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RAK launches affordable health insurance options

Ras Al Khaimah - The initiative will nourish the private healthcare sector

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is to be the third emirate in the UAE and the first in northern emirates to optionally introduce the health insurance coverage after Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Affordable health insurance coverage starts as low as Dh550 to companies and individuals in Ras Al Khaimah, according to Dr Abdulrahman Al Naqbi, director-general of the Department of Economic Development (DED). "The DED has launched an online health portal called Sehteq in line with the vision of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah." Sehteq offers optional and affordable health insurance coverage for companies licensed by DED. "Sehteq is a state-of-the-art healthcare platform that combines 'Insurtech' and 'Healthtech', the latest technologies in the insurance and health industries. Initiatives like Sehteq will help SMEs grow and attract the right talent by encouraging a healthier and more productive workforce."
The initiative will nourish the private healthcare sector in the emirate and attract local and international investments to meet the additional demand for health services, Dr. Al Naqbi said. 
"Sehteq is a proactive step in achieving our customer happiness goals, well before it becomes compulsory by federal laws. The department will also be launching 'Innovation Month' with a number of innovative business ideas and initiatives."
Dr Saif Al Jaibeji, Sehteq's chairman, said they will provide clients with the options to choose the right health insurance coverage with the use of latest technology.
"Within minutes, the customer can buy and activate his/her health insurance coverage on the portal. Additionally, it offers the client the option to use of an Emirates ID instead of an insurance card, adding another layer of convenience to the customers."
Claude Zoghbi, general manager of RAK Insurance, said the portal will provide five different plan options, which are built to suit all categories of consumers in Ras Al Khaimah. "The options start with the 'Sehteq Basic Plan', which provides coverage in Ras Al Khaimah. 'Sehteq Plus' covers the Northern Emirates, and 'Sehteq Elite' operates throughout the UAE. Two additional plans for regional and global coverages are suitable for multinational companies and investors."
Mohammad Alhawari, Takaful Emarat's managing director, said Sehteq is a true partnership between the public sector represented by DED and a private consortium of local and multinational companies. 
"This initiative is managed by RAK Incubator and Accelerator while the technology is provided by innovative startups incubated in Ras Al Khaimah. The insurance plans are covered by local, multinational and 'Takaful' licensed insurance companies."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com