Having Babies in Dubai

Smiles:-) · #1 (**permalink**) 27th March 2008, 02:05 PM

I was told that I will have to plan with the insurance company when I want to have a baby. Is this true? Can someone explain?

In the US you get pregnant and then tell the insurance company.

Thanks,
Korena

Elphaba · #2 (**permalink**) 27th March 2008, 02:30 PM

Not quite!

Not all private medical insurance includes maternity cover. With some top end contracts it is integral, with others it is an add-on.

For most contracts you have to have the plan for a period of time before you are insured for maternity related issues. Usually this is between 6-9 months of taking the plan out. Some larger company sponsored schemes include maternity cover from date of joining.

These terms are not confined to plans in Dubai only, but apply to cover around the world, even in the US. It all shows the importance of obtaining proper advice when taking out a suitable medical cover.

And I know all this as I advise on these issues professionally

You'll be pleased to hear that standard of medical care here are high.

Smiles:-) · #3 (**permalink**) 27th March 2008, 03:02 PM

So to understand...It all depends on the insurance I get?

If the insurance I get says that after 6 months is will cover maternity then I can have a bbay with out planning with them first?

As of June, all companies are required to provide insurance? Or will I have to get my own?

Thanks

TheFiveJs · #4 (**permalink**) 27th March 2008, 03:18 PM

What would happen if you were pregnant before you left the states? Would they cover it?

PS- This question is for YOU, not me LOL

Smiles:-) · #5 (**permalink**) 27th March 2008, 03:55 PM

Good question. Anyone know what would happen?

Elphaba · #6 (**permalink**) 28th March 2008, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiles:-)

So to understand...It all depends on the insurance I get?

If the insurance I get says that after 6 months is will cover maternity then I can have a bbay with out planning with them first?

As of June, all companies are required to provide insurance? Or will I have to get my own?

Thanks

Yes.

As of July 1st all companies in Dubai are required to provide cover for employees, but you can virtually guarantee that due to costs, few will offer top level cover including maternity.

You need to ask for details of the cover the company will offer then speak to me.

Elphaba · #7 (**permalink**) 28th March 2008, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFiveJs

What would happen if you were pregnant before you left the states? Would they cover it?

PS- This question is for YOU, not me LOL

Again depends on the contract - a corporate arrangement MIGHT cover this, but the plans and specific details are all different. Ask the employer for information.

A new personally arranged plan will not provide maternity cover, without a waiting period.

Smiles:-) · #8 (**permalink**) 28th March 2008, 01:58 PM

Thanks!

Does Dubai have Maternity Leave? If so how long is it?

Elphaba · #9 (**permalink**) 29th March 2008, 08:54 AM

Maternity leave is 45 days after one years service.

#10 (**permalink**) 31st March 2008, 05:11 PM

Erm... i'd do some serious research here.. the law currently states that any Non-UAE National must return to their home country to give birth as they will not grant a birth certificate in the UAE. Imay be completely wrong on this, but this was one of the things that flagged up for moi.