Dubai: Takaful Emarat, a Shariah-compliant life and health insurer, has come out with an affordable “Mandatory Insurance for Dubai Residency Issuance and Renewal” for individuals, specifically tailored for domestic/basic workers, spouses and dependents, including children and parents, XPRESS can reveal.
The product is in line with the continued roll-out of the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) mandatory health insurance scheme, which requires all Dubai visa holders to have access to medical insurance by June 30.
Essential Benefits Plan
According to the insurer, the mandatory insurance provides visa sponsors with an affordable scheme which meets the DHA’s Essential Benefits Plan requirements for employees earning Dh4,000 or less per month as well as domestic workers such as housemaids, drivers, cooks, nannies and gardeners. It is also suitable for dependents of visa holders who include children, spouses and parents.
The annual premiums start from Dh1.80 a day. They range from Dh650 a year for domestic /basic workers and “not active at work” dependent children (0 to 65 years); to Dh1,750 for “not active at work” married women (18 to 45 years) and Dh2,500 for “not active at work” parents (see box).
Takaful Emarat is one of two Takaful providers qualified as participating insurers by DHA to provide mandatory health insurance for this category, in addition to seven other conventional insurance providers in Dubai. The introduction of mandatory insurance for spouses, domestic/basic workers and dependents builds on the available Essential Benefits Plan launched in 2014.
The process of applying for the insurance is simple. A “hassle-free” online application on the company’s website (www.takafulemarat.com), guides applicants through the steps with clear instructions on the information required. An instant payment option is also provided. Once complete, applicants will immediately receive an auto-generated Certificate of Health Insurance, which is required to be presented to the visa-issuing authority to get the new or renewed residency visa.
Takaful Emarat’s Chief Executive Officer Wael Al-Sharif said: “At Takaful Emarat, we are always looking to provide our customers with the best products and solutions, which they can access in the most efficient ways possible. The digitisation of life and health insurance offers great benefits for our existing, as well as future customers, who will be able to manage their insurance needs at their own convenience. Increasing accessibility to information about suitable investments, savings and health and life insurance through technology will also help those who are uninsured or receive a lower income, to take control of their finances and future.”
“The roll out of compulsory medical insurance will enable Dubai to build a robust health system that is flexible and financially sustainable. It will also promote investment in health care, benefitting patients and boosting medical tourism,” he added.
In 2014, Takaful Emarat became the first Takaful company to qualify as Participating Insurer by DHA, offering the mandatory Essential Benefits Plan for low-income workers within a corporate structure - those earning Dh4,000 and below. The law, which came into effect January 1, 2014, was issued to provide the workforce in Dubai with access to good health care as and when needed.
Key Features
Annual premiums:
Domestic workers: Dh650
Not active at work dependent children (0-65 years): Dh650
Married women: Dh1,750
Parents: Dh2,500
Coverage: Across Dubai and extended to other emirates in emergency; direct billing through reputed medical networks; outpatient and inpatient services at select healthcare facilities
Application process
Go to www.takafulemarat.com
Visa issue/renewal
Instant Certificate of Health Insurance is provided for residency visa issuance or renewal.
YOUSPEAK: Have you got your dependents insured?
