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George Chidiac, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Damanah, highlighted the growing importance of mental health in the UAE in recent years. He said: “As for the insurance coverage for mental health disorders, it is not part of a compulsory insurance policy. In most cases it was an optional option and the Most residents of the country do not receive these insurance benefits; for mental health disorders as part of their insurance policy. Therefore, this step will be a leap forward in the provision of mental health medical services. to all residents of the United Arab Emirates. “
He pointed out that the UAE is interacting with the need to publish amendments to health insurance laws; Reduce the financial burden on patients and their families, and prevent the aggravation of these psychological problems and their transformation into chronic disorders.
market size
Regarding the size of the mental health insurance market in the country, Chidiac said, “Most residents of UAE do not have coverage for psychological treatment under the compulsory insurance policy. And for those who have health insurance that covers mental illness, it depends to a large extent on the nature of the insurance company, the level of coverage, and the diagnosis. Although the costs of psychological treatment are somewhat high, but not compared to the cost of some organic diseases, many mental health professionals are unanimous in raising community awareness of mental health care and the growing demand. to receive related care services.
He added, “There is a widespread belief, but this is incorrect, that mental illnesses are not important! Although all international studies indicate that the inclusion of employers’ mental illnesses, they indirectly affect mental health, and thus increase productivity, reduce sick leave and reduce psychological stress problems at work.
provide cover
Regarding the main challenges that insurance companies face in providing coverage to members of society, Chidiac said: for these benefits. As well as the situation of reinsurance companies, which find it difficult to grant a ceiling to these benefits; The data available are insufficient. As for the second challenge, it concerns the prices of psychological care services, which are very high: a scout doctor costs between 500 and 700 dirhams, as well as the treatments and drugs related to these services, because their prices are very high. , compared to general medical services. For insurance companies, price alone cannot be a determining factor in premium. In addition, if the insurance company covers part of the mental health treatments, it will not be sufficient if a treatment session costs too much.
He continued: “It is possible to address the challenges facing insurance companies, especially those related to the cost of mental illnesses, by setting an annual spending cap for the patient, not the total absence of illness. mental health insurance policy, noting that recent scientific studies prove that every amount spent on mental health is compensated for its folds. Save on the healthcare system. “
Additional menus
Chidiac continued, “There are insurance companies that react to the inclusion of mental illness in supplemental insurance lists for patients, and there are insurance companies that do not give a sufficient limit for. mental illness. Ultimately, the intervention of government and health authorities, as regulators, is essential to establish rules that make mental health insurance a mandatory part of insurance schemes, especially for low-income workers. income.
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