1. Which illnesses are covered?
Most policies cover a defined list of conditions. Typical inclusions are:
- Cancer
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Coronary artery disease surgery
- Heart valve replacement or repair
- Major organ transplant
- Renal failure
- Multiple sclerosis
- Motor neuron disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Benign brain tumour
- Aortic graft surgery
- Third-degree burns
- Other terminal illnesses defined in the policy
The exact list and definitions vary by insurer. Read the policy wording carefully, or ask us to walk you through it.
2. How does the payout work?
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a covered condition, subject to the policy definitions and any survival period. The money is yours to use however you need: medical costs, mortgage payments, time off work, or simply living expenses while you recover.
3. How is this different from medical or health insurance?
Medical insurance pays for treatment. Critical illness insurance pays you a cash sum after diagnosis, regardless of what your medical bills look like. Many people hold both. They cover different problems.
4. Why might someone in Dubai or the wider region want this cover?
Critical illness insurance in Dubai matters because expatriates often have no fallback. There is no state safety net, family may be in another country, and a serious diagnosis can mean months without income. The lump sum buys time and choices.
5. How much cover do most people need?
A common rule is between 12 and 36 months of income, but the right number depends on your debts, dependants, and savings. We work it out with you rather than guessing.
6. Are there waiting periods or exclusions?
Most policies have a short initial waiting period (often 90 days) and a survival period after diagnosis (commonly 14 to 30 days). Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. We flag every exclusion before you sign anything.
7. Can I keep the policy if I leave the UAE?
Many international critical illness policies are fully portable, meaning cover continues if you relocate. Some local policies are not. We make portability a key consideration when choosing the policy if there is any chance you will move.
8. Does my age affect what I can buy?
Yes. Premiums rise with age, and most insurers have an upper age limit for new applications, typically between 60 and 65. Buying earlier locks in lower premiums.
9. Can my employer add this as an employee benefit?
Yes. Critical illness can be included in a group employee benefits package, often at lower per-person cost than buying individually. Speak to us about adding it to your existing group cover.
