30% insurance linked to Emirates ID

By the end of 2016, all UAE residents will have their medical insurance linked to their Emirates ID cards.

At the four-month mark, the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) said 30 per cent of insurance programmes have completed the cross-over process.

Talking to Emirates24|7, Dr Haider Al Yousuf, Director of Health Funding at DHA, said, “We are probably looking at close to 30 per cent of insurance programmes are enabled with Emirates ID.”

He added, “We are looking at full implementation by the end of the year.

“Already, all Saada (covering UAE nationals) and Enaya insurances are linked to Emirates ID.”

This transition would mean that you need not carry two cards, and your Emirates ID will automatically work as your medical insurance card.

“So, with your Emirates ID, they would just scan it and it would show which insurance you are with, and what your limit and sub-limit is. All these details come up merely by scanning your Emirates ID,” he explained.

The Emirates ID, however, will not keep records. “It will not have your medical history. This is only used for eligibility and authorization at this stage. And then the process is managed through your insurance company,” Dr Al Yousuf explained.

Talking about the “next phase,” he said, “Beginning of 2017, we should move towards full coverage of all visitors coming to Dubai with health insurance and emergency care.”

“Our aim is to ensure that the entire population under medical cover can use their Emirates ID when availing medical care,” said Dr Haider Al Yousuf, Director of Health Funding at DHA.

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