New travel insurance for Emiratis to fund up to Dh500,000 of treatment

Scheme designed to ensure comprehensive cover is at hand in the event of an accident

Emiratis will have up to Dh500,000 of travel insurance cover when they go abroad. Hospitals would directly bill insurers in the UAE, so travellers involved in an accident for example wouldn't have to publish anything up front. Courtesy: Getty ImagesShow less

New insurance cover will allow Emiratis to receive up to Dh500,000 of medical treatment should they be injured when travelling.

The Musafir comprehensive health coverage was launched on Monday in cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the National Health Insurance Company Daman.

The cover is direct billing, meaning that UAE citizens would not have to come up with any cash for treatment and doctors or hospitals would directly bill the UAE insurer.

“This programme comes in line with the Ministry's keenness to provide UAE citizens with the best medical care required in emergency situations,” said Ahmed Elham Al Dhaheri, Assistant Undersecretary for Consular Affairs.

He said there has been a steady increase in the number of citizens travelling abroad every year - in addition to a rise in the number of Emiratis facing health emergencies such as traffic accidents.

Those leaving the country can apply for Musafir through Daman's website www.musafer.ae.

Musafir covers all emergency services, whether inside or outside the hospital and subscribers have access to a dedicated 24-hour call centre on the number: 4184181 009712

Khaled Abdullah Almass, a board member of Daman, said the cover uses the internationally recognised agent Assist America, which will mediate with the medical facility to ensure treatment is arranged and paid for.