The Healthcare System in Abu Dhabi | ExpatWoman.com
 

The Healthcare System in Abu Dhabi

Here's all you need to know as an expat living in Abu Dhabi about free and private healthcare and insurance.

Posted on

24 July 2013

Last updated on 29 May 2017
The Healthcare System in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has some world class medical facilities both private and government owned and every speciality and emergency can be accomodated.

By law all residents of Abu Dhabi must have private medical insurance- which is provided by the employer. There are different levels of cover on offer and what you will be granted depends on your job position- eg. local cover, international cover, dental etc. Some companies include your family- some don't- so try and negotiate this if possible.You cannot get a residence visa or renew a residence visa in Abu Dhabi, unless you have medical insurance.

You can read all about the Insurance Laws here on the HAAD website... Take Me There>>

Once you have registered for health insurance you will get a Health Insurance Card for presenting at medical facilities.

There are many different insurers and you need to read your policy documents carefully to see which hospitals and clinics you are covered for and make sure that you visit those ones for inpatient or outpatient care. Some places will not have direct a billing facility with your insurer- so you may have to pay up front and claim the money back. Make sure you get everything authorised before you make any appointments so that you don't have any nasty large unexpected bills.

The HAAD (The Healthcare Authority Abu Dhabi) has a patient's charter. This charter reflects recent guidance that has been issued to all members of the medical profession and to all healthcare facilities; it reflects both the applicable healthcare laws and professional responsibilities to patients in receipt of health care.

HAAD Patient's Charter

Just as we expect those who provide healthcare to conduct themselves in a professional manner, we believe that a patient should also have rights and responsibilities in order for them to get the best possible care for themselves and their families.

Patient Responsibilities are:

  • To bring their insurance card with them when they attend a healthcare facility.
  • To follow any specific rules and regulations of the health care facility.
  • Follow the treatment plan as outlined by the health care professional.
  • Ask any questions if they are not clear about any aspect of their health care provided.
  • To consider the rights and responsibilities of other patients and health care professionals.
  • Not to use abusive language or display unsocial behavior to other patients, visitors or staff.
  • To show consideration for the needs of others at all times.
  • To use any emergency services only for very urgent problems or when you are unable to use other health services.
  • To give accurate information about personal details, medical history, medication you are receiving and history of allergies or sensitivity to medicines.
  • Face the outcomes of your own actions if you decide not to follow any advice, instructions and/or treatment plan and recommendations.
  • To safeguard your belongings whilst receiving any health care treatment.
  • To keep appointments and inform staff if you are unable to attend so that the time can be used by other patients.
  • To inform staff if you have any special needs for effective discharge from a hospital or clinic. You should try to make preparations for discharge to the best of your ability as soon as you are medically fit.
  • To be accountable for payment of any deductable or medical services excluded from the insurance scheme provided by the practitioner/facility.

Patient Rights - You have the right to:

  • Be treated to the highest professional standards by appropriately licensed, qualified and experienced practitioners in a properly licensed and approved facility.
  • Be involved in any decision making about your treatment and care.
  • Have communications in your native language or through the services of an interpreter.
  • Refuse or accept treatment based on personal decision.
  • Have access to your medical records and expect those records to be up-to-date and accurate.
  • Receive information on admission regarding the health care facilities regulations and relevant policies.
  • Reasonable safety in relation to the healthcare facility environment and practices.
  • Seek a second opinion if you so choose.
  • Privacy, both of person and information.
  • Be informed regarding any uncovered costs and expenses prior to making decisions.
  • Receive treatment in an emergency situation regardless of the status of your insurance card.
  • Receive information on how to make a omplaint to the healthcare facility if unhappy about the lack of access to your rights, medical examination or treatment, behavior of the staff or healthcare facility safety standards.