- Mandatory health insurance in the UAE, assures coverage of the treatment cost, but also provides for preventive care, periodic screening and early detection saving on huge expenses and pre-empting any emergency. Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO at InsuranceMarkets.ae tells you why it makes sense to choose a robust health cover.
Hitesh Motwani
Deputy CEO at InsuranceMarkets.ae
How is mandatory healthcare insurance a gamechanger in the UAE?
Health insurance is no longer optional in the UAE. With coverage now mandatory not only in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but also across the Northern Emirates, access to healthcare has become more consistent, inclusive and structured. This policy ensures that all residents, regardless of income level, can receive basic medical attention. It reduces reliance on emergency care and encourages earlier intervention for everyday health issues. It’s a significant step forward for public health outcomes and healthcare equality across the nation.
What are the various aspects of health that a good health insurance cover delivers?
Modern health insurance in the UAE is about more than just hospitalisation coverage. A comprehensive plan supports the full spectrum of care before, during, and after illness. A well-rounded policy typically includes:
Inpatient and outpatient services
- Access to general practitioners and specialists
- Emergency care and ambulance services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Diagnostics and lab testing
- Optional dental and optical coverage
- Mental health support, including psychiatric consultations and therapy sessions
The inclusion of mental health care in many newer plans is a progressive shift, recognising that wellbeing isn’t only physical. Mental and emotional health, especially in high-paced urban settings like the UAE, is equally important and finally gaining the focus it deserves.
Can you elaborate on the role of preventive care with a good cover and how it also helps reduce the financial burden of care overall?
One of the most valuable but often underappreciated aspects of good insurance is its preventive care offerings. Many insurers now cover services like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and early screenings for chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure. This pre-emptive approach helps detect conditions early, making them easier and less expensive to treat. Preventive care improves individual health outcomes and helps manage healthcare costs across the system. Managing cholesterol or blood sugar levels early through routine monitoring is far more cost-effective than treating complications years later. Proactive healthcare today prevents reactive crises tomorrow.
What one should keep in mind while shopping for a robust healthcare cover?
While affordability is often the first thing people look at, choosing the cheapest plan doesn’t always deliver long-term value. A strong health insurance policy should offer:
- A wide and accessible medical provider network
- Transparent co-pay structures and benefit limits
- Coverage for pre-existing and chronic conditions
- Outpatient and diagnostic care, not just hospitalisation
- Support for mental health and wellness
- Clear guidance on waiting periods and exclusions
Think of your insurance not just as a backup for emergencies, but as a regular health partner especially for families or individuals managing existing conditions.
What are the other aspects of health insurance that go a long way in benefiting all stakeholders. Would you say it is a win-win for all?
When health insurance works well, it creates value for everyone in the ecosystem:
- Individuals benefit from access to timely and affordable care
- Healthcare providers see more engaged patients and structured billing
- Insurers gain from a healthier and more predictable risk pool
- The government and broader public health system see reduced emergency admissions and better long-term health outcomes
- In fact, mandatory health insurance encourages a culture of preventive care, which ultimately reduces the burden on public services and creates a healthier population both physically and economically
