UAE: Authorities outline liability for medical treatment of coronavirus cases
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Mar 2020
People in the UAE who have contracted the new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) must be treated free of charge, the health authorities have clarified.
According to a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) circular issued to hospitals which is based on directives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), healthcare facilities must treat suspected or confirmed cases of the COVID-19 as emergency cases, reported Khaleej Times.
The circular said all health facilities must classify the coronavirus cases in two categories: one for those with insurance coverage and the other for those without.
“If the patient has insurance, the cases shall be treated as emergencies according to insurance regulations, and insurance companies will honour any claims received,” said the circular.
For those who are not insured, “the cases shall still be considered emergencies and suspected or confirmed cases will not bear any payment of healthcare costs at any healthcare facilities”, it added. “This is to ensure the health and safety of the community and to contain patients with confirmed or suspected infection, and provide them with proper health services.” M