Basic insurance packages affordable for all

The health insurance cover is compulsory for all Dubai residents, their dependents, the elderly and their domestic workers.
A poll run by Khaleej Times in June showed that 58.58 per cent of the readers had already got covered while the remaining would do so by the end of the year.
Residents can choose the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), which is a standardised package available between Dh650 and Dh725 per annum.
Most insurance companies are offering different benefits and prices for certain categories of dependents. However, married females between the ages of 18 and 45 will have to shell out higher premiums from Dh1,600 to Dh1,750 annually.
Also, people who reside in emirates other than Dubai but hold a Dubai visa will not be able to avail of this package in the emirate of their residency except for emergency medical treatment.
Also read: Your guide to Dubai's mandatory health insurance scheme
The EBP is designed for those earning up to Dh4,000 or less and their dependents, for domestic workers and for elderly residents aged 65 years and above.
Currently, nine companies are participating insurers with the DHA that can offer the EBP package.
The EBP can be purchased by anyone, including those earning more than Dh4,000 with dependents. "We have been receiving at least 400 calls on an average daily inquiring about the package," said a representative from the insurance company Takaful Emarat.
Explaining why married females aged 18 to 45 years have to pay more, a representative from Orient Insurance said: "This is because the pregnancy ratio is high among this age group."
If a resident fails to get an insurance cover for themselves and family by the year end, they will have to pay a fine of Dh500 per month per dependent. Visa renewals will also be linked to health insurance.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com