Medical coverage for everyone in Abu Dhabi (Thiqa)

The Thiqa programme is a state health insurance programme provided by the Abu Dhabi government to ensure comprehensive medical protection for the UAE nationals living in the UAE. Under this programme, the government provides a Thiqa card that provides the Emiratis with access to a large number of private and public healthcare facilities (both clinics and hospitals) present on the Daman Health Insurance Company’s network.

This is one of the most affordable health insurance programmes in the UAE and allows members to access Thiqa’s digital service platforms 24-by-7. To apply for the Thiqa Programme, an individual must possess an Emirates ID and fall in the age group of 18 to 75 years. The applicants would also need to undergo Weqaya screening, an initiative by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, where they undergo a health check-up to detect any cardiovascular risk factors as well.

To understand more about the eligibility criteria to avail of the Thiqa card and the benefits of the programme, continue reading further.

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

Eligibility Criteria for Thiqa Card

To qualify for Thiqa card registration, the applicant must be -

A UAE national within the age group of 18 to 75 years
An individual who has Emirates ID
Anyone who passes the Weqaya screening

Use of Emirates ID to Obtain a Medical Cover

Emirates ID has become the official way to claim medical cover in Abu Dhabi since 2017. While a Thiqa card was offered earlier to enable the individuals to file claims, all the data has been included in the Emirates ID since 2017.

The following scenarios explain the role of Emirates ID in claiming cover -

Emirates ID proves resourceful when you face an international medical emergency, as the Daman Health Insurance company has collaborated with several hospitals abroad. Individuals covered under the plan can make a call on the International Thiqa Emergency Assistance Line, which is +1-609-275-4999.
The expiry of your Emirates ID does not affect your Thiqa programme coverage. However, there are chances that hospitals and clinics in the UAE may reject your hospitalisation.
Emirates ID is essential to claim medical cover. In case you lose your ID, you should consider using the official website (thiqa.ae) or the Thiqa app to access the programme details and the Thiqa Digital Card. If you have your Emirates ID number or a duplicate, your insurance provider can check whether you qualify for the coverage or not. However, you would need to carry other proof of identification in such situations.

How to Access Services Provided under Thiqa Programme?

There are three ways in which you can register and access the Thiqa services in the UAE -

Thiqa.ae or Thiqa App - You can claim a cover at any healthcare facility provided you have your Emirates ID and installed the Thiqa app on your mobile phone. You can register to the mobile application using the policy number, and the application will maintain a record of details like Emirates ID, coverage details, benefits, and plans. All these details will come in handy during emergencies.
Hayakom - Thiqa Smart Branch - This smart branch lets you connect with a Thiqa representative virtually by booking an appointment in advance. You can share your documents electronically and learn more about the policies available.
In-person Visits - You can visit any of the Daman branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dafra to understand more about the programme.

Benefits of Thiqa

The following are the key benefits of the Thiqa programme -

Inpatient Benefits

Day surgery
Home nursing and long-term nursing
Accommodation for the parent or an accompanying individual as told by the treating doctor
Fees for consultation, surgery, and anaesthetics
Hospital room and other services (private room)

Outpatient Benefits

Consultation fee for the general physician
Tests like CT, MRI, and PET as suggested by the specialist
Pharmaceuticals
X-ray, diagnostic tests, and laboratory tests
Consultation charges for the dieticians
Use of medical equipment
Physiotherapy
Outpatient psychiatric treatment

Maternity Benefits

Inpatient facilities
Outpatient services

Other Benefits Provided

Repatriation of the insured or the family member via the assigned emergency assistance provider
Infertility treatment (up to thrice a year)
Emergency treatment
Global medical emergency assistance
Rehabilitation
Dental treatment
Medical examination

Check out the following sections to know more about the benefits available for different categories of users -

UAE Nationals from Abu Dhabi

Complete medical coverage in the public and private hospitals in the network
Emergency treatment in the UAE
No annual limit for benefits per member

UAE Nationals from the Other Emirates Residing in Abu Dhabi (students or professionals)

Complete medical coverage in the public and private hospitals in the network
Emergency treatment in the UAE
No annual limit for benefits per member

UAE Nationals from the Other Emirates, not Residing in Abu Dhabi

Complete medical coverage in the public hospitals in the network
No annual limit for benefits per member
Emergency treatment in the UAE

A Non-national Financed by a UAE National Family

Emergency treatment in the UAE
Complete medical coverage in the public hospitals in the network
No annual limit for benefits per member

Documents Required to Enrol in the Thiqa Programme

The following are the documents necessary to secure Thiqa -

Emirates ID
Valid Family Book
Passport
Passport Size Photographs

Co-Payment in Thiqa

A co-payment is a minor portion of the hospital bill to be paid by the policyholder to the insurance provider. Earlier, policyholders were responsible for 20% of the overall cost of medical care. However, the government cut it in half in 2017, i.e., to 10%. Thus, only 10% of the hospital costs must be paid by the insured currently.

Applying for Thiqa

If you plan to apply for Thiqa at a branch offline, you should carry documents like Emirates ID and other paperwork. You can even enrol in the programme via the virtual branch called Hayakom or online portals like Thiqa.ae or Thiqa application.

For the other part, you can find Weqaya screening test locations throughout Abu Dhabi. The testing facility is available in various Abu Dhabi hospitals and clinics. To locate the closest centre, you can visit the Thiqa website and search for the same. On finding a branch, you can bring the necessary documents and complete your tests.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Abu Dhabi government offers the Thiqa Policy, a state health care programme, to ensure complete medical protection for UAE residents residing in the UAE. In accordance with this scheme, the government issues Emirati citizens a Thiqa card that grants them access to a sizable number of both public and private healthcare institutions (including hospitals and clinics) that are part of the Daman Health Insurance UAE Company's network.
UAE citizens between the ages of 18 and 75, who hold an Emirates ID and pass the Weqaya screening are eligible to register for a Thiqa card. Weqaya screening is a service of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health where a health examination is performed to identify any risk of cardiovascular disease.
Before 2017, a Thiqa card was issued using which individuals could file claims. However, the Emirates ID has become the official source to claim medical cover in Abu Dhabi since then. Since 2017, all the relevant information has been included in the Emirates ID.
To claim medical coverage, you must have an Emirates ID. However, if you lose your ID, you may think about utilising Thiqa.ae or the Thiqa mobile app to access the Thiqa programme data and the Thiqa Card Digital. Your insurance company can verify your eligibility for coverage if you have your Emirates ID identification number or a duplicate. However, in these circumstances, you should also have identification proof with you.
If you have your Emirates ID and the Thiqa app installed on your phone, you can claim a cover at any medical facility. Using the insurance number, you may sign up for the mobile application. The programme will keep track of all the relevant information related to your Emirates ID, coverage information, benefits, and plans.
You can visit any of Daman’s branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dafra to understand more about the programme.
Some of the benefits of registering for Thiqa are cover for Hospital room and other services (private room), home nursing and long-term nursing, consultation fees, surgery, day surgery, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, accommodation for the attendee, repatriation in international cases, emergency medical assistance, dental treatment, and infertility treatment for thrice in a year.
To apply for the Thiqa programme, you would be required to submit a copy of your Emirates ID, valid family book, Passport, and passport size photographs.