and apply for the plan that you find the most suitable.

You can also contact the customer service team at Policybazaar.ae for expert advice, clarification of plans, and information on any add-ons. The platform’s 24x7 customer service gives you all the support you need throughout the process.

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