Cancer and Insurance in Dubai
Cancer treatment in Dubai can be extremely costly without adequate insurance. While the Dubai Health Authority’s BASMAH initiative subsidizes cancer treatment costs beyond basic insurance, securing a plan with comprehensive coverage for this serious condition remains essential.
In this Pacific Prime Dubai article, we will cover cancer prevalence in Dubai, how treatment is typically accessed, how insurance covers cancer care, and what to consider when choosing the right health insurance plan.
Cancer Prevalence in Dubai
In 2023, the UAE reported approximately 7,500 new cancer cases. At present, the most common cancers in the region are breast, thyroid, colorectal, skin carcinoma, and prostate cancer. Alarmingly, over 900 cancer cases (13%) occur in the 40-44 age group.
This is a prevailing trend that continues to plague most developed countries, including the UAE, which is partially attributed to longer average lifespans, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and the widespread consumption of convenience foods.
Cancer Treatment in Dubai
Both government and private facilities across Dubai offer cancer treatment; however, the cost of treatment can vary significantly depending on the type of therapy and facility chosen.
In the past decade, Dubai has invested a significant amount of money into developing its healthcare sector. Today, as one of the most popular medical tourism hotspots in the world, the Emirate is home to a number of world-class facilities for oncology treatment and research.
The Cost of Cancer Treatment in Dubai
The cost of cancer treatment in Dubai varies widely depending on the type and stage of cancer, the treatment modalities required, and the healthcare facility chosen.
On average, an initial consultation can cost between AED 185 and AED 735 (USD 50 and USD 200) per visit. An advanced immunotherapy treatment like CAR T-cell therapy can range from AED 128,000 to AED 367,000 (USD 35,000 to 100,000) per cycle.
With these costs in mind, it’s clear that having comprehensive health insurance with high coverage limits is essential.
Insurance Coverage for Cancer in Dubai
Residents of Dubai with the Essential Benefits Plan—the minimum level of coverage mandated to all residents in Dubai—are automatically covered for initial cancer consultations and screenings, but only up to AED 150,000 (USD 40,845) annually, including coinsurance and deductible.
Given the high cost of cancer treatments in Dubai, driven by access to advanced research and medical technology, securing a plan with higher coverage from a reputable insurance provider can make a substantial difference.
For those diagnosed with breast, colon, or cervical cancer under the Essential Benefits Plan, the Dubai Health Authority’s BASMAH program can further assist by covering treatment costs that exceed the plan’s annual limit.
The BASMAH initiative
The Basmah initiative for cancer care is a support program by the Dubai Health Authority that provides supplementary coverage for cancer treatment at the additional cost of AED 19 (USD 5.17) from their annual premium.
The program aims to make cancer treatment more accessible for all residents, especially those with lower incomes, helping to reduce the country’s mortality rate.
Who Is Eligible for the Basmah Program?
The Basmah program is only available to Dubai visa holders. Here’s what you need to know:
- You must be a UAE resident for at least 1 year before you can enroll.
- You must not be diagnosed with cancer before arriving in the UAE.
- If you were diagnosed with cancer before entering the UAE, you can still qualify after completing one year of residency.
- Coverage depends on your salary thresholds (under AED 4,000 or USD 1,090 salary):
- Low Salary Band members: Coverage is limited to specific DHA-approved Centers of Excellence (CoE).
- High Salary Band members: You get access to all CoEs at special rates.
- You must have a confirmed cancer diagnosis from a recognized CoE to enroll in the program
What does the Basmah Program Cover?
Essentially, the Basmah program provides unlimited coverage for screening and treatment of three specific cancers: breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Once enrolled, the program will include all necessary cancer-related healthcare services, such as screenings, diagnostic tests, doctor visits, and treatments, without any sub-limits or co-payments.
Private Insurance Providers
Health insurance plans in the UAE provide different levels of coverage for cancer care, which may include screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatment options, depending on the type of plan and your premium.
There are several reputable insurance providers in Dubai. However, when selecting a health insurance plan in Dubai, it is beneficial to consider these factors:
- Annual or lifetime limits: While most plans cover cancer treatment, insurers may impose annual or lifetime limits.
- Co-payments and deductibles: Understand the co-payment structure for inpatient, outpatient, and medication costs.
- Coverage for pre-existing or chronic conditions: Verify that the plan covers chronic illnesses, including cancer. In addition, coverage should ideally cover a wide range of cancer types.
- Waiting period: Check for waiting periods for new illnesses (usually 6 months).
- Network of providers: Ensure that the insurer’s network includes reputable hospitals and clinics easily accessible to you.
- Claim process and customer service: Evaluate how easy it is to file claims, reimbursement timelines, and the availability of support after the policy is in place.
Be aware that many insurance plans impose coverage limits, particularly for cancer care. Still, some high-tier or international private health plans may offer higher limits and broader cancer coverage.
Secure Your Insurance Plan with Pacific Prime
Cancer treatment in Dubai can be very expensive if you don’t have sufficient insurance coverage. Even with the Essential Benefits Plan, access to advanced healthcare can still be limited.
With 25 years of experience as a trusted insurance brokerage, Pacific Prime Dubai helps clients find suitable insurance plans, including international health insurance and flexible individual policies, tailored to their medical needs, location, and budget.
This is to ensure that you will receive the best care available in the event of a serious illness such as cancer.
If you have any more questions, contact our experienced advisors today for impartial advice and a free plan comparison.
When she's not typing away on her keyboard, she's reading poetry, fueling her insatiable wanderlust, getting her coffee fix, and perpetually browsing animal Instagram accounts.
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