Insurance plans a must for most
Authorities requested to allow access to cheaper medicines, service providers urged to widen coverage
Gulf News readers feel health care insurance is a necessity in the UAE to ensure one does not fall short of money at a time of medical emergency.
Even when it involves regular medical checks, health insurance plays a crucial role in avoiding steep medical bills.
Suresh Mehta, a 53-year-old commercial manager, said health care costs in the UAE are high and buying medicines would pinch the pocket if a person is not insured.
He said: "Medicines from Europe and the US are easily available in the market, but they are usually more expensive than those from Asian pharmaceutical [companies]. It would be good if cheaper alternatives were also provided."
While Mehta's company provides medical insurance, there are certain medicines or health checks that he still ended up paying for.
Insurance providers need to provide coverage on more expenses with companies forking out significant sums of money for the sake of their employees, he said.
"Being a commercial manager, I am aware that companies are paying a hefty amount to insurance companies. If an insured person is healthy, the insurance people are earning quite a lot."
Mary Wairimu Nganga, who has never gone for medical treatment in the two years she has lived in the UAE, noted that insurance coverage is needed to avoid any possible medical costs.
"I haven't had a bad experience to date, but the insurance definitely gives me a sense of security. I would rather go for medical checks or treatment in the UAE than travel anywhere," the 28-year-old Kenyan said.
Markus Stebich, another Gulf News reader, agreed. Having lived in the US and Germany, Stebich felt the options for insurance in the UAE are plentiful.
He said: "I always depend on my insurance coverage and have been pretty lucky as most of my expenses in the past six years have been covered by it."
While dental costs are not covered by Stebich's insurance plan, he felt it was never a cause for concern.
"I fortunately fall in the income bracket where I find most of the expenses affordable. My company's insurance covers my family's expenses, too, which makes it much easier."
