Contraceptives rarely covered by health insurance in UAE

Contraceptives cannot generally be claimed on health insurance policies, except for a few premium plans. Some doctors, however, say they should be covered.

Contraceptive pills:

■ Women must be made aware of contraceptive pill risks, say UAE doctors

■ UAE residents warn against oral contraceptive side-effects

■ Contraceptives rarely covered by health insurance in UAE

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ABU DHABI // Contraceptives are rarely covered by health insurance policies, officials have confirmed.

A spokesman for Health Authority Abu Dhabi said that both contraceptive pills and intrauterine contraceptive devices could not be claimed.

“They are not covered for either Emiratis or non-Emiratis,” he said.

Dr Nazura Siddiqi said they should be paid for by insurance in some circumstances.

“The oral contraceptive pills are quite expensive for many people,” he said. “They should be covered and freely available. However, the pills can be prescribed and are covered for non-contraceptive reasons.”

Dr Soraya Farah said: “I prescribe contraceptives according to health benefit and not insurance. The advantage of insurance coverage is not only financial, but may encourage women to visit the doctor.

“I think all contraceptives should be covered,” she said.

Insurance company Daman covers contraception in its premier plan and in higher-end plans for larger organisations, a spokesman said.

“Whether or not insurance covers contraception depends on the level of the insurance and one has to pay a lot for the ones that cover,” said Dr Fady Georges Hachem, consultant obstetrics and gynaecology at Burjeel Hospital. “Sometimes, a woman needs contraception for medical treatment and the insurance companies agree to pay. At times they ask for medical reports.”

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UAE doctors are warning women against the potential side effects of oral contraceptive pills. They say women need to be made aware of serious health risks such as blood clots and heart attacks to the more mild ones like weight gain or fluid retention.

With no plans for contraceptive pills and intrauterine devices to be included under health insurance coverage, women who have suffered from ailments after using oral contraceptives have urged caution.