Ras al-Khaimah Insurance
Ras al-Khaimah is one of the northern emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located to the east of the Persian Gulf, and north of Oman. Ras al-Khaimah has been the site of settlement for several thousand years. Ras Al-Khaimah’s different from the other emirates in that Emiratis have maintained a majority of the population. UAE nationals only make up 20 percent of the population, but in Ras al-Khaimah, Emiratis make up about 50 percent of the population. The official language of the UAE is Arabic, although most people speak English. Other languages, such as Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Urdu, Begali, and Persian, are also spoken the expatriate population.
Ras al-Khaimah is also different from the other emirates in that its economy is not heavily dependent on oil production. Because Ras al-Khaimah does not have major oil reserves, it has focused on developing its industrial sector. Ras al-Khaimah is the UAE’s largest producer of cement, and the world’s largest ceramics producer. Ras al-Khaimah is also trying to become an investment destination. Ras al-Khaimah has passed legislation and regulations that are favorable for big international companies for offshore business purposes. Ras al-Khaimah guarantees security and confidentiality to entrepreneurs. International companies are not liable to pay local taxes, can open local bank accounts, make tax-free investments, etc. In addition no income, sales, or corporate taxes are charged.
There are private and public hospitals in Ras al-Khaimah. The two main government hospitals in the emirate are the Saqr Hospital and the Saif Bin Ghobash Hospital. All Emirati nationals have access to free medical treatment at all public facilities. Ras al-Khaimah, similar to the rest of the emirates in the UAE, offers a very high level of healthcare. Emiratis have access to most treatments, except for some highly complicated medical procedures.
Public hospitals are generally well equipped, and clean. However, as the case with most public hospitals, Ras al-Khaimah’s public hospitals are often crowded and do not have as much staff. Ras al-Khaimah particularly suffers from under-staffing. In recent years, it has struggled to fill many important posts in its hospitals. Because private hospitals offer a higher pay, many physicians, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel choose to join the private sector instead, which has left many patients with postponed and cancelled appointments. Expatriates and visitors do not receive free healthcare, and must pay for their treatment immediately or show proof of insurance.
Private hospitals in Ras al-Khaimah are plentiful, and of very high quality. However, this is also reflected in the prices. Medical treatment in private hospitals are much more expensive than in public hospitals. At private hospitals, both Emiratis and foreign nationals have to pay. A good private hospital that have many specialists in Ras al-Khaimah is the RAK Hospital, which is promoted by the Arabian Healthcare LLC, and managed by the Swiss healthcare provider, “Sonnehof-Swisshealth.” Private hospitals in Ras al-Khaimah are much more efficient. There are generally short or no waiting lines. Appointments are usually available for that day or the next.
However, as it is through most parts of the UAE, medical treatment costs have been on the rise. In the past few years, medical treatment costs have nearly tripled. Without private medical insurance, healthcare can be very expensive, depending on the treatment you need. It is not unusual for bills to range in the thousands of dollars.
Currently, Ras al-Khaimah does not have a mandatory health insurance scheme for expatriates. Expatriates going to Ras al-Khaimah for work are typically offered an insurance plan from their employers. However, this is not always the case, and the insurance plans do not offer sufficient cover. Many expatriates choose to purchase private international medical insurance, which can provide coverage worldwide. Travelers, who are not planning to stay for a long period, can also opt for traveler’s medical insurance.
Make sure that whichever plan you choose, pick one that provides emergency evacuation. In the event that you are seriously injured or ill in a remote area, you will need medical transportation to a hospital or clinic.
If you require assistance in choosing a plan that fits your needs, you can contact UAE Medical Insurance. We are specialists in insurance solutions for expatriates and travelers not only in the UAE, but also in the Middle Eastern region. Our years of experience can help guide you to a plan that fits your unique needs and budget.
Our service is completely free and impartial. We work with many of the top international and local insurers, which allow us to be unbiased when it comes to helping you. Our longstanding relationship with insurers and deep knowledge of the insurance industry can even help you receive a discount on your annual premiums.
To learn more about medical insurance in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE, or the Middle East, leave us an inquiry today. One of our experienced medical insurance consultants will get in touch with you shortly.
