Private medical and dental insurance in Kuwait

As of 2018, expats in Kuwait must obtain health insurance, receive treatment in separate hospitals and clinics for Kuwaiti citizens, and provide proof of their insurance to receive treatment.

While it used to cost around $ 70 a month for universal health insurance, this amount was based on the fact that the government supplements most of the health care in Kuwait for expats. With the changes to the law announced in 2016, the costs of health insurance for expats are increasing, so it is worth talking to your provider to discover the best options available.

As with all types of insurance, when you get a health insurance policy, do some homework and check the lower case letters, especially when it comes to what is covered and what is not.

All policies include limitations and restrictions; For example, "pre-existing" medical conditions are unlikely to be covered, some occupations are often excluded or incur additional fees, and high-risk sports are generally not covered, although the definition of "high risk" varies from company to company. insurance to another. . Many companies also set the costs of a specific treatment within a calendar year, in addition to having a total annual limit for all treatments. Be wary of policies that restrict the number of days you can spend in the hospital.

There may be an age limit for accepting a plan, and if you are offered a special health policy that expires at retirement, it would be wise to avoid it; If you are forced to have a new policy when you reach the age limit, it will be very difficult to find one with a reasonable premium, perhaps not at all. Be aware that some companies terminate your policy at the end of the specified period if they believe that the costs incurred have become too high. If you are buying an international policy, also keep in mind that some policies exclude coverage in the US due to high medical fees there. Often times you can pay to add different areas or types of coverage, but this can be expensive.

Keep in mind that insurance companies can be very particular about your claim forms and be strict that the appropriate doctor or dentist completes them completely. Many medical professionals find this boring, but you must insist that it be done to order.

Comprehensive dental insurance can be very expensive, and if you want comprehensive coverage, you must purchase a "gold standard" health plan. Fillings and emergency extractions are generally included in standard health plans, but when it comes to more specialized treatment that includes crowns, bridges, and other prosthetics, costs skyrocket. Even the "gold standard" policies have exceptions, sometimes regarding the content of fillings, the number of dental visits, and the volume of work performed in any one year. Document holders should also verify that the cover includes X-rays and simple cleaning. Cosmetic and orthodontic procedures for children are not included in most plans (if they are, the premiums are often high).