Healthcare Cost in Sharjah

Sharjah is an emirate of the UAE known for its culture as well as rapidly developing infrastructure. With the development in the healthcare system of Sharjah, knowledge of the cost as well as available insurable facilities is all the more important. Such knowledge is required so that healthcare costs in Sharjah could be regulated in an efficient manner so that quality healthcare services can be offered to the residents as well as expatriates. In this article by Dxboffplan, we will discuss everything you would need to know about Healthcare cost in Sharjah as well as key differences it has when compared to other major cities in the UAE. With UAE’s medical inflation rising 4-6% annually, knowledge about the cost when it comes to each city specifically is absolutely critical. We would also examine public and private systems of healthcare in Sharjah to point out which one will suit your needs best.

Overview of Healthcare cost in Sharjah

One of the key steps in uncovering Living Conditions in Sharjah is examining its healthcare system. The truth is that Sharjah, like its surrounding cities, offers an advanced health system with various public and private healthcare facilities. The Healthcare cost in Sharjah can be quite varied based on the type of facility as well as services required. Government-aided public hospitals such as Al Qassimi Hospital provide low-cost care to Emiratis, while privately-owned hospitals such as Zulekha and NMC Royal are expensive with faster access. With expatriate health care being obligatory, knowledge about the cost structure is critical. From check ups to surgery, diagnostics, as well as consulting specialists, knowledge about average costs as well as coverage allows residents’ budget planning to be well informed. The following is an in-depth look:

Hospital Expenses in Sharjah

Sharjah hospital charges are highly variable between the public facilities versus private ones. The public facilities are relatively inexpensive as compared to private facilities whose services are costly. The charges for a routine medical consultation are as much as 200 AED, whereas complex operations, such as surgeries, cost several thousand dirhams.

Cost of Ambulance and Emergency Services

Emergency medical services in Sharjah are available, albeit with variable costs. Public ambulance services with the National Ambulance are free of cost for UAE nationals and emergencies for foreigners. Private ambulance services vary from AED 500–1,000 for transfers. Public hospital emergency room visits are relatively low cost or free for Emiratis, whereas expats can pay an estimated AED 500–2,000 based on the care provided depending on the absence of an insurance component. Health plans typically have coverage for emergencies, though post-treatment pre-authorization may be necessary.

Drug Prices in Sharjah

Licensed pharmacies distribute medicines in Sharjah, and their prices can be different based on the drug type and the drug’s brand name. Part of drug expenses is generally covered through health insurance, but some drug types are not covered under health insurance policies.

Expert Medical Services in Sharjah

There are some additional medical services including psychological counseling, physiotherapy, and dental treatment with fixed charges. These can either not be covered under basic health insurance or can be included separately. Of course, health insurance can certainly reduce these expenses, thereby reducing health costs for residents as well as expatriates.

Types of Health Insurance in Sharjah

Sharjah, as with the rest of UAE, also features an advanced health insurance system. Bear that in mind as an absolute advantage while going through the list of pros and cons of living in Sharjah. Though with medical services being quite costly, health insurance is unavoidable in order to pay for the expenses and is usually obligatory for residence. Here are available plans for health insurance in Sharjah:

• Individual Health Policy: Individual health policy is for those who need private health insurance. Individual health policies offer protection against all manner of medical care including medical consultation, hospitalization, specialized treatment, dental treatment, and prescribed drugs. A premium amount is paid for extensive medical cover by an individual.
• Family Health Plan Policy: The family health insurance policies offer extensive protection coverage for all the family members. It includes all those health care services including stay in hospital, visit to doctor, immunization, and even dental treatment. The policy enables proper medical care of all family members without incurring heavy expenditures.
• Insurance Plans for Senior Citizens: Seniors who are 60 years and older can purchase insurance plans. These insurance plans address the special medical care demands of seniors, including doctor consultation fees, hospital care, therapy sessions, and medications.
• Corporate Health plans: these are provided by employers for the workers. Employers pay for complete medical care through corporate health plans as an advantageous company benefit. Hospitalization and medical consultation and other specialty treatment are generally covered under corporate health plans.
• Travel Health Policies: These policies are designed for international travelers. Travel health policies cover medical emergencies due to traveling for sickness or injury while on the road.

