Elderly residents complain about high health insurance prices

Elderly people and non-citizen retirees complained about the high prices of health insurance policies and their increasing cost, especially if there are chronic diseases or the need for surgeries.

Complainants told Emirates Today, who preferred not to publish their names, that some insurance companies ask for large amounts starting from 11 thousand dirhams, and up to 100 thousand dirhams in the event of major surgical operations, demanding that companies take into account their circumstances and financial capabilities that do not allow them to bear the burden. Treatment cost.

For his part, Chairman of the Health Insurance Committee at the Emirates Insurance Federation, Abdul Mohsen Jaber, said that insurance companies provide various insurance coverages according to what is agreed upon, whether with the employer or with the person himself if he is of retirement age for non-citizens, indicating that the coverage Basic insurance is suitable for retirees with limited financial capabilities.

Jaber added to Emirates Today that health insurance is mandatory in all emirates of the country, explaining that pricing is usually based on the age of the insured, and this is the case in all countries of the world.

He explained that “insurance companies look at the person’s medical condition before deciding the price, and they ask him to answer specific questions that clarify his health condition, and sometimes they request detailed medical reports from the entity he is being treated with, and other matters that are studied, and based on their results, each insurance company sets the price.” Which ensures the provision of reasonable coverage.”

He pointed out that health insurance cards are diverse and include many options according to what the insured desires, meaning that basic coverage is mandatory under the law, but some want to add certain benefits that cost more.

Jaber advised the elderly, who have financial circumstances that do not suit large coverages and benefits, to be content with basic coverages as they guarantee the necessary things, in addition to the fact that they can be treated in clinics and medical centers that do not cost much, compared to large hospitals.

He explained: “People over the age of 65 often have chronic diseases, and their consumption of medicines is high, compared to those who are younger. Whoever used to consume medicines costing 1,000 dirhams, for example, when he was in his thirties, will consume medicines costing 5,000 dirhams when he exceeds the age of 65. 65 years, and these are matters taken into consideration when determining the price of health insurance.”

Jaber said, “The regulatory authorities, represented by health authorities, have enhanced health benefits for the insured, and coverages such as organ transplantation have become compulsory and basic, which confirms that the health insurance card that provides basic coverage includes many benefits for the elderly and retirees that can be satisfied.”

He continued: “The insured must realize that health insurance is out of necessity, in order to ensure easy renewal by companies, and that medical reviews should not be unnecessarily exaggerated.”