- Thiqa plan renewal free of charge

- Renewals started May 2009

- More than 580000 Nationals are now enrolled in Daman's Thiqa program.

Abu Dhabi, 28th May 2009: The National Health Insurance Company, Daman, the leading health insurance company in the region, announced that it has started to contact Thiqa members due for the first renewal at no charge to the member during the course of this month. However, Thiqa members due for renewal will be granted a one month extension period to ensure continuity of coverage while the renewal process takes place. Daman has already contacted providers to ensure acceptance of Thiqa cards for the additional one month period.

Dr. Michael Bitzer, Daman's Chief Executive Officer commented "Thiqa renewals mark a year of success and hard work where more than 580,000 UAE Nationals have now been enrolled within Thiqa program. The renewal process will occur automatically. However, certain categories of members will be contacted to fulfill certain requirements before renewal. The renewal process has been designed to run smoothly to ensure the complete satisfaction of all our members.

Categories of Thiqa members who will be contacted to fulfill their eligibility for renewal include:

UAE Nationals aged 18 and above who have not conducted the 'Weqaya' medical screening test at the time of their initial application; will be contacted by Daman and asked to conduct the test required for renewals. The medical examination will consist of measuring the height, weight, blood pressure, as well as blood testing for levels of glucose and cholesterol. The free of charge 'Weqaya' medical screening test can be preformed at any of SEHA's primary healthcare clinics; namely : Al Rawda, Khalifa Center A , Madinat Zayed Hospital (the western Region), and Thiqa Branch in Al Ain and Al Neyadat Clinic in Al Ain.

UAE nationals who had conducted 'Weqaya' screening tests at the time of application last year and their results showed high blood glucose levels will be contacted by HAAD for a follow up screening

Additionally; UAE female Nationals aged 40 to 69 will be requested by HAAD to undergo a separate medical check up that involves a mammogram for breast cancer screening.

Furthermore, Decree holders and Non-UAE Nationals holding Thiqa will be requested by Daman to prove their status and hence their eligibility as per the time of application last year.

Once all requirements are fulfilled by each member, the card will be renewed and dispatched to the respective Thiqa member. 

Thiqa was launched in 2008 by the Health Authority, Abu Dhabi, whereby Daman was assigned to manage the Thiqa program and has since enrolled over 580,000 UAE Nationals. Thiqa is designed to provide quality healthcare services to UAE Nationals in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

For more information regarding Thiqa renewals, please call Toll free 800 4 80000.

-Ends-

About National Health Insurance Company - Daman
The National Health Insurance Company - Daman, was established on 01 May 2006. Today it is the region's leading health insurance company, providing comprehensive healthcare solutions to over 1,700,000 customers in the UAE via the largest network of private hospitals and pharmacies available.

With affordable health insurance for people of all income levels, Daman offers international standard healthcare insurance cover for both individuals and companies. A 24-hour dedicated Medical Authorizations Center, staffed by a team of doctors and nurses, ensures that patient enquiries are dealt with speedily and efficiently using the most sophisticated technology available. A second customer hotline, also open 24/7 and manned by multilingual staff, guarantees that UAE residents can access information about plans and their insurance cover whenever and wherever they want.

With an international network, Daman's customers have access to healthcare provision in 38 countries across the world depending on the terms of their personal cover.

Customers also benefit from Daman's exclusive partnerships with Assist America, the international emergency programme, and VIPmed Almeda, the international second medical opinion scheme, giving its customers special access to world-leading healthcare.

Daman was awarded "Corporate Social Responsibility" in 2008 and 2009, and 'Best Medical Insurer of the Year' in March 2009 and 2007 by INSUREX, the Middle East's leading insurance industry conference.

For media inquiries, please call:
Ali Al Dalati
Weber Shandwick, Abu Dhabi
Tel: +9712 4494457
Fax: +9712 4494833
ali.dalati@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2009