Sharjah has its health infrastructure backed by a range of governmental projects for efficiency and affordability. MOHAP has launched an “E-Health” system whereby people can get prescriptions, bookings, and blood tests online, saving time and money.

Public and Private Systems of Healthcare: Strengths and Weaknesses

Sharjah government-owned healthcare is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and is accessed predominantly by UAE nationals with free or subsidized services. Public hospitals deliver quality services, albeit with long waiting lines as well as limited English speakers. Private services, though, are expensive. MRI, for example, can cost as low as AED 700 in public hospitals, whereas the same in private hospital facilities would cost over AED 2,000. Choosing the best provider is determined by the presence of insurance coverage as well as the urgency.

Property Buyers’ and Investors’ Health Insurance

Expats who purchase houses in Sharjah usually obtain residency visas, for which the possession of valid health insurance is mandatory. Property ownership in itself does not qualify for free health care, but it does qualify for visa sponsorship that requires coverage. The investors are free to choose local players such as Daman, Oman Insurance, or foreign players such as Cigna and Aetna. The minimum policy per year begins at AED 1,500, while comprehensive policies for families or older persons can exceed AED 8,000. The cover provides access to public as well as private hospitals. The investors must include continuing insurance premiums in budgeting for long-term property ownership in the UAE city of Sharjah or for general UAE residency planning.

Abu Dhabi vs. Sharjah Healthcare Cost

Healthcare costs in Abu Dhabi are heavier due to its developed medical infrastructure and broader base of services. The emirate has modern facilities and specialist care, which requires health insurance to keep pace with the cost. Healthcare in Sharjah is relatively less costly, reflecting its developing infrastructure. The healthcare quality is on the rise, yet the cost remains less than Abu Dhabi. Both emirates have a host of insurance policies to facilitate residents and expatriates in accessing needed healthcare without bearing a huge cost burden. In general, Abu Dhabi’s consultations start at AED 250, insurance from AED 1,400/year while Sharjah’s start at AED 200, insurance ranges from AED 400–3,000/year.

Dental, Optical, and Maternity Costs in Sharjah

Dental, eye, and maternity in Sharjah are costly, especially in private centers. Dentist cleaning will cost between AED 200–400, and roots cost between AED 1,200–2,000. Optical tests cost between AED 100–250, while prescribed spectacles cost between AED 300–1,000. Maternity packages in private hospitals like Medcare or NMC cost between AED 7,000–14,000, with the mode of delivery being either natural or cesarean. Dental care and eye care are not covered in some policies unless stated, while maternity is covered in full-cover policies. Public hospitals are cheaper though with longer waiting times.

Healthcare Tourism in Sharjah

Apart from Dubai’s glamour, Sharjah is an emerging health tourist destination for physiotherapy, dentistry, and dermatological care. For instance dental implants in Sharjah fall within the budget of AED 3,500–5,000, 30% cheaper than their Dubai or foreign equivalent. Facilitation of visas for health tourists is offered by the government of the emirate, as well as actively developing private health facilities. First-rate institutions, multilingual staff, affordability, as well as an increasing popularity of Sharjah, make them an attractive choice for local health tourists.

Final Words

You should consider Healthcare costs in Sharjah when deciding to Invest here as they will impact your finances greatly. The Healthcare cost in Sharjah varies with the type of services, hospitals, and obtainable health policies. Health coverage is absolutely required in order to balance these costs so as not to burden residents and foreigners with an enormous financial load when seeking quality healthcare. Having insurance is an important aspect of achieving long-term peace of mind as well as financial protection when you decide to settle in this rapidly rising city. If you have done your research and are serious about this venture, we at Dxboffplan are here for you and offer a free consultation session on Sharjah real estate market. Let us guide you with the latest property prices in Sharjah and exclusive, high returning investment opportunities that would suit your budget.