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International students are required by law to have health insurance to study in Dubai. International students can choose a private health insurance plan from a local or international provider, and some universities in Dubai provide health insurance plans to their students.
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Are you interested in studying abroad in Dubai? Are you unsure what health insurance plan will fulfill the visa requirements? The insurance experts at Pacific Prime wrote this article as a guide to help international students find answers to their questions about health insurance in Dubai.
We’ll explain more about health insurance requirements for international students in Dubai, why it’s essential for students, and provide the best health insurance providers for the region. Keep reading, or click here for a free health insurance quote!
Why International Students in Dubai Need Health Insurance
International students in Dubai need health insurance in order to fulfill visa requirements and to protect against high medical costs. Universities in Dubai will require students to show proof of health insurance in order to enroll in and attend classes.
- Protects Against High Private Healthcare Costs: Private healthcare services in Dubai can be high. Without health insurance, international students must pay these medical bills out of pocket. Minor surgeries in Dubai often cost more than AED 30,000 (around USD $8,169).
- Fulfills Legal Requirements: Health insurance coverage fulfills legal requirements and protects international students from consequences like denied visa applications and fines. Penalties for not following this law can include fines of around AED 500 (around USD $136) per month.
International students in Dubai can choose between several different types of health insurance plans in order to fulfill this legal requirement.
Types of Health Insurance Plans Available for Students in Dubai
International students in Dubai can choose between private health insurance plans or university-provided health insurance plans. Not every school may provide health insurance for its students, in which case students will need to purchase their own private plan.
University-Provided Health Insurance in Dubai
Some universities in Dubai provide health insurance for their students in Dubai. This health insurance can fulfill Dubai Health Authority requirements for international students and meet the minimum requirements set by the law.
Universities may only provide health insurance once a student visa has been secured and the student is enrolled. Since international students will need proof of health insurance for their student visa application to be accepted, they will need coverage before their university plan begins.
To workaround this problem, students are recommended to purchase travel insurance with medical insurance coverage or a short-term health insurance plan to cover them short-term until they are able to enroll in their university’s health insurance plan.
Students can contact their university to find out if they provide student health insurance plans.
Private Health Insurance Plans in Dubai
International students can purchase private health insurance to fulfill their Dubai visa requirements. Private health insurance plans are available through either local or international health insurance providers in Dubai.
Local health insurance plans only cover students within the boundaries of Dubai or the Emirates, while international plans are globally portable and often have higher annual limits.
International students who plan to travel outside of Dubai and the UAE are often recommended to purchase international health insurance plans. This is especially important for students who intend to visit their home countries frequently during their time studying abroad.
Health Insurance Coverage Students Need in Dubai
Students in Dubai will need health insurance coverage for a variety of services, such as inpatient and outpatient services, emergency medical treatment, and more. We will list these benefits and explain their services below:
- Inpatient Services: Same-day or overnight hospital stays, surgeries, and any diagnostic services that are offered during admittance will need to be covered for international students.
- Outpatient Services: General practitioner visits, lab work, physical therapy, and specialist consultations must be covered for international students.
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Any medical treatment for serious illness or injury that is treated in an emergency room or through emergency services will need to be covered by a student’s health insurance plan.
- Prescription Medications: Prescribed drug costs may vary, and health insurance coverage can help mitigate the financial burden prescription medications can take on students.
- Mental Health Services: Students should seek coverage for mental health services provided through psychotherapy or inpatient services. Studying abroad can be stressful, and mental health services may be necessary to help students thrive in Dubai.
- Preventive Care: Routine checkups, vaccinations, and screenings should be covered by a student health insurance plan to help students protect their physical well-being.
While the above lists a general outline of healthcare needs for students, healthcare needs can vary greatly from person to person. The important thing is finding a health insurance plan that provides the right coverage for your own unique needs.
Top International Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Dubai
Some of the top international health insurance providers for international students in Dubai include Cigna Global and Allianz Care and Orient Insurance. These providers are well-known among international students and residents alike in Dubai and the rest of the Emirates.
Cigna Global for International Students in Dubai
International students can find comprehensive health insurance coverage for their time in Dubai through Cigna Global’s Cigna Healthguard℠ plans.
These plans come in varying levels of annual benefit limits and were designed to comply with the Dubai Health Authority’s minimum requirements for healthcare coverage. Students can choose between three Cigna Healthguard℠ plans: Regional, International, and International Plus.
The Regional plan only covers international students within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, other Middle East countries, and Asia (excluding Singapore, Hong Kong, and China).
The International and International Plus plans provide worldwide coverage (excluding the USA, unless you pay for a premium increase). The International Plus plan offers the most comprehensive coverage to students in Dubai, with an unlimited annual benefit maximum.
