The reminder to all Dubai residents to obtain health insurance has gone out once again, bringing to the fore the determination of Dubai authorities to provide health insurance cover for all. Compulsory health insurance came into effect on January 1, 2014, and was introduced in phases to enable its proper implementation. Companies with more than 1,000 employees were to meet the target from October 31, 2014; companies with 100-999 employees from July 31, 2015; and those with less than 100 employees from June 30, 2016. A six-month extension for dependents, spouses and domestic workers was granted that ends on December 31, after which, the penalties, with retrospective effect, will kick in.
The purpose of this policy has far-reaching beneficial effects. Access to health insurance is one of the most significant predicators of a progressive society and Dubai has made every effort to integrate this goal in its developmental vision. The mandatory health insurance regulation ticks all the boxes necessary for smart objectives and outcomes. The law stipulates that employers cannot simply pass on the cost of the cover to their staff and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has made it clear that it will treat any attempt to do so seriously.
To further cement the outcome of the rollout, health insurance will be mandatory to renew an employee’s visa. Employers have to provide a basic health coverage with an annual premium between Dh500-Dh700 and a maximum insurance cover per person per annum of Dh150,000.
A hundred per cent coverage target by December 31 will augur well not only for residents, but also help authorities concentrate on the next big task — ironing out the creases in the system for its seamless performance.
