Best Health Insurance Plans for Cancer Patients in UAE

When choosing  a health insurance plan in UAE, cancer coverage is one of the key considerations. The cost of cancer treatment can be prohibitive without the right insurance, so it's crucial to choose a plan that offers extensive coverage for this critical illness.

The guide will provide you with more information on the best health insurance plans for cancer patients across the UAE, making sure you make an informed choice for your healthcare needs.   

Does Health Insurance Provide Coverage to Cancer Patients?

Health insurance coverage for cancer patients is important due to the high costs associated with cancer treatment. In the UAE, the scope and extent of this coverage can vary significantly depending on the emirate.

Health Insurance Coverage in Dubai for Cancer Patients

Dubai has taken a progressive approach to cancer treatment coverage with the launch of the BASMAH initiative by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This initiative guarantees coverage for certain types of cancer treatments for all residents with a Dubai visa.

BASMAH Initiative - Meaning and Types of Plans

The BASMAH initiative, launched in 2019 provides comprehensive coverage for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. It is a part of both the Essential Benefit Plan (EBP) and more comprehensive plans.

1. Basic Plans: The Essential Benefit Plan, available to those earning below AED 4,000 monthly, covers unlimited cancer treatment under the BASMAH initiative. A small fee of AED 19 per policy is added to fund this initiative, ensuring low income earners have access to essential cancer treatments without worrying about the costs
2. Comprehensive Plans: These plans offer broader healthcare services, including extensive cancer treatment under the BASMAH initiative. They also provide unlimited coverage offering financial relief and comprehensive care for cancer patients.

Before the BASMAH initiative, cancer coverage was capped at AED 150,000 (approx.) annually. Now, there are no such limits for the specified cancers ensuring continuous and uninterrupted care. 

Health Insurance Coverage in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates

In Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, health insurance coverage for cancer is more limited than in Dubai. There are no equivalent initiatives like BASMAH in these regions.

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DOH) oversees health insurance plans. While these plans provide coverage for cancer treatment, the coverage is limited to the annual policy cap. For instance, basic plans might cover up to AED 250,000 annually, and once this limit is reached, further treatment costs must be borne by the patient. 

In the Northern Emirates, similar rules apply. Health insurance policies cover cancer treatment up to the specified limits. Once these limits are reached, the patient must bear the insurance additional costs. Residents must make sure that their health insurance plans include adequate coverage for cancer, considering the high costs involved​ .

Types of Cancer Covered in Health Insurance

The BASMAH initiative in Dubai provides coverage for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer. Additionally, most comprehensive health insurance plans in the UAE cover a wide range of cancers - 

1. Lung Cancer
2. Liver Cancer
3. Prostate Cancer
4. Blood Cancers (like Leukaemia)

Coverage Provided Under Health Insurance Plans for Cancer Treatment

Health insurance plans in the UAE offer varying degrees of coverage for cancer treatment, including screenings, diagnostic investigations, and treatments. Given below is an overview of what different health insurance plans generally cover for cancer treatment:

Screening and Early Detection

Early detection is crucial for effective cancer treatment. Health insurance plans in the UAE often cover:

1. Cancer Screenings: Regular screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers are covered under the BASMAH initiative in Dubai. These screenings are included in both basic and comprehensive plans. Comprehensive health insurance plans in Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates also include this coverage. 
2. Diagnostic Tests: Once cancer is suspected, insurance plans cover various diagnostic tests such as biopsies, imaging tests (MRI, CT scans), and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Coverage

Cancer treatment involves multiple stages, each of which can be expensive. Health insurance plans in the UAE generally cover the following - 

1. Chemotherapy: Coverage includes the cost of drugs, administration of chemotherapy sessions, and any necessary supportive medications.
2. Radiation Therapy: Costs associated with radiation treatments are covered, including the use of advanced radiation techniques.
3. Surgery: Surgical procedures to remove cancerous tissues or tumours are covered. This also includes pre-operative and post-operative care.
4. Hospitalisation: Coverage for inpatient care includes room charges, consultations, medications, and other hospital services.
5. Outpatient Services: Many plans cover outpatient treatments, consultations with oncologists, and follow-up visits.

Additional Benefits in Health Insurance Plans for Cancer Coverage 

Health insurance plans for cancer patients often include several additional benefits - 

1. Ambulance Services: Free ambulance services to make sure that patients can reach treatment facilities promptly.
2. Worldwide Coverage: Some plans offer worldwide coverage. This coverage allows policyholders to seek treatment at international facilities within the insurer’s network.
3. Alternative Treatments: Coverage for alternative therapies such as acupuncture or naturopathy may be included within specified limits.

Key Considerations While Opting For a Health Insurance Plan with Cancer Coverage

When selecting  a health insurance plan for cancer treatment, consider the following - 

1. Waiting Periods: Check the waiting periods before coverage begins, usually around 60 days.
2. Coverage Limits: Understand the annual coverage limits and whether the plan offers unlimited coverage for specific cancers.
3. Exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions in the policy, such as certain types of cancer or stages of the disease.
4. Claims Process: Choose the insurer that provides a straightforward claim process and has a good settlement ratio to avoid hassles during treatment.

Exclusions in Cancer Coverage in Health Insurance Plans

As we have seen so far, health insurance plans offer extensive coverage for cancer treatment. However, to avoid unexpected out of pocket expenses, you must be aware of the general exclusions of the plans — 

1. Pre-Existing Conditions
   • Undeclared Pre-Existing Conditions: Many health insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions if they were not disclosed at the time of policy purchase. This can include pre-existing cancers or related conditions.
   • Waiting Periods: Even if pre-existing conditions are declared, they often come with waiting periods before coverage begins.
2. Cosmetic and Elective Procedures
   • Procedures deemed elective or cosmetic, such as reconstructive surgeries post-cancer are typically not covered. .

Benefits of Buying Health Insurance with Cancer Coverage via Policybazaar.ae

Policybazaar.ae offers a convenient platform to compare and purchase health insurance plans. Benefits include:

1. Our  website is user-friendly and accessible from anywhere allowing you to browse, compare, and purchase insurance plans online. 
2. Access  detailed descriptions of each insurance plan, including coverage limits, benefits, exclusions, and premium costs.
3. Policybazaar UAE  provides access to insurance experts who can offer advice and answer any queries.

Cancer is one of those severe illnesses that affect the patient physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can happen to anyone due to several reasons, with family history and unusual lifestyle being among the several factors associated with it. If you or any of your family members are a cancer patient, you must try to take a health insurance policy in order to receive quality treatment and save yourself from the massive cancer treatment costs. 

A key aspect to note here is that cancer insurance plans are the same for medically-fit and existing cancer patients. The only difference between these two is that existing cancer patients need to pay loading charges at the time of comprehensive health insurance plan purchase.

Having said that, there are several features that you must consider when buying a cancer insurance policy for existing cancer patients, which should be then followed by searching for top cancer insurance plans available in the UAE. This article covers that and much more, which will also help you choose a suitable cancer insurance plan based on your medical and financial preferences.

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