Even though at least 194 clinics and hospitals offer free oral health and dental care since health insurance became mandatory for expatriates three years ago, companies prefer to offer their employees basic health insurance plans that exclude oral health coverage.
When Gulf News spoke to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) about the issue, a health insurance expert who wished to remain anonymous explained that Haad’s role as regulator is structured around verification and approval of schedule of benefits of insurance policies.
There are currently 35 health insurance companies registered with Haad, who all offer free oral health care.
“Oral health and dental coverage is available in many insurance products that Haad has approved and launched in July, but the choice and decision for Abu Dhabi residents between various insurance policies remains with the buyer,” he said.
As per 2010 Haad records, there are 569,000 Emiratis with full access to oral health care through the Thiqa dental coverage plan, which has been especially designed for Emiratis in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Dina El Shammaa
Gulf News