Health Insurance for Diabetes Patients in UAE

The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.

The challenge is clear — diabetes management can be expensive, with ongoing costs for medication, doctor visits, and potential complications. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, having comprehensive health insurance can help protect you from such unexpected medical expenses.

We’ll break down what diabetes insurance coverage includes, why it’s essential, and how to apply for one in the UAE.

What is Health Insurance for Diabetes?

Let’s be clear from the start — diabetes insurance isn't a separate policy. Rather, it’s a part of a broader health plan that covers the medical costs of managing this condition.

So whether you are looking for the best health insurance for type 2 diabetes or type 1, you will simply need to get a comprehensive medical insurance policy. This includes everything from doctor visits, medications, and lab tests to hospital stays and treatments for complications.

However, not all health policies are created equal. Coverage limits, exclusions, and the handling of pre-existing conditions can vary widely between plans.

So when choosing a health policy, it’s essential to —

Look for Pre-existing Condition Coverage: If you already have diabetes before applying for health insurance, ensure you declare it to get it covered in your medical plan.
Check Coverage Limits: Make sure the plan covers all the medical expenses you might incur for diabetes management. Some plans may have a cap on treatment costs, which can leave you with out-of-pocket expenses.
Understand the Exclusions: Some policies may not cover certain diabetes-related treatments, such as experimental procedures or treatments for complications from lifestyle-related diabetes.

Note: It’s important to review your policy to understand the full extent of the coverage and avoid any unexpected medical bills.

Features and Benefits of Medical Insurance for Diabetes

When you purchase health insurance that includes diabetes coverage, you’re generally covered for the essential aspects of managing the condition.

Here are some of the key features and benefits that you can expect in your diabetes insurance coverage from a good policy —

Pre-Existing and Chronic Illness Support

You will get covered for all your critical conditions if you declare them in your medical form as these are subject to underwriting. Declared pre-existing conditions might be covered with a certain sub-limit and waiting period that differs from plan to plan.

However, keep in mind that undeclared conditions won’t be covered during the policy period and may be reviewed at renewal. Similarly, misrepresentation of information can result in the insurer cancelling the policy.

Cashless Hospitalisation

With the cashless feature, you don’t have to take the stress of your diabetes and insurance.

Many top insurers in the UAE have partnerships with hospitals, which allows you to receive treatment without having to pay upfront. In this case, the insurer directly settles the bills with the hospital. This can reduce the financial burden on you during medical emergencies or hospital stays.

Inpatient & Outpatient Coverage

Comprehensive diabetes insurance plans mostly cover both inpatient and outpatient services —

Inpatient Coverage: If you require hospitalisation due to complications from diabetes or other health issues, your plan may cover the cost of your stay. This can include the cost of surgeries, intensive care, and more.
Outpatient Coverage: Diabetes requires ongoing care, including regular doctor visits, lab tests, and medications. Good insurance coverage typically includes outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests, which are essential for managing your condition.

Prescription Medication

Medications, including insulin, oral medication, and other drugs, are an essential part of managing this condition. A comprehensive diabetes insurance plan covers these prescriptions up to a certain limit.

However, be sure to confirm the coverage limits as some insurers may have restrictions on specific brands or types of medication.

Pre- and Post-Hospitalisation Coverage

Diabetes-related care doesn’t end after a hospital stay.

Comprehensive insurance plans mostly offer pre and post-hospitalisation benefits. Pre-hospitalisation covers the cost of necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications before a hospital stay. Post-hospitalization care, on the other hand, may include follow-up visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Both these aspects ensure that you receive complete care.

What is Included in Diabetes Insurance Coverage?

Here are some of the inclusions present in most policies under insurance for diabetics type 1 and type 2 —

Preventive Care

Most insurance policies offer coverage for preventive care, such as initial screenings for diabetic complications and other proactive measures. This can help you manage the condition and prevent further health issues.

Diagnostic Tests

Most medical insurance plans for diabetes typically cover a wide range of diagnostic tests. This includes X-rays, MRI, CT Scans, and other lab work for assessing your status and any related complications.

Note: If you are at low risk, you can get tested for this condition once every 3 years after the age of 30 under your insurance plan. However, if you are high-risk (in case diabetes runs in your family), you can get it checked once a year after the age of 18.

This option is specifically under health insurance in the Dubai Emirate.

Medications

Health plans cover the expenses of medications up to a specified limit. This can be useful in case you require extensive treatment and medicines for your condition.

However, the pharmacy cover limits can vary as per your policy. Some plans cover it up to the sum insured, while others may have specific limits. So always check the inclusions of your policy before purchasing.

Dental and Gum Treatment

Dental care is crucial for diabetes patients as they may be at higher risk for gum disease. Many plans include coverage for dental check-ups and treatments in the case of medical emergencies.

Hearing and Vision Aid

Diabetes can affect both hearing and vision. However, certain plans may include coverage for hearing aids and eye exams (under medical emergencies), which can help you address any related issues.

Physiotherapy Treatment

If you need rehabilitation or physiotherapy due to complications like diabetic neuropathy, these treatments may be covered by your plan.

Psychiatry

Some plans may also provide coverage for psychiatric care up to limited sessions, which can be essential for managing the emotional and mental health challenges that often accompany chronic conditions like diabetes.

What is Not Included in Diabetes Insurance Coverage?

