How the Coronavirus has impacted the Health Insurance of UAE Residents

With 724,759 cases and 34,000+ deaths, the respiratory tract infection is rapidly spreading across the globe. UAE has 570 active coronavirus cases, 58 of which are on their road to recovery and we’ve already written a guide on staying in quarantine for the nationals of the country.

People are petrified of the circumstances and even though going to restaurants, public gatherings and work have been discouraged with most places shut down and events postponed, the clinics are still open and are operating normally. You can go to your doctor for your routine checkup and if you’re feeling under the weather, you can schedule an appointment online with ease.

The government of Dubai has made the following decisions:

·        All coronavirus cases must be entertained at all times by the doctors, hospitals, and clinics. This is mandatory for all DHA licensed health care facilities.

·        If a coronavirus case is confirmed and insurance is available then the insurance company will abide by all claims made.

·        If a coronavirus case is confirmed and the insurance is unavailable, then the cost will be waived off and the individual will be treated.

What is the coronavirus?

The coronavirus is a new member of the corona family. It is a respiratory tract infection that exhibits symptoms of flu and causes one to have a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and fever. As it grows, it affects the lungs and causes pneumonia. The individual then feels difficulty in breathing and requires immediate attention.

What are the symptoms of this virus?

The symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty in breathing. It can impact people of old age and pre-existing health conditions more severely.

How does this virus spread?

The virus spreads from person to person. When an individual comes in contact with an infected person, they can catch the virus. It can be transmitted by breathing in the particles that the person has coughed or sneezed out. The virus can also be transmitted through a handshake or by touching a surface the infected person has touched. The experts aren’t certain about how long the virus can survive on a surface. It depends on the environment.

What precautionary measures can you take to save yourself and your family?

·         Wash your hands often and that too with medicated soap.

·         Avoid touching your face.

·         Avoid crowds and gatherings.

·         Avoid meeting people who have traveled to infected places.

·         Avoid traveling yourself. If you’ve made travel plans, carry a mask and sanitizer with you. Also, call your airport helpline to make sure that your flight is scheduled because many flights to and from infected areas are being canceled and postponed.

·         Keep yourself hydrated. Drink lukewarm water.

·         Practice good hygiene. When you cough or sneeze. Cover your mouth.

What should you do if you or a loved one is suspected to have the virus?

If you experience fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and you have traveled to an infected place and have had contact with an infected person in the last 14 days you should go to your nearest primary health center immediately or contact:

·        Estijaba service at the operation center – Department of Health at 8001717

·        Ministry of Health & Prevention at 80011111

·        Dubai Health Authority at 800342

How has life in the U.A.E been impacted by the virus?

From postponing large-scale events to closing schools, the United Arab Emirates is taking wide-ranging measures in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Since March 8^th, most schools, offices, tourist areas, parks, restaurants, and gyms have been shut down for 4 weeks.

With all the restrictions in place, it is important to understand that all of this is temporary. We need to abide by all the rules and regulations set so that we can come out of it together and that too quickly. Times like these can be alarming, but one needs to be reassured that one of these days a vaccine will be found and it'll be over like a bad, early-2020 dream.

Recommended Read: Coronavirus Vaccine in the UAE: Benefits, Side-Effects & Latest Updates