Having a baby in Dubai without maternity health insurance... | ExpatWoman.com
 

Having a baby in Dubai without maternity health insurance...

214
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 16:19
You have to be careful. I heard with Daman, they don't cover your newborn. So if the baby is premature or has congenital conditions, it is subject to approval, which most likely means that they won't cover it. I have Daman insurance and my baby was covered from day one Did the baby have any congenital conditions? Just wondering because I said that they don't cover if the baby has any congenital conditions or was born premature. I mean I have no personal experience with it, but the reason I know is because I spoke with an agent when I was looking for maternity insurance and they said that it is always subjected to approval and others have told me that pretty much means they will cover your baby if there is nothing wrong, but they won't if there is. I am sure they have no problems accepting a healthy baby.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 16:56
Thats because DAMAN have been running a special promotion in which they give your child free medical insurance till your medical insurance expires. DS was also covered for a good few months free of charge when I was on DAMAN. This is not their usual practice though so best to check in advance.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 16:42
You have to be careful. I heard with Daman, they don't cover your newborn. So if the baby is premature or has congenital conditions, it is subject to approval, which most likely means that they won't cover it. I have Daman insurance and my baby was covered from day one
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:46
You have to be careful. I heard with Daman, they don't cover your newborn. So if the baby is premature or has congenital conditions, it is subject to approval, which most likely means that they won't cover it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 17:40
[b'>Package at Latifa/Al Wasl[/b'> stand alone consultation: Dhs 250 Antenatal - Dhs 5,000 and includes: Up to 10 consultations, Blood tests and other check ups 2 scans breast feeding education antenatal classes [b'>Normal Delivery package -[/b'> Dhs 9,000 includes 2 nights in pvt room (no other details given) [b'>Caesarian Delivery[/b'> - Dhs 11,000 includes 4 nights in pvt [b'> NICU - [/b'>level 1 - 2,200 level 2 - 2,800 level 3 - 3,900 (no other details given) I went inside the hospital today for the first time, the first impression was good. Friendly service at the reception. --- [b'>Insurance[/b'> I was with Bupa until last november but I've discontinued it after a year because they don't have a UAE package only worldwide for residents here and was just too expensive on top of your premium you also have to pay a further $645 excess. Waiting period for maternity is 9 months and everytime u need to speak to someone you have to phone the UK. I wanted to get Met Alico because my husband's on that through work but can't do it, so the Met Alico lady reccomended Medianet part of Munich Health. The premium is cheap they start from about Dhs 5,500 per year with the 50 Dhs excess, however (and I've asked this like 30 times today to the broker) you MUST wait 9 months from start of the policy before beginning the pregnancy. You have a limit of Dhs 10,000 allocated for the pregnancy which I found ridiculous! That's not even enough to cover the costs at a goverment hospital and I asked what if God forbid I have health complications due to the pregnancy? Not covered. Once you go over the 10,000 dhs limit you are screwed, so I said to him what's the point. I'm just giving you money and I don't get a medical! Then looked a couple of others and Daman was the best one: At my age with no preconditions the premium is Dhs 7,600. There is no limit on the maternity expenses, within the network is all 100% covered, and if you have complication is also covered up to your premium limit, but the best part is: Out-patient care including maternity is covered from the day you receive your card. In-patience maternity care is after 6 months. The lady said of course this is valid if right now you are 100% sure of not being pregnant. If you are and don't declare it or even if you fall pregnant right now then they won't cover you for 12 months. I suppose they have to get some money! Personally I have some health stuff to get in line before I can start trying to conceive so this insurance for me seems to be the best option it's cheaper of the package and covers any health issue that may occur due to maternity or not. I hope this helps all those ladies that like me needed more clarity on costs and packages Vs Insurance. P.S. I haven't checked if they cover NICU and the new born but I will tomorrow when I speak to the people again. <em>edited by magik on 08/01/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 16:53
