Health Authority Abu Dhabi
The healthcare system in Abu Dhabi is presided over by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD). This is the section of government that oversees the structure of the health system, ensures that all institutions meet the regulations and ensures that all standards are enforced. Across Abu Dhabi there are many different healthcare facilities and these provide a wide range of health services, all overseen by the HAAD. The organization has the authority to close down any establishment that does not meet with its high standards.
Generally the standard of healthcare in Abu Dhabi is considered to be excellent. However, it is often the case that those with more specialist healthcare requirements would choose to return to their home country, despite the good quality of healthcare. Medical services and treatment are usually quite fast in Abu Dhabi and expats will find that most doctors and nurses speak very good English. Most of them studied for their medical degrees in countries such as the UK and the US.
HAAD Patient’s Charter
The HAAD has a patient’s charter in place to set out what a patient should expect from their health authority and facilities and to show patients how to get the best from the system. A patient is expected to carry with them their insurance card when they go to see a doctor and they should follow the regulations set out by the healthcare facility that they are using. They should ensure that they follow any plans for treatment that have been set out by their doctor. They agree to use emergency healthcare facilities only if their case is urgent. Patients should ensure that they make sure that they properly cancel any appointment that they are unable to attend.
In return patients are entitled to be treated with the highest regard by qualified, experienced and licensed practitioners in facilities that are approved by the authorities. The patient has a right to be involved in the decision-making process with regard to their treatment. The patient also has a right to deal with a medical professional in their own language or have an interpreter present if needed. Patients are able to access their medical records and can check if they are up to date. Those who want a second opinion on their diagnosis and treatment can seek one and they should be kept fully informed about all costs and expenses connected to their treatment. Emergency treatment is available to all people no matter how current their health card is. In the unlikely event that the healthcare provided was not adequate then patients also have the right to make a complaint and the facilities are obliged to give information on how to do this.
Private healthcare insurance
It is now essential for expats to have some form of private medical insurance in place before they are granted a visa to live and work in Abu Dhabi. The vast majority of expats will have a policy that is provided by their employer and they would not normally have to contribute to the cost. The policy may cover local healthcare or international healthcare. Those who are taking their family with them when they move will need to make arrangements themselves for their spouse and dependents.
Expats can expect their policy to cover mainly basic healthcare requirements along with basic dental care. Some policies will include optical care too. A health insurance card is issued once proof is provided of the private healthcare policy.
As with many private healthcare policies, it is very common for there to be restrictions on which clinics and hospitals can be used. For this reason it is important for the policy holder to ensure that they are familiar with the details and restrictions on the policy. Private healthcare policies are essential in Abu Dhabi for a number of reasons. The first is that it can save you a great deal of money if you have a health issue while you are living and working in the Emirate. The cost of healthcare in Abu Dhabi is considered to be high when compared to other countries and a private policy can give you peace of mind.
The policy will generally cover all the costs of your treatment but you do need to check the details of the policy to make sure that there are no exceptions. Some policies will not pay out if you have a pre-existing condition, while others will not pay out for certain hospitals.
A quick call to Expat Health will ensure that you have the information that you need to get a policy for you and your family. It will take into account all your personal circumstances and your policy will be ready to cover the cost of medical care in the event that you need any treatment.