Insurance Confusion! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Insurance Confusion!

1
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2018 - 18:55

Hello,

I have signed up hoping to find some advice about health/travel insurance for expats in Dubai, as I haven't really been able to find out any useful information.

I am moving to Dubai in 2 weeks time with my husband, who is starting a job there. He will be getting health insurance through his employer and will be sponsoring me. I suffer from depression and am currently trying a new medication. My GP has suggested that I visit a doctor as soon as possible upon arrival so that they can continue helping with my treatment.

What is the best thing to do to cover the period between arriving and being sponsored on my husband's visa? How much of my medication can I safely bring over (since I won't have a return date or a visa at this time)? And does anyone have any recommendations of companies that cover mental health?

I am desperate for some advice, and will be so grateful to anyone who replies!

Thank you in advance,
Jessica

714
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2018 - 12:35
Also, be aware that many drugs (controlled or otherwise) just aren't simply available here. HRT is a perfect example! Lots on the global market, but very few lines available here, and continuous supply isn't always guaranteed.
132
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2018 - 03:29
I've done some research and the medication I'm on (vertraline) is listed as a semi-controlled substance. However, I'm not sure if that means I can bring 30 days worth or 3 months worth. I'm certain...
Travel insurance is a good idea anyway if you are not going to covered on your husbands medical insurance. But whether they will cover drugs for an existing condition is another matter. The other thing to keep in mind with travel insurance is that you need to be transparent about the reason for travelling to Dubai as it’s not strictly a holiday if you are relocating, just make sure to read the small print :) If your husbands company are relocating both of you, paying air travel etc then you may find they will cover your medical insurance. When we moved we were both covered as soon as we landed in the country. In certain circumstances residents can bring in 12 months supply of some controlled drugs. Worth contacting the health ministry directly for specific advice so you have something in writing fir customs should you need.
1
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 July 2018 - 21:54
Hi Jessica A couple of things you need to do ..... firstly do some research on the drug you are taking against the list of drugs banned in Dubai. If it’s allowed you need to have a doctors let...
I've done some research and the medication I'm on (vertraline) is listed as a semi-controlled substance. However, I'm not sure if that means I can bring 30 days worth or 3 months worth. I'm certainly hoping three months worth, and I'm going to see my GP soon for letter/prescription. My husband hasn't managed to get much information out of his HR advisor at the moment about the health insurance, but at this point it is safe to assume that I will be sorting mine out separately. Thank you for checking your policy, that's really helpful. I think it is going to be easier to sort that out once I'm in Dubai but I'm not sure what to get in the meantime to cover the interim between arriving and getting sponsored. Maybe travel insurance/travel health insurance? I'm not sure what other expats usually do. I really appreciate your reply - thank you!
132
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2018 - 00:48
Hi Jessica A couple of things you need to do ..... firstly do some research on the drug you are taking against the list of drugs banned in Dubai. If it’s allowed you need to have a doctors letter/prescription showing that you are legally in possession of them, in case you are asked at customs. You mentioned that your husband is sponsoring you, who is paying your medical insurance .... will it be your husbands company or your husband ? If it’s the company then you may not have any say in the company that cover you. I have just checked our policy (BUPA Global) which covers mental health but doesn’t cover experimental treatments
 
 

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