Oman: Govt plans mandatory health insurance from next year
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Sep 2017
The Omani government is planning to introduce mandatory health insurance for private sector employees in the Sultanate.
According to sources, the scheme is in the final stages and will be implemented with effect from January 2018, reported the Oman Daily Observer.
“A directive to provide health insurance for both nationals and expatriates will be issued after necessary approvals,” said Mr Rashid bin Amer al Musalhi, a member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and head of its Services Committee.
Under Oman’s labour law, he said all companies are required to provide medical insurance for their employees.
According to the law: “An employer may satisfy this legal obligation in relation to the payment of medical treatment for expatriate employees by providing medical insurance for its employees with a third-party insurer, which insurer would pay the government or private hospital directly when the employee receives medical treatment at these health institutions.”
Although the law said an employer is not required to provide medical insurance to an Omani employee as they are entitled to free medical treatment at all government hospitals, the new health insurance scheme will cover locals as well.
Mr al Musalhi said that some SMEs may not be able to include their employees under the scheme for lack of funds. “A unified insurance scheme with the help of all private hospitals and insurance companies should be introduced so that all employees get the benefits.”
Such a system will also help regulate and streamline health services, he added. Several big companies are already providing their employees with health insurance. M