Mandatory insurance needed soon - Dubai health boss

Posted by: Telcoguy Thursday, 21 February 2013 12:12 PM[UAE] - UAE

After reading this "Al Maidoor said ensuring the quality of regulation also was vital for Dubai residents and medical tourists to feel comfortable using the emirate?s healthcare system."
I wonder if they put in charge of the medical regulator the same people in charge of that success story, RERA


Given UAE's track record in market liberalization and successful regulation I see this just as another fee. If this comes to happen we will simply keep our international insurance in addition to this

Posted by: Akash Wednesday, 20 February 2013 3:17 PM[UAE] - UAE

It is a brilliant decision by the authorities to make health insurance mandatory for the tourists. Also the fact that Abu Dhabi made Health Insurance compulsory for all residents (Locals and well as Expatriates having Abu Dhabi Visas) was a step in the right direction. As per data the penetration of Insurance in the UAE market is just around 3% which leaves a lot to be desired. Let?s hope that the other Emirates also make it compulsory so that people live with peace of mind !! For now we have to be self reliant and fend for ourselves. So for now I have bought Medical Insurance by comparing the rates at www.insurancedubai.com. You may find your best deal on some other site but you must use the power of the internet to get the best deal until your employer covers you !!

Posted by: VENKAT Tuesday, 19 February 2013 10:13 AM[UAE] - UAE

It is imperative to have the Medical Insurance for all. Regrettably, the word Medical Insurance is grossly misused by the Medical Professionals, who are deliberately prescribing more unwated tests, such as X-rays/Scan/Lab tests etc etc. When the Doctor requires, the patient cannot say anything as he is not really aware of the medical condition. Ethical behaviour of medical professionals and patients will result in substantial saving of medical expenses, by avoiding various unwanted tests/ medicines. Some patients ask for medicines to be prescribed for them, which is really meant for their parents, et al. Hence, we have to have a straight-forward society to have a workable Insurance for all. As a matter of fact, taking care of own Citizens and adopted citizens is the responsbility of the Government; not the Employers

Posted by: Adam Ali Rothstein Tuesday, 19 February 2013 10:13 AM[UAE] - USA

It would be instructive to learn from other countries which don't have a single-payer/national health insurance program, and which require the purchase of private market insurance.

The most recent example is the Affordable Health Care Act of the USA (affectionately/derisively known as "Obamacare".) Much like in the USA, the private insurance (not group market) in the UAE is broken. While large companies get affordable premiums and insure pre-existing conditions for their employees, smaller groups (those with fewer than 10 employees) and individuals are relegated to the dreaded individual insurance market, where premiums are higher and pre-existing conditions are not covered. No insurance company in the UAE currently covers pre-existing conditions for the individual market!

Addressing this:
-Health exchanges, where insurance providers compete to provide the best policy/prices
-MANDATING COVERAGE OF PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS!
Without this, the law will fail in its coverage outcome.