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For many couples, a much-awaited dream is the day of welcoming a child into this world. But the advent of infertility brings with it severe challenges. In the UAE, infertility treatment forms a crucial concern both because of the emotional implications it brings with it and due to the financial burdens it puts on couples. With the blossoming of fertility clinics and medical treatments, many would like to know: Does health insurance in the UAE cover infertility treatments?
The article will discuss infertility treatment coverage by UAE health insurance, what is included and excluded, and how to access these services. The article will also discuss the law, costs, and other important considerations for residents seeking fertility treatments
Coverage for Infertility Treatment in the United Arab Emirates
The availability of Infertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the UAE is common. The treatments, however, can be quite pricey, hence insurance coverage for it is, in many cases, a prime condition for couples. The good thing is that some insurance companies in the country do have coverage for infertility treatments; but the coverage level varies greatly from policy to policy.
Does Health Insurance Cover Infertility Treatment?
Luckily, many health insurers in the UAE cover IVF treatments in full or in part as part of their medical plan. For example, some premium plans from Allianz and Aetna provide IVF benefits. There might be, however, some conditions: waiting periods and eligibility conditions. To determine the extent of coverage, you need to check with the insurance provider and the plan appropriate for you.
Common Procedures Covered in IVF
| Procedure | Indications |
| Artificial Insemination (AI) | Erectile dysfunction unresponsive to treatment, failed medication treatments, mild male infertility, mild endometriosis, cervical mucus issues, unexplained infertility |
| In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) | Blocked/damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, cervical mucus issues, male infertility, unexplained infertility, failure to conceive after six ovulation cycles or intrauterine insemination (IUI) |
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) | Poor sperm quality, failed fertilization with standard IVF, limited frozen sperm, severe sperm quality issues, azoospermi |
| Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR) | Azoospermia, ejaculation problems, immobile sperm, congenital reproductive defects |
Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) | Requires at least one functioning fallopian tube; similar to IVF |
| Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT) | Similar to GIFT and IVF, though rarely performed today |
1. Daman Health
Plan | IVF Coverage | Additional Details |
| Thiqa Plan | Covers up to three attempts per yea | Up to nine attempts covered for members renewing for three year |
Aounak & Reaay | Costs directly billed to Dama | No specific limit mentione |
Premier Plan | Covers IVF with a lifetime limit of AED 365,000 per perso | Reimbursement depends on policy terms |
Note: Pre-authorization and medical justification may be required. Coverage applies only to specific conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, or unexplained infertility.
Key Medical Assistance Criteria
Infertility coverage shall be based upon:
● For women under 35: inability to conceive for a year due to unprotected intercourse.
● For women over 35: inability to conceive for six months due to unprotected intercourse or with a historical medical indication of:
● Irregular menses or complete absence of menstruation
● Known/ suspected uterine, tubal, or peritoneal disease
● Severe endometriosis (Stage III-IV)
● Male subfertility (a low number of sperm and/or poor sperm quality).
2.Allianz Care
Allianz covers infertility treatment, as well as diagnostic procedures such as hysterosalpingogram, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy. When infertility treatment is covered under the policy, Allianz will pay until the limit imposed on the policy. But if infertility is not included in the coverage, non-invasive diagnostic tests are only covered under outpatient benefits.
Exclusions Under Allianz IVF Plan
Unless clearly stated in the plan, medically assisted reproduction will not be covered. Non-invasive infertility investigations are only covered under an outpatient plan, up to the defined policy limit.
How to Check Your Health Insurance for Infertility Coverage
● Go Through Your Policy: Look for terms like, "fertility treatments," "infertility," "IVF," or "assisted reproductive technologies."
● Contact Insurance Provider: Call customer service and verify coverage for those specific treatments.
● Check Coverage Limitations: Coverage may vary for diagnostic tests, such as IVF or other treatments.
● Pre-Authorization Requirements: Some insurers wish for the treatment of infertility to be pre-approved.
● Find Out About Add-On Coverage: Check with your carrier about add-ons or upgrades if infertility treatments are not within your policy.
● Employer Call: Some employers cover extensive insurance plans that include fertility benefits; check with HR.
Key Considerations Before Seeking Infertility Treatment
● Treatment Cost: The general rule of thumb, as guided by the DHA, stipulates that most UAE insurance providers do not cover fertility treatments. If your insurance covers only part of the cost, budget to pay for other treatment expenses.
● Accreditation of Clinic: Choose a fertility clinic that is accredited by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi or Dubai Health Authority. This is recommended to ensure high medical standards.
● Network of Insurance: Verify whether or not a chosen clinic or hospital is included in the insurance network in order to avoid outraging out-of-pocket costs.
Health insurance coverage for infertility treatment varies by policy type and location. While most basic plans do not provide coverage for fertility treatment, some comprehensive and private plans may provide partial or complete coverage. Always check with your provider, your insurance policy, and other options to make informed decisions about your fertility journey.
