Health insurance for seniors

Getting a health insurance for people above 60 years in Dubai is tough. Senior citizens are searching for 'reasonable' cost medical cover while insurance companies are either not taking high-risk age group or charging fat premium rates. As such, people above 65 years of age are facing a paradox of either paying high premiums or return to home countries where there may be no one to take care of them - if insurance is refused.
According to insurance firms, people above 60 are more prone to health issues and require medical care more often compared with the younger lot. The possibility of having a heart attack is significantly higher as well, which is also why companies hesitate in giving insurance.
Health insurance premium for the elderly is as high as Dh 30,000 to Dh40,000. And on top of this, normally the waiting period to get insurance benefits for pre-existing diseases range from two to three years.
In view of the above, the Health Authority is requested to review the existing health insurance policy premiums, particularly for the senior citizens. They need special care and attention in all respects. I would request the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to also extend the deadline for securing a health insurance policy for the elderly to avoid fines and penalties.
-Mumtaz