Sharjah ruler promises 'health insurance for all' as emirate expands coverage

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, shared plans for the future of health insurance in the emirate. Speaking on the Direct Line radio programme, he said that one day, all Emiratis in Sharjah will receive free health insurance.

"The Sharjah Government has been providing health insurance to its employees and their dependents, as well as senior Emiratis — but the emirate is expanding this coverage. When it comes to providing health insurance to its people, Sharjah has not and will not cut corners — but we are taking the matter slowly", said Sheikh Dr Sultan.

The new initiative will now extend insurance to Emirati residents of the emirate who are 45 years old, as stated by Dr Mohammad Falah, a representative from the Sharjah Health Authority's (SHA) medical insurance department.

“To be eligible, they have to be a UAE citizen and a resident of the emirate,” Dr Falah added. Previously, the eligibility threshold required Emiratis to be at least 50 years old to qualify for government-sponsored insurance.

In addition to this expanded coverage for senior citizens, Sharjah is preparing for the rollout of mandatory health insurance for all employees, set to launch in January 2025. While employees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already covered by local regulations entitling them to medical insurance, this will mark the first time such a requirement is implemented in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

Local experts indicate that Sharjah authorities are reviewing the policies in place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to develop a basic insurance package, allowing employers some flexibility to enhance benefits. Health insurance premiums in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates are expected to be more affordable than those currently offered in Dubai.

This expansion of health insurance coverage is seen as a key step in improving healthcare accessibility for Emiratis in the emirate of Sharjah.