Picture yourself in a hospital bed, thinking about recovering without worrying about finances. That is the nature of network hospitals covered by health insurance in the UAE. Insurance companies have a special deal with network hospitals. When you have treatment there, there is no upfront cost. In order for you to focus on your recovery, the insurance provider pays the hospital’s expenses directly.

An example of a cashless claim might be:

You won’t have to cover the cost of your hospital stay if you file a cashless claim. Rather, the expenses are directly covered by your insurance provider.

This is how it functions:

• • Select a hospital in the network

Check to see if the hospital is listed as a network hospital by your health insurance UAE provider. Their website or app typically has this information.

• • Pre-authorization

The hospital will get your insurance company’s approval before starting treatment. They ensure your health or medical insurance UAE is up to date and will pay for the necessary care.

• • Relax and recover 

All of the documentation and billing with your health insurance Dubai and the UAE firm is done by the hospital. Without having to worry about making ends meet, you can focus on recovering.

Non-network hospitals covered by health insurance UAE

Non-network hospitals are meant for medical facilities not included in the approved network of your health insurance Dubai and the UAE provider. They can be employed in some circumstances even though they don’t provide cashless treatment. But you might have to pay extra out of pocket or deal with a more complicated claims procedure.

When to use non-network hospitals?

• • Emergency situations 

When you require urgent medical attention, the nearest hospital might not be covered by your plan. In these situations, traveling to the closest hospital, even if it is not covered by your insurance, is necessary.

• • Geographical convenience 

A non-network hospital can be your only or most convenient choice if you reside distant from any network hospitals or are travelling within the UAE.

How should a non-network hospital claim be handled?

Always consider the following factors before choosing to visit a non-network hospital:

• • Review your policy 

Review your health insurance Dubai and the UAE policy to find out if non-network hospital visits are covered. Be aware of the potential out-of-pocket charges and the percentage of costs that may be reimbursed.

• • Claims process

Because non-network hospital reimbursements may take longer and demand more documents than claims within the network, be ready for a more involved claims procedure.

• • Documentation 

Maintain detailed records of all medical reports, treatments, and receipts since you will need them to submit a claim for reimbursement to your health insurance UAE provider.

Comparison of network and non-network hospitals in health insurance UAE

In the UAE, health insurance providers offer different experiences when it comes to network and non-network hospitals. Network hospitals provide a cashless facility, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront, as the insurer handles payments directly with the hospital. On the other hand, at non-network hospitals, you need to pay the full amount yourself and later apply for reimbursement by submitting the required documents. Network hospitals are also more convenient due to minimal paperwork, while non-network hospitals generally require more paperwork, making the process less convenient. Cost coverage is another difference; network hospitals usually cover most costs, while you may incur more out-of-pocket expenses at non-network hospitals. Additionally, network hospitals often have a broad selection of specialists available, whereas non-network hospitals may have different quality and choice levels since they aren’t tied to insurance firms.

Difference between network and non-network hospitals in health insurance UAE

Understanding the differences between network and non-network hospitals drives you to make better financial and medical decisions. Here’s a basic explanation. Let’s check how both types of hospitals handle claims:

In the UAE, network and non-network hospitals have distinct procedures for handling health insurance claims. For network hospitals, you need to inform the Third Party Administrator (TPA) or insurance provider in advance of a planned hospital stay or within the time specified in emergencies. At non-network hospitals, it’s essential to notify your insurer immediately about any emergencies or treatment plans.

When it comes to payment, network hospitals do not require upfront payment as the insurer directly covers treatment costs. In contrast, at non-network hospitals, you are responsible for paying all fees at the time of treatment.

Network hospitals also simplify the documentation process by directly coordinating paperwork and billing with the insurance company. For non-network hospitals, you must collect all medical bills, receipts, and treatment records to apply for reimbursement.

In network hospitals, the billing is handled directly by the insurance company, so there’s no need to submit for reimbursement. However, in non-network hospitals, you must complete a reimbursement form, attach all necessary documents, and submit it to the insurer.

Finally, in network hospitals, the hospital manages claim processing and billing. For non-network hospitals, you’ll need to follow up with your insurance provider on the progress of your reimbursement claim and submit additional information if needed.

Which one to choose between network and non-network hospitals in health insurance UAE

There are some significant differences between network and non-network hospitals. You can choose the one that best suits your needs by being aware of some important points.

In the UAE, there are differences in financial convenience, specialist access, flexibility, and quality of care between network and non-network hospitals for health insurance users. Network hospitals provide financial convenience as no upfront payment is needed; the insurance company directly handles the bills. In contrast, non-network hospitals require you to pay upfront, and you can apply for reimbursement later, though it may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs.

Network hospitals often focus on particular types of care with specialized equipment and professionals, ideal for standard treatment needs. If you need specific specialists or treatments not available in network facilities, non-network hospitals allow you the flexibility to choose the specialists and services you prefer.

In terms of personal control, network hospitals follow predetermined procedures and rates, which simplifies the process but may offer fewer options in terms of doctors and treatments. Non-network hospitals, however, offer greater freedom in choosing doctors and treatments, though they often involve additional paperwork and may lead to delays.

Quality of care can vary across both network and non-network hospitals. However, network hospitals often maintain high standards due to regular insurance company checks, while non-network hospitals may also provide high-quality care depending on the facility.

How to decide between network and non-network hospitals in the UAE

• Check your insurance policy

Check the coverage provided by your health or medical insurance UAE for both network and non-network hospitals. Check for any limits or exclusions.

• Think about your emergency or medical needs

Determine whether you need specialized care that may only be provided at non-network hospitals or whether you are in an emergency situation and the closest hospital is not part of your network.

• Compare prices

Check the differences in costs between hospitals that are part of a network and those that are not. Consider your co-payments, deductible, and potential reimbursement amount.

• Check the quality of the hospital

Look into both types of hospitals. Check their certificates, ratings, and reviews.

• Consult your insurance company

For additional information, speak with your health insurance Dubai and the UAE provider about which hospitals provide the best coverage.