nabil_8

Dubai: A new health coverage system will be implemented in Dubai from January next year. It will allow residents access to basic and essential medical care through a central fund paid for by sponsors, a senior official said.

Each sponsor must pay between Dh500 and Dh800 annually to the Central Health Fund, for each beneficiary. The government will pay the fee for UAE nationals and employer for his or her employees. Husbands or parents will have to pay for their spouse and children.

Blue Cat

our Company gives us private medical insurance so would they still have to pay this

Fairydust

I doubt they would have to pay it if they already provide the cover, we have our own medical and dental clinics and don't even have to have a health card at the moment. Might make some companies stop paying for private medical insurance though??

nabil_8

Yeah same here. But the article also says:

"The health fund entitles each individual to basic and essential services, such as child immunisation and outpatient care, at a Dubai clinic as well as emergency care. Plans are afoot to include cancer treatment to the list of services. Individuals may also supplement their health coverage with a private insurance policy."

Blue Cat

so no different to the medical card we get from the Government then?

jrudofsky

Is this the new healthcare organised by the government and provided through Daman?

Madam Medusa

wouldn't everyone have to pay, regardless of whether you have cover or not, just like at home...?? otherwise, it won't work, surely, cos i would imagine most expats have cover...

MM, xx

madferrit

I would imagine that everyone would have to pay, regardless of whether you have cover or not.

But I don't think it should be knocked on the head. I'm guessing things like immunisation and A&E will be covered by this, in which case I'd say it can only be a good thing. 500Dhms annually isn't a lot of money when you think what they could be providing in return.

W10

Everyone will have to pay, regardless of whether they already have cover.

I will only be a good idea if they change it to a progressive tax system. Following the NHS model can only be a good thing if they realise that the only fair way to pay is on affordability.

madferrit

The only difference here (from my understanding of this) is that the sponsor has to pay. So its like your employer paying for you, where as in the UK it was deducted from the employees wage packet (in the form of tax/ NI).

Fairydust

Here is a bit more information on the subject:-

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20...0&profile=1010

jvr20

does that make it more or less likely that those who it would otherwise benefit (i.e. those who have no real insurance currently) will benefit, I wonder?

madferrit

I can't see it being like the NHS.. but i think it will be a step between the health card currently in place, and private medical. With an influx of people from all corners of the planet, I am sure immunisation is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. This is just one way to ensure that the issue is tackled.

So.. (i think i understand your question).. I think it will benefit those who have no real insurance, but in no way should this be assumed to be a replacement from getting your own pirvate medical insurance.

W10

Individuals have to pay for their families though, so employer pays Dh800. You pay Dh1,600 for your wife and kid.

The idea is to provide a basic level of healthcare for everyone and give them all access to private hospitals and clinics. It also guarantees access to all A&E (which will be a great thing for ALL residents here, if anyone has ever known someone with the 'wrong' card get rushed to hospital they will agree) The plan will be extended and is the first step.

I just find it amazing that because we are stuck with not calling it a tax it is a flat fee. It means a man earning Dh6,000 a month pays Dh1,600 for his family while a man earned Dh60,000 a month also pays Dh1,600.

Fairydust

Yes but we have our own private gps and clinics just for EK staff so surely wouldn't have to pay again