I thought I give an update on this with 2013 prices as I'm planning to get pregnant this year (new year's resolution for the past 2 so let's hope 3rd year's a charm and I find the will to do it lol) but I'm also in between insurances so this type threads have been useful for me to make a decision. I have package data for City Hospital and Latifa/Al Wasl as well as insurance info which I found to be very [b'>comforting[/b'>!! I picked City and Latifa because they are both a stone throw from my house and I'm already registered at CH. AH from the experience had hasn't over impressed me so I've left it out of the equasion already. If you all don't mind I will make separate posts so it's easy to look at :) [b'>Packages with City Hospital[/b'> from week 12 - 5,500 Aed and includes: all Blood tests and diseases like Hepatites, HIV etc. 2 ultrasounds 1 morphology scan (19-22 weeks) 1 initial consultation with OBGYN specialist 11 follow up consultations with OBGYN specialist From week 28 - Dhs 3,600 and includes: 1 initial consultation with OBGYN specialist 5 follow up consultations with OBGYN specialist 1 Ultrasound 1 Ultrasound (single part) routine tests but not as complete as the other package Note: Amounts to be pare on registration ANC classes are NOT included they cost Dhs 250 per class and they happen on tuesdays at 6.30pm [b'>Normal Delivery Packages [/b'> start at Dhs 11,500 include 2 days pvt room plus 14 hrs of Labour Ward care, Investigations, Obstetrician's fee, Paediatrician's Consultations, Consumables used during delivery, new born screening & vaccination . NOT included in the price are: epidural blood transfusion medication NICU admission Circumcision Epidural is extra at Dhs 2,500 if you're having twins additional baby at Dhs 3,500 [b'>Caesarian Delivery[/b'> starts from Dhs 22,500 Includes: 4 days in pvt room same items as normal delivery plus operation theatre, one baby with routine nursing care. Additional baby costs Dhs 5,000 Not included same items as normal delivery <em>edited by magik on 08/01/2013</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 08:40
I really really wouldn't recommend having a baby with no insurance here, you just never know what is going to happen. I had three complication free pregnancies and had no reason to think that my fourth would be any different. However, an accident in early pregnancy changed everything and the resulting complications have been very expensive. Luckily, our insurance has covered things so far and thankfully we are also covered for a premature birth which is more likely due to the complications. When things go wrong in pregnancy it's stressful enough without worrying about money on top of that.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 14:11
I personally think it's a bit risky to have a baby without proper maternity insurance. We are planning at the moment and definitely looked into maternity insurance when we bought our coverage. The thing is although the normal stuff like prenatal care and delivery cost is reasonable at 12K to 25K AED, if something does go wrong, it will cost you through the roof. If the baby needed the NICU, what I learned is that a lot of policies don't cover it. You need to make sure that your plan DOES have newborn coverage or does not underwrite newborns. It just makes sense to get an insurance because the cost of the insurance is at most around 12K to 15K AED, so why not get that extra coverage when it costs the same as getting an insurance. Yes, you do have to wait a bit longer before you can have the child because there are waiting periods, but in the long run, you will lower your risks overall a lot more. Anyways, I'd speak to your insurance broker. I used a company that I was very happy with. If you want her details, let me know. I can pass it on to you.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 13:42
Same here.. We don't have maternity coverage. So, we took a loan and bought an insurance :) Didn't regret it as everything here is so expensive :( Wish you the best
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 17:17
I am also in the same situation, however I have bought health insurance for myself and it will cover my newborn, should he/she (i don't know yet :) ) be born with a condition. You just never know and if there were any complications then it will be better to know that i can get the best treatment and the insurance will pay for it. I spoke a broker. I am happy to pass over her details if you need any help/advice. All the best.. :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 16:31
Thank you Emily for your advice in this. I am torn between government and private hospital. The only thing I'm a bit hesitant about is that I want my husband with me throughout and he is equally eager to be there. I didn't understand what you meant by husband is not allowed in the labor ward. Would we not be in a private labor room? I am new to all of this as this is our first baby and not sure of exactly what happens. Really appreciate it if you can shed some light on exactly what I should expect in a govt hospital. Many thanks :) Hi Suzy! When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you're put in a room where you stay until your labor has progressed and you're ready to have the baby. Your husband is not allowed in that room. Once your labor has progressed, you go to a private labor room where you have the baby and your husband can be with you. I had a baby at the government hospital in June and it was a good experience. In my case, I never even had to go to the pre-labor room,
