Oman: Authorities may introduce mandatory health insurance scheme in phases
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Oct 2018
Authorities in Oman may look at implementing the proposed mandatory health insurance scheme in stages, taking cues from the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets, according to a senior official of an international law firm.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mr Peter Hodgins, a partner of Clyde & Co said, “Certainly, much work has to be done in terms of developing basic policies, developing systems and controls around those polices, to ensure that there is access to healthcare for all, and also to ensure that there aren’t any fraudulent activities.”
“Other countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have taken a phased implementation of mandatory health insurance. They started it through different bands in different timeframes, either by starting with the largest companies and slowly reducing the brackets, or taking the other way round,” he added.
The compulsory national health insurance scheme could be in place with effect from early next year, if all requirements are met, said the head of the Oman Medical Association Dr Waleed Al Zadjali.
In July, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) issued a statement saying that it was drafting plans to introduce mandatory health insurance for all residents in the country. However, the CMA did not give a specific date for implementation. M