UAE Health Insurance Explained: Violations and Fines
It is a legal requirement for your employer in the UAE to provide you with some form of private health insurance. However, you are free to opt out of their medical cover provision if you take out your own cover.
Dubai Executive Council issued Executive Council Resolution No (7) of 2016 pertaining to fees and fines pursuant to Health Insurance Law (No 11 of 2013) of the Emirates of Dubai.
Health insurance is a type of insurance coverage that pays for health and medical expenses. Health insurance covers some or all of the costs of routine care, emergency care, and treatment for chronic illnesses.
As many of you will be aware, The Dubai Health Authority promulgated Health Insurance Law (No 11 of 2013) of the Emirates of Dubai, which regulates mandatory health insurance coverage for all residents in Dubai. The Resolution deals with aspects of enforcement through several listed violations.
The Dubai Health Authority provides a quality healthcare system in Dubai by setting and ensuring policies and strategies for healthcare in public and private hospitals and clinics in Dubai.
The Resolution compliments General Circular No.5 of 2014 (GC 05/2014) in respect of the Dubai Health Authority’s approach to enforcement of fines and penalties. At publication of GC 05/2014, the Dubai Health Authority initially took a supportive approach to non-compliance in order to encourage stakeholders to meet it compliance obligations.
The Dubai Health Authority now take punitive actions against those stakeholders that violate any of the regulatory obligations associated with Health Insurance Law (No 11 of 2013) of the Emirates of Dubai in order to protect residents of Dubai and uphold their legal rights.
According to the Dubai Health Strategy that was released in October 2011, Dubai Health Authority intends to overhaul the medical sector in Dubai to ensure that everyone has quick, affordable and efficient access to healthcare services.
This plan will take effect over the next two years and ensure that both Emiratis and expatriates will be able to afford health care.