UAE insurers must cover organ transplants without time limits

Health insurance companies in the United Arab Emirates must now cover the costs of medical care for organ and tissue removal and transplantation procedures.

This mandate took effect on October 31 following the end of a six-month transition period. The requirement applies to both donors and recipients and covers all stages of the process, including pre-operative examinations, surgery, and medical follow-up. The law ensures that insurance policies cover the treatment of complications even if they appear years after the operation.

These services must be included in all health insurance systems currently active in the country. The Ministry of Health and Prevention reported that the Hayat program, the national organ and tissue donation and transplantation program, currently has 40,381 registered individuals. The new regulations also establish strict rules for healthcare facilities and doctors. Facilities must possess specific infrastructure and employ specialized staff to promote donation and educate the public.

Doctors must hold specific licenses and complete accredited training to perform these procedures. Additionally, the government requires a formal system where people can record their wishes to donate or refuse donation using the UAE's digital identity system. The rules also mandate specific medical protocols to ensure donor and recipient safety. Healthcare providers must review medical histories, conduct compatibility tests, and provide psychological support. For donors, the regulations require monitoring vital signs and providing pain management and physical therapy after surgery.

For recipients, providers must manage chronic conditions and provide treatments to prevent immune rejection of the new organ.