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 16:23
Thank you Emily for your advice in this. I am torn between government and private hospital. The only thing I'm a bit hesitant about is that I want my husband with me throughout and he is equally eager to be there. I didn't understand what you meant by husband is not allowed in the labor ward. Would we not be in a private labor room? I am new to all of this as this is our first baby and not sure of exactly what happens. Really appreciate it if you can shed some light on exactly what I should expect in a govt hospital. Many thanks :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 19:13
Hi I had all 3 of my babies at AW so am reasonably familiar with them (lol). I didn't choose them for cost reasons (had insurance) but because they are the high risk hospital with the best nicu. The hospital is not flashy - similar to NHS only cleaner and much less crowded (in my exp). I had 3 c-sections - 1 emcs and 2 planned. For my 1st, my dh was with me at all times, except overnight on ward while waiting for labour to start and during the emergency cs. For my 2nd and 3rd, he was with me pretty much non-stop, including the spinal and the actual delivery. In fact he cut the cord for baby no.3 :-). For all 3 deliveries I was on a (quiet) ward for 1 night and in a private room thereafter (highly recommended). My dh didn't stay the night after the birth but was there all day until about 9pm. Btw the rule excluding husbands from the labour ward is not applied consistently. In my exp, there were *often* men sitting with their wives on the ward, only behind the curtain surrounding the bed. As far as I can see, the rule is only enforced if there is a local lady present who requests it. At other times men are present. I would definitely recommend AW to anyone with a high risk pregnancy and/or no insurance. You may not get pampered but the care is excellent *and* great value. Nowadays some ppl feel that as normal deliveries are almost as much as a private hospital, there is no point in going to Latifa. But it's worth noting that private outfits has a *much* higher cs rate - so you need to budget for a cesarean. Last time we paid a total of AED17k - this included antenatal care (5k), the elcs (10k) and private room (about 2k). Privately that would have cost a good deal more e.g. AED25-30k. Also registering at Latifa acts as an insurance policy in itself, since their nicu is great and *much* cheaper (about half that of city or AH). And if you encounter complications while pg and need to be admitted, care is charged at a very reasonable rate. I was admitted for dehydration at around 36 wks. Stayed the night, had 3 drips, countless tests and saw several doctors - all for AED360! Best of luck to Willa - hope all goes well for you :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 14:32
Thanks M . Am going for 20 weeks anatomy scan on Sunday and was wondering if it was covered under ADNIC. Trublu, I have a few questions to ask you about your twin delivery. Would it possible for you to drop me an email? My Id is [email protected]. Thank you
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 19:29
Hi M, sorry to pop in but have a question regarding ADNIC cover. Did they cover NT, triple marker test and 20 week Anamoly scan? Hi CP80 - They didn't cover all the tests but certainly some. The other issue is that it can depend on where the test is done - the Fetal Centre for example were only able to give a reimbursement form for one of the test (if I recall correctly!).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 19:25
At Latifa the only time your DH is not allowed with you, is when you go into the shared labour ward (with other ladies) - you won't be in there for long anyway - he is allowed with you in your delivery room unless you need any surgical intervention (and then anyone would be sent out, DH or female). hth I had a planned c-section at Al Wasl. DH had to sign a few forms a few weeks before re: consent to be present during the procedure. The only part that he was not allowed in for was while they were giving me the spinal block. Last November I had another c-section for my twins and again DH was not allowed in during the spinal block - so it was same going both public and private. If you do end up going Al Wasl (Latifa), let me know and I will hook you up with an excellent contact there.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 06:25
At Latifa the only time your DH is not allowed with you, is when you go into the shared labour ward (with other ladies) - you won't be in there for long anyway - he is allowed with you in your delivery room unless you need any surgical intervention (and then anyone would be sent out, DH or female). hth
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 00:55
