Pre-existing Medical Conditions: What Dubai Residents Need to Know
Pre-existing medical conditions are health issues that exist before one gets a new health insurance policy in Dubai. These conditions can include chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or any previous surgeries and treatments. As all residents of Dubai are required to have health insurance, it is essential to understand how these conditions impact your coverage to make well-informed healthcare decisions.
What Counts as a Pre-existing Condition?
Many people think pre-existing conditions only include current illnesses; however, their scope is much broader. Insurance companies typically look back at your medical history for the past 5–10 years. Pre-existing conditions include:
- Any medical condition you’ve had in the past 5-10 years.
- Previous surgeries or hospitalizations.
- Ongoing medications for conditions like any heart related condition where in surgery has been performed or advised, cancerous condition, high blood pressure or thyroid issues.
- Heart Attack/Stroke/ Kidney related issues.
- Ongoing Pregnancy.
- Skin disorders and chronic conditions.
- Any pre-planned Surgery.
Health Insurance Rules in Dubai are created to protect the residents with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies are required by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to cover people with pre-existing conditions. The fact that you cannot be refused health insurance coverage simply because you already have a medical condition is good news for residents of Dubai. The rules guarantee that no one is denied access to essential medical care because of their medical history.
How Insurance Companies Handle Pre-existing Conditions
Waiting Periods
Most insurance plans will apply a waiting period of at least 6 months before covering pre-existing conditions. During this time, you might need to pay for treatments related to these conditions yourself. However, in medical emergencies which is life threatening insurer will cover the condition till patient get to stable condition. Unger group insurance, waiting periods can be waived off by submitting Continuity of cover (COC) certificate from existing insurer, which will be valid for 30 days from the date of expiry. It’s important to understand that waiting periods can vary between insurance providers, so carefully review the terms before choosing a policy.
Premium Loading
Insurance companies may charge higher premiums to cover pre-existing conditions. This increase reflects the higher risk associated with these conditions. Different insurers offer different rates, so it’s worth comparing multiple options. Premium loadings can sometimes be reviewed and reduced in the future, especially if you maintain good health and have few claims.
Coverage Limitations and Exclusions
Some policies might have specific limits on coverage for pre-existing conditions or require you to pay a portion of the treatment costs. These limitations might include:
- Annual caps on treatment costs
- Specific exclusions for certain procedures
- Co-payment requirements for certain treatments
- Annual limit for pre-existing conditions
Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage
Having proper health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions offers several benefits:
- Access to regular medical check-ups and preventive care
- Coverage for required medications and treatments
- Protection against high medical costs
- Confidence that your medical needs are met
- Access to Dubai’s high-quality healthcare facilities
Important Tips for Getting Coverage
Be Honest About Your Conditions: Always disclose all your pre-existing conditions when applying for insurance. Hiding information can lead to rejected claims, policy cancellation, and legal consequences.
Compare Different Plans: Take time to compare multiple insurance providers’ services, focusing on waiting periods, premiums, coverage limits, and healthcare provider networks.
Consider Group Insurance: If available, employer-provided group insurance often offers better terms for pre-existing conditions, including lower premiums and fewer restrictions. Waiting periods can be waived off by submitting Continuity of cover (COC) certificate from existing insurer, which will be valid for 30 days from the date of expiry.
Stay with Your Insurer: Maintaining a long-term relationship with your insurer can be beneficial, as they cannot deny renewal even if you develop new conditions. This also helps ensure continuous coverage without new waiting periods.
The Bottom Line
While having pre-existing conditions in Dubai might mean paying higher premiums or waiting for coverage to begin, the good news is that you can still get comprehensive health insurance. The key is to be transparent about your conditions, understand the terms of different policies, and choose a plan that best suits your needs and budget.
Remember that health insurance is mandatory in Dubai, and the regulations are designed to ensure everyone has access to necessary healthcare, regardless of their medical history. By understanding how pre-existing conditions are handled in Dubai’s insurance landscape, you can make better decisions about your healthcare coverage.
To know more about what your health insurance policy covers, contact New Age Insurance Brokers LLC at +971 4 3573378 or email info@newageib.com.
