‘Insurance from company will make me feel secure’

Indian expatriate Ayesha Shah is looking forward to becoming one of many to benefit from from the mandatory health insurance scheme.

Ayesha Shah, 25, believes health insurance becoming mandatory will benefit people working in the private sector. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // Interior designer Ayesha Shah is one of many who will eventually benefit from the mandatory health insurance scheme.
Ms Shah, of MNK Interiors, moved to Dubai from Mumbai earlier this year.
"At the moment my organisation doesn't provide its employees with health insurance," said the 25-year-old Indian expatriate.
"I work in the interior design industry where generally firms are of the small and boutique category with not more than seven or eight employees."
Within the next two years her company will have to provide Ms Shah with insurance.
Companies with fewer than 100 workers have until the end of June 2016 to provide coverage in phase three of the scheme. "I think health insurance becoming mandatory is going to help all employees," said Ms Shah.
"The constant fear of falling ill – keeping in mind the extremely expensive doctors appointments – will fade away.
"We will be able to have a more carefree approach knowing that health care will no longer be burning a hole in our pockets.
"I am definitely looking forward to it, as care and safety is guaranteed with treatments no longer causing financial difficulties.
"It will also make sick leaves genuine and believable."
Insurance is vital as ill health could strike at any time, said Ms Shah.
"It is obviously important," she said. "Nobody is invincible and can be affected by any disease at any time; any illness can occur and unforeseen accidents are always lurking in our minds."
Currently, Ms Shah often waits until she returns home to India to seek medical help or even just get a check-up.
"Because of a lack of health insurance most of my required medicines come from India when I travel back home," she said.
"These medicines are for my existing health issues. And I am certain I am not the only one who does this.
"Every trip back home has a mandatory check up with the dentist or the GP for existing health issues. After all, seeing a doctor is comforting and gives relief.
"My company has not been providing health insurance to me since the day I joined, and this was definitely a matter of concern, not just for me, but for my well wishers too.
"Medical insurance from the company will make me feel secure, that is for sure. Nobody can foresee illness and knowing that one is covered for their health will help reduce stress even on a subconscious level."
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