Just wanted to add that I do have a gov health card... and am not against Latifa... apart from possibility of not being able to have my husband with me the whole time? Also am confused as to what the gov card entitles me to... if you pay a package anyway, but if there were complications what they could end up charging you on top of the package even at a gov hospital? Not much more at Latifa/ Wasl. DS2 was delivered as a normal delivery (with the standard expat maternity package) even though umbilical cord wrapped around 1 shoulder and neck. Relatives told me that a private hospital would've rushed me to EC in that case, but thank God my ob/gyn at Latifa was well-experienced to deliver him safely. DS2 developed a high fever 9 days after birth, we stayed in hospital for 10 nights (in reverse isolation room) and were only billed for the last 3 nights spent in an en suite private room (around Dhs 500/night?). Yes we are expats and this was in summer when most of the nice customer relations people were on holiday, so we dealt with the gruff but helpful support staff. We were not charged for any medication, food I consumed, cotton wool used, lab tests, consultant's fees, etc. Personally I wasn't too bothered about my husband not being with me at some stages (early labor) and his having to leave my room at 10pm. Unless you and your husband read some great book together like "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin, many men are understandably nervous and unprepared for the role demanded by their female partners. Personally, I would want a woman who's already experienced childbirth by my side. I got that for 45 min while in early labor during my first child's delivery and it made a huge difference.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 21:39
Hi M, sorry to pop in but have a question regarding ADNIC cover. Did they cover NT, triple marker test and 20 week Anamoly scan?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 20:09
Hi there Willa I've written about ADNIC quite a bit on this forum as I learnt that my employer did not cover maternity in its health insurance package AFTER I fell pregnant! I went with ADNIC as they were the only insurer to provide immediate cover. And yes, your husband needs to join as this is really the only way for them to recover costs (apart from hiking up the premium). I had an existing medical condition and although the premium wasn't affected much (pregnancy at the time was 19K and the extra was 3K), the process of getting ADNIC's doctors to review my pre-existing conditions was onerous and delayed the start of the policy by about a month so be prepared if you go down this route. Was it worth it? In my case yes. You never know what could happen to you or your baby on the delivery table. I have heard of people without insurance being out of pocket by more than AED100K. My total hospital costs ended up being over AED30K due to some heavy bleeding post delivery and the need for blood transfusions. That alone more than covered the cost of the insurance. Add to that the ante natal and you get the picture. I believe there are a number of insurance companies that only require you to wait 6 months (including ADNIC) before your maternity benefits kick in. Be careful about the policy wording though as despite some of the advice below, the wording in insurance policies can stipulate that ante natal visits (including any pregnancy related complications you have early in your pregnancy) are regarded as pregnancy for the purposes of insurance claims so if you do fall pregnant outside of the waiting period then you are most likely not going to be covered for that period of time. Best to check with the insurer. I also agree with JBads that taking out insurance pre-pregnancy will not cost you as much as taking a package and then you get peace of mind you are covered and can choose your hospital etc.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 09:17
In some ways I feel like just going for it and perhaps taking a package with a hospital...but it's the 'what if' worry about costs adding up if something were to go wrong. Anyways, am trying to weigh up all options and be sensible! Thanks for your help ladies. :) If you want peace of mind then I would definitely get insurance. I was looking at insurance options but left it too late (I fell pregnant much sooner than expected). In hindsight I wish I had insurance - it would be a load off my mind. Now I'm just hoping I have a straight forward pregnancy. Any of the packages (including government) will end up costing you more than insurance and god forbid if there are any complications the cost could end up astronomical (NICU can cost thousands per day). Some food for thought although it's your decision entirely of course! Good luck with it all!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 15:54
Willa, the maternity waiting period usually refers to delivery only so all your antenatal appts will still be covered immediately. Since you're not pregnant yet your premium should be low. Things to note, with ADNIC your hubby will have to join up with too (they wont take you on your own). Al Wathba had a 6 month wait but as you're not pregnant yet your waiting period will be up in the time it takes you to fall pregnant & carry to term. Either way, all your antenatal appointments are covered immediately. This confused me in the beginning too! Oh thank you! Everyone has been so helpful! ...I am currently getting a few quotes for insurance. ADNIC does worry me because both my husband and I have pre-exisiting conditions so the premium could be high...but as you point out that the wait period is for delivery, it's worth considering other companies. In some ways I feel like just going for it and perhaps taking a package with a hospital...but it's the 'what if' worry about costs adding up if something were to go wrong. Anyways, am trying to weigh up all options and be sensible! Thanks for your help ladies. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 14:29