Some of the benefits included with Cigna’s plans are:
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Coverage for pre-existing and chronic conditions
- Mental health services
- Emergency medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Preventive care
Allianz Care and Orient Insurance for International Students in Dubai
Allianz Care is a top international health insurance provider that has partnered with the more local Orient Insurance to offer DHA-compliant health insurance plans for students and expats alike in Dubai. They provide three customizable plans:
- Dubai Elite Individual: The most comprehensive plan, with an annual maximum limit of USD $10,500,000 (around AED 38,566,500).
- Dubai Prime Individual: Offers an annual maximum limit of USD $4,000,000 (around AED 14,692,000).
- Dubai Select Individual: The most basic of Allianz and Orient’s plans, with an annual maximum limit of USD $1,750,000 (around AED 6,427,750).
These three plans vary in terms of their annual maximum limits and benefit details, but each plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions, inpatient and day hospital care, maternity services, outpatient care, and psychiatric services.
International students can choose to add dental, enhanced maternity coverage, and repatriation riders to their coverage package. Allianz and Orient also provide the following global health services to their members:
- Expat Assistance Program (EAP)
- Travel security services
- Olive Health & Wellness Support Program
- MyHealth digital services
- Second medical opinion service
How to Choose the Best Student Health Insurance Plan in Dubai
International students can choose the best health insurance plan for their time in Dubai by comparing health insurance plans, reviewing the reputations of insurance providers, and double-checking the fine print of health insurance policies.
Compare Health Insurance Plans
International students should compare a variety of plans from different health insurance providers before choosing a plan. You may find a health insurance plan that fits better than one from a different health insurance provider. You can use free quote tools to help you compare plans easily.
When comparing separate plans, make sure you analyze the geographical coverage, annual limits, benefits covered, and networks. Do some plans offer more benefits at a lower cost? Do some plans offer the ability to customize your coverage?
Take your time with this step so you don’t miss any key points. Comparing plans can help you find the most affordable fit for your health insurance needs.
Review the Reputations of Insurance Providers
International students in Dubai should read reviews and research the reputation of the insurance providers they are considering. You can read reviews online, check out customer testimonials, or ask other international students about their experiences with their insurance providers.
Some key things to research about an insurance provider are the quality of their customer service and the speed of their claims process. Insurance companies that are slow to respond to customer complaints or health insurance claims are generally not worth it.
Double-Check the Fine Print
Students abroad in Dubai should double-check the fine print of health insurance plans for any exclusions or waiting periods for certain coverage. While Dubai Health Authority standards require all plans to have certain minimum levels of coverage, some benefits may still be excluded in your policy.
Common exclusions in health insurance plans include dental and vision services, along with more experimental treatments. Sometimes providers may offer these benefits, but with a longer waiting period beforehand.
Take the time to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your chosen plan before you sign up with the insurance provider.
Consult with an Insurance Broker
Consulting with an insurance broker can help international students make the best choice for their health insurance plans by expediting the process and adding valuable support. Insurance brokers can help you find the most affordable option for yourself in Dubai.
Insurance brokers are partnered with a variety of health insurance providers and understand which may be more flexible with their underwriting. Insurance brokers can help explain complex insurance jargon so you understand your policy completely.
Brokers will also help students studying in Dubai compare plans from a wide variety of insurance providers, which will save expats time as they will not have to contact the insurers directly themselves. If you’re unsure where to start with securing health insurance, reach out to a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are international students in Dubai required to have health insurance?
International students in Dubai are required to have health insurance in order to attend school. All residents, both foreign and citizens, must be insured in Dubai according to the Dubai Health Authority requirements.
What health insurance plan is best for an international student in Dubai?
The best health insurance plans will meet requirements set by the Dubai Health Authority and the needs of the student. Some of the top recommended health insurance plans come from international providers like Cigna Global or Allianz Care.
Can I use my home country’s insurance in Dubai?
Students are not able to use their home country’s insurance plan in Dubai. International students will need to purchase a health insurance plan specifically for Dubai that meets the Dubai Health Authority’s minimum requirements.
Conclusion:
International students will need to purchase health insurance while studying in Dubai. They can purchase health insurance plans through their university, local health insurance providers, or international health insurance providers. These plans must meet standards set by the Dubai Health Authority.
Are you unsure where to find a student health insurance plan for Dubai? Let the insurance experts at Pacific Prime help. Pacific Prime is partnered with a wide variety of global health insurance providers who provide plans in Dubai, and can help you find the best fit for your needs.
We are a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance and can offer a wealth of professional expertise and services. Our tailor-made policies suit every budget and health care need for international students across the world.
Contact Pacific Prime to discuss, free of charge, a range of health insurance plans available in Dubai. To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!
Are you interested in reading more guides for expats in Dubai? Check out our articles below:
- Health Insurance in Dubai for European Expats
- Employee-Sponsored vs Private Health Insurance in Dubai
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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