Changes in Residence Visa Medical Test in U.A.E

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) held a press conference to explain the amendments approved by the Council of Ministers regarding the system of residency screening medical fitness.

A senior official from the Ministry explained that the health card requirement for a medical examination for expats has been cancelled.

“In line with our national efforts to develop a system of legislation that will protect the community from diseases and as part of the initiative to update the Medical Fitness Examinations…, the health card requirement for a medical examination for expatriates has been canceled,” said Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Rand, Assistant Undersecretary, MOHAP, who presided over the press conference with Dr. Nada Marzouki, Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine.

“After getting the fitness certificate, a person should apply to get either a health card or a health insurance,” said Dr. Rand, adding that “a screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C will be conducted for workers in health facilities in order to preserve their health due to their constant interaction with patients.”
Dr. Rand, pointed out that this decision, which has been implemented across preventive medicine centers since February, is in line with recent developments being pursued within the medical field in an effort to update legislation, control the spread of communicable diseases and facilitate residential procedures.

In 2015, 460,904 persons were screened for fitness in the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Dr. Rand emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to protect the community in light of the increasing number of expats arriving to the UAE as a result of the economic boom, which has led to updating the preventive procedures and regulations to preserve community health

NRIs in UAE get insurence plan for Parents in India

Oman Insurance Company in partnership with Star Health Insurance (India) has launched a health insurance plan – Parents Health – for non-resident Indians (NRIs) living in the UAE and their parents in India. The comprehensive plan offers cost effective health cover for NRIs’ parents and parents-in-law back in their home country. Additionally, it offers a Personal Accident cover for the applicant.
While people live and work in the UAE, the good health of their parents back home always concerns them. Keeping this in mind, the product is designed to cover expenses arising from unforeseen illness and provide benefits like in-patient hospitalization, health check-up, hospital cash benefit, day care treatments and dental and ophthalmic cover to the applicant’s parents in India. It also provides one way air ticket to the applicant in case any of the parent needs to be admitted in the hospital for major illness like stroke, cancer or liver disease and gives the option to continue the policy in case the applicant relocates to India. The plan has 5 different coverage bands extending from Bronze to Diamond depending on the sum insured limits. To ensure great service, the product provides cashless service at over 7,400 network hospitals in India and offers reimbursement of claims at non-network hospitals.

Celine Messerschmitt, Senior Vice President Strategic Partnerships at Oman Insurance, said “We are excited to release this innovative products with Star Health as this is one of its kind product in the region. With affordable premium options, the product will surely benefit NRIs by reducing the burden of worrying about the health and wellbeing of their parents back home.”

Anand Roy, Senior Vice President at Star Health, commented “With the wide network of hospitals and a comprehensive insurance solution, members can be guaranteed exceptional care and service. With a simple application process, and no requirement for medical tests, the plan is a unique proposition for Indians working in the UAE.”

The policy will be issued by Oman Insurance Company. It will be offered in association with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. (India), acting as the reinsurer and international administrator, ensuring faster and hassle-free claim settlements in India.