UAE to require insurance coverage for organ donors and recipients

“Before, the law was not clear about the role of insurance in organ donation and transplantation, but now it is,” said Dr Ali Al Obaidi, chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee.

“We now know that health insurance support is also part of the new [draft] law and is mandatory for everyone [insurance companies to comply].”

He said the proposed law says all insurance companies can support the Hayat program. “Actually, insurance companies are asked to be strategic partners of the program,” explained Dr. Al Obaidi.

Dr Marwan Al Mulla, executive director of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said the new bill states that transplantation and donation are the rights of the patient. “Therefore, it should be part of the insurance coverage.”

He said the DHA would work with the national committee to order it in Dubai.

Last week, the two officials and representatives of multiple health authorities in the UAE held a meeting with insurance companies in this regard.

Various mechanisms were discussed to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of the organ transplant program for everyone, regardless of nationality or gender.

According to health insurance experts, insurance policies generally do not include coverage for transplant surgeries, except for certain high-end health insurance plans or international private health insurance products, which may offer limited transplant coverage.

The DHA Essential Benefits Plan benefit schedule currently excludes health services and expenses associated with organ and tissue transplants, regardless of whether the insured is a donor or recipient. “This exclusion also applies to follow-up treatments and complications, unless, if left untreated, they become an emergency,” the benefits table says.

However, some critical insurance plans offer a significant level of coverage for transplant procedures. However, challenges arise when policy limits are insufficient to cover the costs of surgery and some policies have limited coverage for recipients but not donors.

“In scenarios where transplant procedures are covered, it is important to note that insurance generally only covers costs associated with the transplant and the recipient, excluding expenses incurred by the donor. However, there are government programs and several charities that provide support for transplant surgeries,” said an insurance expert.

Another expert said insurance companies generally avoid including transplant coverage in all types of policies. “This strategy aims to maintain the affordability of health insurance premiums.

“Transplant surgeries are often classified under expert quaternary care, which involves substantial costs. One of the significant challenges in transplant procedures is the rigorous and often arduous process of finding a medically suitable donor.”

Furthermore, he said, the spectrum of post-transplant complications can range from minimal to severe and, unfortunately, in some cases even loss of life occurs. “These complications can have a considerable impact on the patient’s lifestyle and overall well-being, even after completing the transplant procedure,” she said.

Therefore, a health plan may cover the entire cost of a transplant procedure, but not the cost of additional care needed in the post-transplant period.

However, the upcoming law is expected to cover both donors and recipients, addressing existing gaps, said Dr Aliasger Bagasrawala, director of Revenue Cycle at King’s College London in Dubai, which has become the first center liver transplant in Dubai.

He said the implementation of mandatory coverage will encourage more organ donations. “Under certain circumstances, the costs associated with organ harvesting, transportation, surgeries and post-transplant care can pose financial challenges.”

Once the new plan is mandatory, he said, the transplant program will be sustainable and accessible to both donors and recipients.

“One thing is clear. Health leaders and authorities are committed to preventing financial constraints from hindering patient access to transplant procedures by offering support to all eligible residents. “This is truly a reassuring national policy for UAE residents.”

Father Davis Chiramel, popularly known as the Kidney Priest of India, whose ‘Green Living’ campaign has been promoted to advocate the message of organ donation among residents of the UAE, said insurance companies too They can play an important role in spreading awareness about organ donation.

“By offering insurance, they could get the policyholder to commit to the Hayat program. They could also consider offering an additional month of free coverage to those who sign up to donate their organs,” said Fr Davis, who has donated his kidney and campaigns to promote the donation of kidneys and other organs.

Since 2017, the Hayat program has received tens of thousands of pledges and 582 organs transplanted, including 328 kidney, 199 liver, 16 heart, 26 lung and 13 pancreas transplants. One person has the potential to save the lives of eight people who desperately need an organ transplant, including those suffering from cancer, heart disease, lung failure, cirrhosis, kidney failure and more.