Certain conditions excluded: Insurance official

Some medical conditions are standard exclusions in insurance, including smoking or nicotine addiction

Nine companies that are participating insurers with the DHA offer the EBP package. Another 50 companies have been approved by DHA to offer other suitable packages.
"We have been receiving at least 400 calls on an average daily, inquiring about the package," said a representative from insurance company Takaful Emarat.
Under anonymity, an insurance company official said that some medical conditions are standard exclusions in insurance; these include medical issues at birth, issues caused by medical procedures or research work, radiation, nicotine addiction, sex transformation, as well as hormone therapies, among others.
"The medical condition has to be declared and if the insured has the above conditions, the coverage will be limited," he said.
Though some cases are covered, the premiums remain high and variable, depending on the condition and the follow-ups required.
A special insurance card for those with special needs Sanad, a special insurance card, was released by the Community Development Authority (CDA) for disabled people among Dubai residents only, earlier this year.
However, the card offers limited discounts on medical services, though it supports other services such as public transport.
Based on complaints that the insurance companies were refusing to cover people with special needs despite a looming deadline, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) issued a warning and asked all companies to comply and provide the minimum benefits.
"It has been brought to our attention that members of the population with special needs are being refused insurance by various insurance companies," said a circular released earlier by DHA. "This is to remind insurance companies and intermediaries that health insurance companies must provide benefits that meet or exceed those required under the EBP to individuals with special needs...at the earliest date possible," it said.
"Insurance companies are not permitted to decline a quote for any individual with special needs except for standard terms, conditions and exclusions that apply," it added.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE