Health Insurance Sharjah

What is Health Insurance in Sharjah?

Health Insurance in Sharjah is a contract between you and a health insurer. This agreement provides financial protection against medical expenses in case of illness or injury. When you have health insurance Sharjah, the insurer covers the costs of medical treatments as specified in your policy.

Health insurance in Sharjah covers a wide array of medical services. These include inpatient treatments like surgeries and hospital stays, outpatient services such as doctor visits and diagnostics, and usually maternity and newborn care.

An Overview of Health Insurance in Sharjah

Best & Cheapest Health Insurance in Sharjah

The following table lists the top health insurance plans in Sharjah -

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Sharjah?

In Sharjah, health insurance regulation is overseen by the Sharjah Health Authority's Department of Health Insurance. 

Initially, the Sharjah government provided health insurance coverage only to its employees and senior citizens. But since January 2020, this has been extended to all citizens of Sharjah​. 

Important: It will be mandatory for all citizens and residents of Sharjah to have health insurance starting from January 1, 2025.

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Sharjah?

Starting January 1, 2025, health insurance will be mandatory for all private sector employees and domestic workers in Sharjah. This comes as part of the UAE-wide initiative to extend compulsory health coverage across all emirates. 

Currently, mandatory health insurance regulations exist in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. From 2025, the same system will now apply to Sharjah and other Northern Emirates like Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Regulatory Body

In Sharjah, the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) oversees health insurance regulation. Meanwhile, at the national level, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is responsible for enforcing this mandate, conducting awareness campaigns, and ensuring compliance. The goal is to provide basic healthcare coverage for all employees and domestic workers.

2024 Changes in Health Insurance

Ahead of the 2025 mandate, employers in Sharjah must start preparing by budgeting for the additional costs and handling the administrative requirements. Employers are now obligated to provide proof of health insurance for employees during visa renewals or issuance. This confirms that every worker has essential medical coverage, including doctor visits, hospitalisation, and medications.

2025 Mandatory Health Insurance

From 2025, all employers must ensure that their employees are covered by health insurance that meets the government's minimum standards. This insurance will include basic coverage features such as:

1. Doctor consultations
2. Emergency treatments
3. Inpatient and outpatient services
4. Medication costs

Fines and Penalties

Employers who fail to comply with this mandate face penalties, which may include fines for each uncovered employee, visa issuance delays, or even refusal to renew visas. These fines are expected to be similar to the ones imposed in Dubai, where non-compliance results in fines of up to AED 500 per month per uninsured worker.

Key Points for Employers

1. Employers must cover health insurance for all employees, including domestic workers
2. Proof of insurance is required for all work visa renewals or applications
3. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and administrative penalties

Types of Health Insurance in Sharjah

Sharjah health insurance plans are generally categorised into two main types: Basic Health Insurance Plans and Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans.

Basic Health Insurance Plans:

Basic plans cover essential health services such as inpatient and outpatient, emergency, and maternity care. They are often limited to a specified network of healthcare providers. Basic health insurance plans in Sharjah are affordable and cover the necessary medical expenses that can occur due to illness or accidents​.

Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans:

As the name suggests, these plans offer broader coverage and include additional benefits like coverage for pre-existing diseases, critical illnesses, and higher policy limits. 

These medical insurance Sharjah plans provide a wider safety net for policyholders, covering more extensive and costly medical treatments​.

Who Should Buy Health Insurance in Sharjah?

The following are some guidelines as to who should consider purchasing medical insurance Sharjah —

Individual Coverage:

If you are an individual living or working in Sharjah, health insurance will cover potential medical costs that could arise from illnesses or accidents. 

Family Coverage:

For those with families in Sharjah, obtaining Sharjah health insurance for each family member is important. When each member is covered, you can get peace of mind knowing that you’ve financial coverage amidst unfortunate circumstances.

Domestic Workers:

If you employ domestic workers, it's a responsible practice to provide health insurance for them as well. This will give them access to necessary medical treatments when needed.

Expatriates and Their Dependents:

If you are an expat working in Sharjah, you need medical insurance Sharjah for yourself and your dependents. 

While employers often provide group health insurance, it’s wise to get individual medical insurance that meets all your needs.

Top Medical Insurance Companies in Sharjah 

Listed below are the top medical insurance companies in Sharjah — 

Best Health Insurance Plans in Sharjah

List of top Sharjah health insurance plans —

Disclaimer: The health insurance premiums shown in this table are indicative and can vary based on individual factors such as age, health condition, and lifestyle. The tabled premiums are calculated based on the assumption that the insured is approximately 44 years old, residing in Sharjah, within a salary bracket of AED 6,000–7,000, and is purchasing individual health insurance. 

Inclusions of Health Insurance in Sharjah

Some of the general inclusions of health insurance Sharjah are listed below — 

1. Emergency medical treatments
2. Maternity and baby care
3. Pre-existing and chronic conditions
4. Outpatient benefits include physiotherapy treatments, medical consultations, and more
5. Inpatient benefits include diagnostic tests, hospital accommodation for a guardian, and more
6. Medical evacuation and repatriation care

Exclusions of Health Insurance in Sharjah

Mentioned below are the key exclusions of health insurance Sharjah —

1. Any medical conditions that you already had before getting the insurance policy may not be covered immediately. These conditions often have a waiting period before they are covered.
2. Treatments that are considered non-essential, such as cosmetic surgery or aesthetic enhancements
3. Routine dental treatments and vision care are usually not included in basic health insurance plans
4. Injuries sustained from high-risk activities such as skydiving, racing, or other extreme sports
5. Any injuries or illnesses resulting from participation in illegal activities or those associated with criminal behaviour
6. Harm or injuries that are self-inflicted, including injuries from suicide attempts

Who Should Buy Health Insurance in Sharjah?

Starting January 1, 2025, health insurance will be mandatory for specific groups under UAE law. However, even beyond the mandatory categories, individuals should consider purchasing medical insurance in Sharjah to get protection against high medical costs — 

Mandatory Groups (2025)

Under the new law, individuals belonging to the following groups are required to have health insurance in Sharjah:

1. Private sector employees: Employers must provide health coverage for their staff, as part of visa renewal or issuance
2. Domestic workers: Maids, drivers, gardeners, and other household staff must also be insured by their employers

Who Else Should Buy Health Insurance?

Even if the mandatory scheme does not cover you, it’s essential to consider health insurance if you fall into any of these categories — 

• Self-employed individuals or freelancers: Without an employer to cover insurance, it’s important to buy a policy to avoid high medical bills.
• Dependents: While employers cover workers, dependents like spouses and children might not be included. It’s wise to ensure they have adequate health coverage.
• Residents with chronic illnesses: If you have ongoing health conditions, insurance helps manage frequent doctor visits and treatment costs.
• Elderly individuals: With age-related health risks, comprehensive health insurance is critical for managing medical expenses.
• New residents or expatriates: If you’re new to Sharjah, medical insurance can help you navigate the healthcare system without the burden of unexpected costs.

When is the Right Time to Buy Health Insurance in Sharjah?

The ideal time to purchase medical insurance in Sharjah depends on several factors, but planning ahead can provide you coverage when needed. 

Listed below are some key points to consider — 

1. Before the Mandate Deadline in 2025: With mandatory health insurance taking effect from January 1, 2025, for all private-sector employees and domestic workers, it's important to secure a policy ahead of this date if you are not yet covered. This will help you avoid potential penalties​.
2. At the Start of Employment: If your employer does not provide comprehensive coverage or if you are self-employed, purchasing a health plan when you start work lets you manage your medical expenses from the start. This is especially important for expatriates and freelancers who may not have employer-sponsored plans​.
3. For Dependents and Family Members: If your employer’s insurance does not extend to your dependents (spouse, children or elderly parents), it is wise to buy a policy for them as soon as possible. This will provide continuous coverage, especially in cases of medical emergencies​. 
4. When You’re Young and Healthy: Premiums of health insurance in Sharjah tend to be lower when you are younger and in good health. Buying a policy early on can save you money in the long term — the cost of insurance generally rises with age and pre-existing conditions.

What is the Claim Process for Health Insurance in Sharjah?

The claim process for health insurance in Sharjah is designed to help policyholders manage their medical expenses effectively. There are two main types of health insurance claims: cashless claims and reimbursement claims. 

Cashless Claims

A cashless claim allows you to receive treatment at a network hospital without making an upfront payment. Instead, your insurance company settles the bill directly with the healthcare provider. 

Here's how it works — 

1. Visit a network hospital: Make sure the hospital is part of your insurer's network before seeking treatment.
2. Present your health insurance card: At the hospital, present your insurance card or Emirates ID at the insurance desk.
3. Pre-authorisation: The hospital will contact your insurer for approval. The bills will be sent directly to the insurance company.
4. Treatment and billing: Once your treatment is complete, the insurance company clears the bills with the hospital.

Reimbursement Claims

If you seek treatment at a non-network hospital or have to pay upfront for services, you can claim a reimbursement later. 

Here's how to proceed — 

1. Collect all necessary documents: This includes medical bills, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and reports.
2. Submit a claim form: Fill out the insurer’s claim form and attach all the necessary medical documents.
3. Verification and reimbursement: The insurer will review your submission and reimburse the covered expenses after verification.

How to Apply for Health Insurance Sharjah?

To apply for health insurance in Sharjah, it's essential to compare various plans from top insurers to find the best coverage that suits your needs and budget. One convenient platform for this is Policybazaar UAE, which offers a comprehensive comparison of Sharjah health insurance plans.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the cheapest health insurance in Sharjah through Policybazaar.ae — 

1. Click on the ‘health insurance’ section. 
2. Complete the form with necessary details such as your Emirate, personal information, and more.
3. After filling out the details, submit the form. You will be redirected to a page displaying different health insurance quotes. Here, you can compare the plans available in Sharjah.
4. Review the quotes carefully. Look for the cheapest health insurance in Sharjah options and compare the coverage details, premiums, and benefits offered by different insurers. Select the plan that best fits your requirements and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

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