UAE:Dubai Health Authority has a new medical insurance arm

22 May 2018

United Arab Emirates Life & Health

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has a new organisational structure that includes two new entities, the Dubai Healthcare Corporation and Dubai Health Insurance Corporation.

It also includes three new strategic sectors: Strategy and Corporate Development, Health Regulation, and Joint Corporate Support Services, reports Gulf News.

The Dubai Health Insurance Corporation ensures quality health insurance for Dubai’s citizens, residents and visitors, protects the rights of policyholders, and designs health insurance packages.

Mr Humaid Al Qutami, director general of the DHA, said that there was a need to have a separate corporation for health insurance given the scope of service and the vast number of people it affects.

“The health insurance sector has a AED7-billion ($1.9 billion) market and more than 50 health insurance companies. Plans are underway to extend health insurance coverage to include visitors to Dubai,” he said.

Mr Al Qutami said, “The corporation will help regulate the insurance market, create a conducive environment for growth and help maximise benefits to customers as well as protect their interest. At the same time, it will also keep the interests of the insurance companies and third party administrators in mind.”

The corporation will also license and regulate health insurance companies, claims management companies, insurance brokers and service providers. It is responsible for managing the Dubai Government’s health insurance programme and issuing reports and recommendations related to health insurance and health economics.

“The insurance sector is a robust sector and the establishment of the corporation will not only benefit stakeholders but also positively contribute to the economy of the emirate,” said Mr Al Qutami.