PACKAGES FOR EMARATIS

Dubai residents have until the end of the year to get compulsory health insurance cover for themselves and families. In a 5-part series, Khaleej Times explains the mandatory scheme and the different options that are available. In this third part, we desc

N100,000

early 130,000 Emiratis in Dubai were given access to a governmentfunded health insurance programme, Saa’da, last year after His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially launched the programme.

Emiratis can use the Emirates ID card instead of a conventional insurance card to access benefits of Saa’da that offers a comprehensive mandatory preventive care programme and includes a host of benefits.

Saa’da, which means happiness in Arabic, is for citizens who currently do not benefit from any government-funded health programmes in Dubai such as the Enaya insurance which covers all nationals working in the government sector.

In addition to the health services that can be accessed through the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) health centres, nationals — even those being currently provided insurance cover by private companies — can now opt for Saa’da and access services in 23 private hospitals and clinics with a

Emiratis in Dubai given access to govt-funded health insurance scheme

co-payment of 10 per cent.

The premium of each person enrolled in the system totals Dh500,000 annually. Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, director of health funding at the DHA, said that beneficiaries can receive a number of health services which will alleviate the financial burden on Emiratis.

“This is a unique and a smart programme,” said Dr Haider. Preventive care is at the crux of the scheme. “For example, if a diabetic enrolls in the programme, reminders are sent out for regular check-ups,” he said.

“If they do not follow the instructions and do not attend appointments, the card renewal due next year could be jeopardised,” he added. The Enaya programme Enaya is the health insurance programme for the Government of Dubai employees and covers nearly 100,000 people. It is considered one of the most comprehensive health insurance packages available in Dubai, and it is the only one that incorporates such a large component of screening and preventive benefits. The programme covers government employees and their families for health services in both public and private facilities as well as in those outside Dubai.

A report carried recently by the Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm said that white-collar employees will bear 10 to 20 per cent costs under the Enaya insurance scheme where they do not make any co-payments currently. This is similar to the Saa’da scheme, said the newspaper.

The report quoted sources and said that the amendments will include costs to be borne by employees for specialties including eye screening, dental screening and similar treatments.

“This will also apply to expatriates who work for government departments in the emirate,” the report said. asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Saa’da is a unique and a smart programme. If a diabetic enrolls in the programme, reminders are sent out for check-ups.” Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, DHA