Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has updated about 3 instances where sponsors will not be charged for not having mandated health insurance coverage.
The Department of Health revealed that in cases which involve workers absconding, being illegal residents or the death of the sponsor, will not constitute as violations or attract financial fines for not subscribing to or renewing the mandated health insurance coverage.
ABSCONDING
The Authority stated that if the worker in context has absconded, no fine or violation will be imposed against the sponsor from the date of the absconding report until the date of the situation rectification.
DoH pointed out that sponsors will have to provide official documents that verify the notification of the relevant government entity of the worker’s abscondment.
DEATH OF SPONSOR
In the event of sponsor’s death, no fine or violation will be incurred, given that an official death certificate is issued and shared with the relevant governmental authorities.
ILLEGAL RESIDENCY
Sponsors will not face violation of fine if the worker in context is found to be staying illegally in Abu Dhabi without valid residency visa.
The Department has urged all members to subscribe and renew their health insurance subscription in due time. Members can follow up with their health insurers to ensure their continuity and access to integrated healthcare services whenever needed while avoiding penalties resulting from a lack of subscription to a health insurance coverage.
REFUNDS
The Department of Health revealed that individually-sponsored individuals who have paid the fines incurred between 24th October, 2021 and the announced deadline extension on 11th November, 2021 are eligible to apply for a refund of fines paid with the relevant health insurance company.
The Authority updated that a grievance fee of $ 27.22 (AED100) will be deducted from the fines paid.
Last year, DoH has declared that the exemption from fines for individually-sponsored individuals who have not subscribed or renewed their health insurance scheme is valid until the end of 2021.
FINES
The Department confirmed that individuals who do not subscribe to a health insurance scheme will be subjected to a fine of $81.67 (AED300) per month for every uninsured month.
This is in accordance with the provisions of the Health Insurance Law No. 23/2005, its amendments and executive regulations.
The DoH is continuously working towards ensuring quality healthcare services are provided to all community members in accordance with the best international practices. It is crucial that all members of our community regularly check the latest updates on health insurance and renew their subscriptions in due time – to ensure they have access to the relevant healthcare facilities when and if needed.
Dr. Mariam Al Mazrouei, the Executive Director of Healthcare Payers Sector at DoH, remarked.
Individuals who wish to enquire about the health insurance subscription process and procedure can contact any health insurance company in the Emirate or the DoH on Tel: 024193486 or via email: healthsystemfinancing@doh.gov.ae