Beware: Fake health insurance in Dubai
How to look out for the 7 tell-tale signs of fake health insurance in UAE
Dubai: The latest scam making the rounds in Dubai is affecting people’s health. Literally.
Health authorities in Dubai have warned residents not to believe offers that are too good to be true, especially regarding health insurance packages.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has warned residents not to fall prey for health insurance packages sold at an exceptionally low cost.
More than 10 companies were investigated in 2017 for allegedly selling fake health insurance packages, which were targeting low-income residents intending to renew their residency visa, according to the DHA.
Last year, the health authority said it received more than 30 complaints from conned patients who discovered that their health insurances were fake when they were unable to receive treatment, or upon completing certain transactions.
7 signs of fake health insurance
- You receive a constant barrage of phone calls, email messages or pamphlets offering incredibly low-priced deals.
- You are under severe pressured to “sign up now” because the deal will not last for long. The sales representative may even demand your personal financial details before a “policy” can be issued.
- The terms of the insurance seem to be “too good to be true.” If it is cheap, you’re almost certain not to get the coverage you expect, if any at all.
- The sales representative tries to avoid details of the health insurance policy, and may be hesitant to show an actual policy.
- They use official-looking or well-designed websites to give them the appearance of respectability and honesty. You may be encouraged to sign up online but, again, the policy details will be sketchy.
- Your insurance card never shows up.
- The “insurer” fails to pay your medical bills promptly. When you inquire or complain, the company blames accounting errors or other delays.
Source: Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
