Close to 50% of UAE respondents of a survey are concerned they will be unable to pay for their family’s or own medical expenses, above their mandatory employee coverage.
The findings from the 2017 Cigna 360o Well-being Survey showed that one in five respondents in the UAE tends to delay necessary health checks and 93% choose to self-medicate when unwell. The survey also revealed gaps in workplace health insurance benefits, with 45% respondents saying they pay for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, compared to 37% who said their employer-provided insurance covered their medical expenses.
More than 14,000 people were surveyed covering 13 countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE and the UK. In the UAE, 1,019 respondents were surveyed.
Based on the findings of the survey, Cigna Corporation, which acquired general insurer Zurich Insurance Middle East in June this year, has launched Cigna Healthguard, its first-ever individual private medical insurance (IPMI) solution tailored for residents of Dubai.
The plan offers hospital treatment, maternity care, outpatient and specialist services, prescriptions, mental health care and out of area emergency cover. Seeking to reduce the burden of healthcare expenses for customers and their dependents, it can be purchased at three levels, based on an individual’s travel and budget requirements.
Cigna Healthguard is compliant with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations and has been specially designed for globally mobile individuals to fill critical gaps in the health insurance segment.
The programme includes a “Healthy Living Reward” of 10% discount on annual premiums upon meeting certain criteria to inspiring customers to lead healthier lifestyles.
Speaking at the launch in Dubai last month, Mr Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International Markets, said: “The Middle East is hugely important to Cigna and we made a significant step in June this year with the acquisition of Zurich Insurance Middle East. Our learning from the 2017 Cigna 360o Well-being Survey indicates many people are unprepared for their future healthcare costs.
“Like any other economy, the UAE has its own challenges. A staggering 30% of deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease. Obesity is double the world average in addition to rising instances of cancer, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. The soaring cost of healthcare could also have an adverse impact on job creation and insurance coverage, which in turn could widen the health equity gap.”
Mr Ali Lutfi, Head of the Licensing Section for Health Insurance Providers at the DHA, said: “We are at the crossroads of Dubai’s healthcare landscape, where each of us – regulators, healthcare institutions and insurers – have an important opportunity to bring better health to the population. I am confident the coverage and wellness benefits offered by the program will complement our efforts to enhance the health insurance experience of citizens and residents of Dubai.”
Mr Art Cozad, Cigna CEO for Middle East Markets, said: “Cigna Healthguard addresses an important market need for health benefits cover while offering a unique, wellness-based approach to health improvement.” M