The Covid19 pandemic has been a part of our lives for almost 2 years now. Masks, sanitizers, and Covid tests have become routine habits. The most important thing that this virus made us realize is that health cannot and should be compromised at any cost. We should take care to keep our body and mind fit through exercises, right eating, etc.
If you are an ex-pat living in the UAE, you already know that medical expenses here are quite high. While the emiratis can enjoy the benefits of the public healthcare system, immigrants can not. Even a short visit to a pharmacy in Dubai can empty the pockets of these immigrants.
Here we will go through some ways in which you can manage your healthcare bills:
Always have a good health insurance plan
Skimping out on a good health insurance plan equals compromising your peace of mind. In the UAE, insurance covers all kinds of medical treatments like surgeries, labor, and medications, inpatient and outpatient treatments are also covered under these policies.
Low-cost/free medical service providers
It seems bizarre to use the word ‘free’ and ‘healthcare’ in the same sentence in the UAE. But there are certain places here like the Pakistan healthcare Association or the University of Sharjah where free treatments are provided at a small yearly registration fee. These services can be availed by ex-pats belonging to low-income groups. You will have to reach early as the doctors only offer consultation to a limited number of patients.
Apart from this, you can also utilize the free healthcare check-ups organized by banks or other corporates in shopping malls in Dubai as part of their promotional campaigns.
Nip the medical issues in the bud
As soon as you notice a small medical issue, consult a doctor immediately. Sometimes ignoring the small issues can lead to a big medical expense.
Consider outpatient services over inpatient treatments
Depending on the medical issue, you can opt for outpatient care in clinics in Barsha rather than inpatient treatments in hospitals. Apart from reducing your medical bills, you can also access various other benefits like recovering at your home, shorter wait time, and lower post-surgery risks.
Manage your prescription costs
There are several ways to lower your prescription bills:
Since different brands are offering the same medicine, you can ask your pharmacist to give you a cheaper alternative.
Friends or family visiting you can bring you 3 months' worth of medicines from your homeland. On the other hand, if you are traveling back to the UAE, you can fill up your bag with 12 months of prescription drugs. In both these cases, you need a valid doctor's letter.
You should also keep your eye out for the deals offered by online pharmacies.
So if you are residing in the UAE, managing your healthcare bills is of utmost priority otherwise it can lead to unnecessary expenses. Paying attention to your health is a necessity that should never be overlooked.
Comments