Best Health Insurance Plans for Cancer Patients in UAE

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The good news is that cancer treatment has improved a lot over the years. The bad news is that treatment costs can be extremely high. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hospital stays add up quickly.

This is where health insurance becomes necessary. The right health insurance in UAE can cover most of these costs and protect you from huge medical bills. This guide explains everything you need to know about health insurance for cancer in UAE, what is covered, what is not, which insurers offer good plans, and how programs like BASMAH help.

Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR)

• Yes, health insurance in UAE covers cancer treatment. Dubai law and Abu Dhabi regulations both require insurers to include cancer care in their plans.
  
• The BASMAH program in Dubai offers free screening for breast, colon, and cervical cancer to all DHA health insurance policyholders. If cancer is found, treatment is fully covered with no extra cost.
  
• Major insurers like GIG Gulf, Bupa, Cigna, and Daman offer strong cancer insurance in UAE. Higher-tier plans cover advanced treatments, international care, and support services.
  
• Most plans cover common cancers like breast, lung, liver, prostate, and blood cancers. Coverage includes chemo, radiation, surgery, hospital stays, and follow-up care.
  
• Watch out for waiting periods (usually 60 days), pre-existing condition rules, and exclusions like experimental treatments or cosmetic procedures.

Does Health Insurance Cover Cancer Treatment in UAE?

Straight answer? Yes!

Both public and private health insurance in UAE generally include cancer care. The diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for cancer are covered. But how much is covered depends on your policy, your insurer, and which emirate you live in.

• In Dubai, the health insurance law makes sure all residents have access to essential health services. Cancer treatment is part of that. Even people on the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) get cancer diagnosis and treatment covered. The catch is that some advanced therapies might need special approval from your insurer first.
• In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DoH) mandates that every insurance plan must include cancer treatment coverage as part of the basic package. No exceptions.
• For UAE citizens and federal government employees, the Thiqa program offers full coverage for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment through a wide network of hospitals. This includes advanced treatments too.

Here is a summary table to see which health insurance cover for cancer in UAE:

The BASMAH Program in Dubai

BASMAH stands for Breast, Colon, and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Initiative. It was launched by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and it is the first program of its kind in the region.

Here are the key points about BASMAH cancer insurance in UAE:

• It provides full coverage for screening and treatment of breast, colon, and cervical cancer for all Dubai residents with a DHA health insurance policy
  
• Screening includes mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears at no cost
  
• If cancer is detected during screening, patients get comprehensive treatment coverage without extra premiums or exclusions
  
• The goal is to catch cancer early, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and make sure everyone has access to life-saving treatment
  
• BASMAH removes the financial barrier that stops many people from getting screened or treated early.

Types of Cancer Covered in UAE

The BASMAH initiative in Dubai covers breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer specifically.

Most comprehensive health insurance plans in the UAE cover a much wider range of cancers, including:

• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Blood Cancers (like Leukaemia)

If you have a good health insurance cover for cancer in UAE, it should cover pretty much any cancer diagnosis. Always check your policy documents to be sure .

Is there any type of cancer that is NOT covered?

Insurance companies in the UAE do not maintain a published list of specific cancer types that they refuse to cover. They do not say “we cover breast cancer but not liver cancer.”

Instead, coverage depends on other factors:

Cancer Treatment in Health Insurance: What Is Included and What’s NOT?

Health insurance plans in the UAE cover different parts of cancer treatment. Here is what is usually included:

Screening and Early Detection

• Regular cancer screenings (BASMAH covers breast, colon, cervical for Dubai residents)
  
• Diagnostic tests like biopsies, MRI scans, CT scans, and blood work once cancer is suspected

Treatment Coverage

• Chemotherapy: Cost of drugs, administration sessions, and supportive medications
  
• Radiation therapy: Costs for radiation treatments, including advanced techniques
  
• Surgery: Procedures to remove cancerous tissues or tumours, plus pre-op and post-op care
  
• Hospitalisation: Room charges, consultations, medications, and other hospital services
  
• Outpatient Services: Consultations with oncologists, follow-up visits, and ongoing treatment

Additional Benefits on Some Plans

• Ambulance services to get you to treatment facilities
• Worldwide coverage if you want treatment at international facilities within the insurer’s network
• Alternative treatments like acupuncture or naturopathy within specified limits

Exclusions in Cancer Coverage

You also need to know what cancer insurance in UAE usually will not pay for. Here are common exclusions:

• Undeclared pre-existing conditions: If you had cancer before buying the policy and did not disclose it, coverage is denied
  
• Waiting periods: Even if you declare pre-existing conditions, there is often a waiting period (usually 60 to 90 days) before coverage starts
  
• Procedures deemed elective or cosmetic, like reconstructive surgeries after cancer, are typically not covered. Some plans cover this, many do not
  
• Treatments still in clinical trials or not approved by major health authorities are usually excluded

How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan with Cancer Coverage?

If you are thinking for health insurance in UAE and cancer coverage matters to you, here is what to check:

Private Health Insurance for Cancer in UAE

Government cancer insurance in UAE is good. But private insurance often gives you more options and faster access to care. Here is what major insurers offer:

GIG Gulf

GIG Gulf health insurance offers cancer care as part of its most comprehensive plans. Their policies cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and targeted drug therapies. Some plans also cover genetic testing and palliative care. Higher-tier plans have fewer limits on advanced treatments.

Bupa Global

Bupa insurance is known for extensive global health insurance cover for cancer in UAE. They cover inpatient and outpatient treatment, advanced biological and targeted therapies, and follow-up scans. 

Cigna

Cigna health insurance includes full coverage for cancer treatments in most major plans. You get access to a wide hospital network and second medical opinion services. Their higher-end plans cover cutting-edge treatments and overseas care if treatment is not available locally.

Daman

Daman National Health Insurance Company is one of the largest private health insurers in the UAE. They cover cancer treatment in all Enhanced Plans and for nationals under the Thiqa program. Benefits include diagnostic scans, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and post-treatment rehabilitation.

What private insurance often gives you that basic plans might not:

• Faster access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests
• International treatment options if you need care abroad
• Support services like dedicated cancer care managers, counselling, and nutritional support

Conclusion

Cancer treatment in the UAE can cost a lot. But cancer insurance in UAE covers most of it if you have the right plan. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both require insurers to include cancer care. The BASMAH program in Dubai even gives free screening and full treatment for breast, colon, and cervical cancer to everyone with a DHA policy. Private insurers like GIG Gulf, Bupa, Cigna, and Daman offer strong coverage. 

The key is to read your policy. Know what is covered, what is not, and what waiting periods apply. That way, if you ever face a cancer diagnosis, the last thing you will worry about is money.

Frequently Answered Questions