Abu Dhabi reports fewer complaints in health insurance so far this year

Abu Dhabi: Residents across the emirate of Abu Dhabi have been urged to ensure that their health insurance schemes are valid at all times.

At a conference held yesterday, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) also called upon employers and sponsors to adhere to the regulations of the health insurance law for the emirate.

The authority also reported a decline in the number of health insurance complaints registered in 2011 compared to the previous year. According to statistics presented at the conference, 693 complaints have been logged since the start of this year, whereas 2,391 complaints were registered in 2010. Further, 64 complaints have also been referred to the courts for resolution.

Dr. Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi, head of customer service and corporate communications at the HAAD, said the insurance scheme aimed to provide all residents with the best health care options.

"After looking into past violations of the law, HAAD has taken into account all necessary actions to provide the best possible health care access for all. We are also working to reduce the number of violations while also allowing for exemptions that will make health care more accessible," he said.

Mandatory for families

According to the law, employers and sponsors must provide health insurance for all employees, their spouses and three children aged 18 years or lower. Without such provisions, employers' trade licences will not be renewed. Employers and sponsors will also be penalised at a rate of Dh300 for every month in which insurance was not provided for one person, or compounded if more than one person was not provided with insurance.

"These penalties are aimed at ensuring that employers and sponsors provide insurance for all, and not to collect fees for violations," Al Kaabi said.