Although diabetes insurance provides extensive protection, there are some exclusions to be aware of —

Experimental Treatments

Insurance policies generally don’t cover experimental or unapproved treatments, including non-standard therapies like growth hormones that are not related to diabetes. Hence, it’s better to always check whether any treatments you are considering fall under this category.

Non-Disclosing Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have diabetes or any other pre-existing conditions and fail to disclose them when applying for insurance, your claims related to them may be rejected. It is crucial to be transparent about your medical history when applying for coverage.

Personal Comfort and Convenience Items

Most medical insurance policies, including those for diabetes coverage, exclude personal comfort and convenience items. These are services or products that are not essential to medical treatment or recovery like TV, beauty services, toiletries, and so on.

Cosmetic or Elective Procedures

Health policies for diabetes don’t cover cosmetic procedures that are not medically necessary.

Self-inflicted Injuries

Health insurance for diabetes does not cover medical expenses related to self-inflicted injuries, including those caused by suicide attempts or drug abuse.

Professional Sports-Related Treatments

Injuries resulting from professional sports activities such as racing, water sports, mountaineering, boxing, and extreme sports (e.g., bungee jumping) are usually excluded from insurance coverage due to the high-risk nature of these activities.

Always check your policy for specific exclusions related to such activities.

Why is Declaring Diabetes Important in your Health Insurance Form?

When applying for health insurance, one of the most important steps is declaring any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. As mentioned earlier, failing to disclose your condition can result in denied claims or even the cancellation of your policy.

Insurance companies rely on your medical history to determine your coverage and premiums. If you don't declare your diabetes, the insurer may consider it a violation of the policy terms and your coverage could be invalidated.

So even if it means higher premiums, it’s better to disclose all medical conditions upfront. This can ensure that you have full protection in case of medical emergencies.

Best Health Insurance for Diabetics

Here are some of the best health insurance plans covering both types of diabetes along with their sub-limits —

Diabetes Insurance Coverage Plans	Sub-Limit (AED)
Dubai Insurance—eCare Blue	150,000
Orient Insurance—I-Med	150,000
Sukoon Insurance—Safe	150,000
Takaful Emarat—Ecare Blue	150,000
Hayah—Tier 1 (Regional) Mednet Green	150,000

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned plans are based on a 30-year-old single male, suffering from Diabetes. The plans can vary based on your requirements and specifications.

Why Should You Buy Insurance for Diabetes Patients?

Diabetes, particularly Type 2, is a growing health concern. This is especially the case in regions like the UAE. Managing diabetes goes beyond controlling blood sugar — it involves handling ongoing medical costs and potential complications.

Insurance for diabetics plays a key role in providing financial protection and access to necessary treatments.

Early Detection and Preventive Care

Insurance plans often include coverage for regular check-ups, screenings, and diagnostic tests. Early detection of diabetes-related issues helps prevent more serious health problems, ultimately reducing long-term treatment costs.

Reduced Financial Stress During Recovery

Health insurance not only covers immediate medical expenses like hospital stays but also post-hospital care, including medication and rehabilitation. This reduces the financial burden during recovery, allowing you to focus on managing your health.

Access to Quality Healthcare

Medical insurance gives you access to a top network of hospitals and specialists for diabetes care. This means you can receive the best treatment from experienced professionals, which is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

How to Apply for Health Insurance that Covers Diabetes in the UAE?

If you have diabetes, securing the right medical insurance is essential to avoid high medical costs. Policybazaar UAE makes the process quick and easy, offering a variety of plans for you to choose from.

Here's a simple guide to applying for diabetes coverage —

Select 'Health Insurance' and fill out the required details in the lead form.
In the pop-up, select 'Yes' for pre-existing conditions and choose 'Diabetes'.
Compare plans on the quotes page and select the one that fits your needs.

For immediate assistance, you can also connect with one of our team personnel, who will assist you with your diabetes insurance coverage needs.

Claim Process of Diabetes Insurance Coverage

Filing a claim under your diabetes health insurance is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it —

Notify the Insurer

Notify your insurer as soon as you're hospitalised or receive treatment related to the condition. Most insurers have a 24/7 helpline for emergencies.

Cashless Claims

If you are treated in a network hospital, the claim process is usually cashless. The hospital will handle the paperwork and coordinate with the insurer to pay the treatment costs directly.

Reimbursement Claims

If the hospital is out of network, you will need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement. Keep the following documents ready —

Filled out claim form
Prescription and medical receipts
Diagnostic test results
Hospital discharge summary

Claim Approval and Payment

Your insurer, after reviewing the documents, will process the claim. Always check with your insurer for their specific claims process and documentation requirements.

Health Insurance Popular Searches

Yes, pre-existing and chronic conditions like diabetes are covered in comprehensive health insurance plans. However, there is no separate diabetes insurance plan.

Some comprehensive health insurance plans do cover medications for diabetes. Nevertheless, carefully read the policy details and consult an insurance expert, if necessary.

Yes, you can claim benefits for diabetes under most health insurance policies that cover chronic conditions like diabetes. Benefits typically include coverage for doctor visits, medications, diagnostic tests, and hospitalisations.

Yes, people with Type 2 diabetes can get health insurance, although the terms and premiums may vary as per the condition’s severity and how well it's managed. Insurers may assess your blood sugar levels, medical history, and treatment plan before offering coverage.

Ambulance services may be covered under your health insurance if you are hospitalised or require emergency care related to your diabetes, such as a diabetic coma or severe hypoglycemia. However, this specific coverage can vary as per your specific plan.

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