Willa, the maternity waiting period usually refers to delivery only so all your antenatal appts will still be covered immediately. Since you're not pregnant yet your premium should be low. Things to note, with ADNIC your hubby will have to join up with too (they wont take you on your own). Al Wathba had a 6 month wait but as you're not pregnant yet your waiting period will be up in the time it takes you to fall pregnant & carry to term. Either way, all your antenatal appointments are covered immediately. This confused me in the beginning too!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 00:03
didn't have maternity cover either and didn't take package with hospital, just paid from my pocket for doc visits, blood tests and normal delivery. Doc was in private clinic, but she did deliveries in Iranian hospital :) thanks god had a normal delivery and they discharged me same day (it's my 2nd child). All in all came to about 25000dhs. wow!! that's expensive. I took a the hospital package at IMH..total bill was 12k. ETA: considering IMH is a private hospital and i had a suite(which included a waiting room) to myself for 2 days. edited by shjbelle on 19/02/2012 I think you mean either delivery or pre-natal care package. I meant the total cost of prenatal visits, tests, delivery & stay at the hospital, doc fee for delivery as outside doc maybe. but definitely less than what you're paying. definitely not near 20k. OP, best you go round hospitals and ask for the hospital packages. It's easier to see what they can provide that way. S
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 22:50
didn't have maternity cover either and didn't take package with hospital, just paid from my pocket for doc visits, blood tests and normal delivery. Doc was in private clinic, but she did deliveries in Iranian hospital :) thanks god had a normal delivery and they discharged me same day (it's my 2nd child). All in all came to about 25000dhs. wow!! that's expensive. I took a the hospital package at IMH..total bill was 12k. ETA: considering IMH is a private hospital and i had a suite(which included a waiting room) to myself for 2 days. edited by shjbelle on 19/02/2012 I think you mean either delivery or pre-natal care package. I meant the total cost of prenatal visits, tests, delivery & stay at the hospital, doc fee for delivery as outside doc
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 22:19
If you are thinking of buying private insurance you can consider a bunch of providers. Allianz for example provides maternity cover after 10 months which means you can get pregnant around 6 months after you buy your policy and approx first trimester onwards they will cover almost everything.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 20:43
You may well still be covered even if your company changed insurance providers. Normally the company agree these terms with the new provider. My husband's company has changed insurers 3 times and each time I had not had to wait another X amount of time to get pregnant but it rolled on as if it were the same insurance company if you see what i mean. Definitely worth checking.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 18:28
Just wanted to add that I do have a gov health card... and am not against Latifa... apart from possibility of not being able to have my husband with me the whole time? Also am confused as to what the gov card entitles me to... if you pay a package anyway, but if there were complications what they could end up charging you on top of the package even at a gov hospital?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 18:11
didn't have maternity cover either and didn't take package with hospital, just paid from my pocket for doc visits, blood tests and normal delivery. Doc was in private clinic, but she did deliveries in Iranian hospital :) thanks god had a normal delivery and they discharged me same day (it's my 2nd child). All in all came to about 25000dhs. wow!! that's expensive. I took a the hospital package at IMH..total bill was 12k. ETA: considering IMH is a private hospital and i had a suite(which included a waiting room) to myself for 2 days. <em>edited by shjbelle on 19/02/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 17:25
Oh thank you so much, really helpful to hear your experiences... I'm now considering trying to get a policy with ADNIC as I've read on this forum that they cover with no wait for maternity. As I'm not actually pregnant yet, I'd hope the premium wouldn't be too high?! But will definately look at Latifa and all our options. We've been making savings, but had hoped to have that for our future with the baby, not as a means to have one! The company changing my insurance policy has been quite a blow.
 
 

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