Beyond basic care: What to include in your workplace health plan

Today, workplace health insurance is more than a legal requirement – it is also a vital tool for attracting and maintaining top talent. However, this means going above and beyond the mandatory basics.

The bare essentials

Throughout the GCC, mandatory health insurance is not a new concept. Workplace health insurance has been mandatory for several years in the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and was recently introduced in Qatar. However, it has recently been confirmed that from next year, employers throughout the UAE will be obligated to provide their employees with health coverage.

What can employees expect from a basic healthcare plan?

Let’s take the UAE as an example. For those in Dubai earning less than Dh4,000 ($1,089) a month, the Essential Benefits Plan provides workers with access to Dh150,000 per year of care, with a pharmacy limit of Dh1,500. In Abu Dhabi, the care limit is higher. 

While the Essential Benefits Plan covers emergency eye care and dentistry, it does not include regular dentistry and ophthalmology check-ups. And workers earning more must obtain a higher health plan.

However, no matter the earning power of your employees, enhancing your company’s workplace health plan can be hugely beneficial. In fact, 59% of employees in KSA and UAE with access to a wide range of health benefits say that this additional coverage makes them less likely to change jobs. A robust, comprehensive plan can help your business to attract, recruit and – most importantly – retain talent.

So, what do employees look for in a good workplace healthcare plan? And how can you optimize yours to ensure a happy, healthy, and motivated workforce?

Dental Care

From flossing to fillings, we all understand the importance of protecting our smiles. However, a staggering 85% of children in the UAE suffer tooth decay by the age of 12. 

If it is not already a requirement in your region for healthcare to also cover dependents, consider extending your coverage to your employees’ families to provide them with greater peace of mind.

Providing your employees and their children with access to routine check-ups, cleanings, and procedures can help detect any issues before they spiral into more serious medical complications. It can also help to spread awareness of the importance of good dental hygiene, ultimately reducing the burden on medical services. 

Optical Care

Good vision is essential for productivity and quality of life, particularly for employees in roles that require extensive computer use. However, in the GCC region, long hours spent in front of a screen contribute to visual problems – 63% of people in the UAE suffer from dry eye disease, which can cause vision complications and impact work efficiency.

A comprehensive healthcare plan should include routine eye exams, treatment for eye conditions, and access to glasses and contact lenses. Providing robust eye care benefits can help address underlying issues, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce.

Chronic disease management

Across the GCC, chronic illnesses are one of the biggest public health concerns. In the UAE, nearly a quarter of people self-reported chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and allergies. And for employers, providing support with managing these long-term conditions can not only reduce complications and healthcare costs, but also make their employees feel more valued.

For example, GulfCare provides its partners with access to a Chronic Medication Scheme (CMS). It enables employees to get their regular medication dispensed quickly, without the need for a consultation. Employees also receive reminders when they need to restock on medication, and can opt-in for the at-home prescription delivery service.

Maternity and post-natal care

Becoming a parent can be one of the most rewarding and challenging periods of a person’s life. And as an employer, providing support throughout the pre and post-natal period can make a real difference. Incorporating enhanced maternity care into your healthcare plan not only improves outcomes for expectant mothers, but can also reduce stress and foster loyalty, increasing the likelihood that your pregnant employees will return to the company after their leave. 

Mental health services

Today, two-thirds of employees in the GCC region report symptoms of poor mental health. To combat this, employers are increasingly prioritizing mental health care in the workplace. 

From counselling to support programs, breaking down barriers and tackling taboos around mental illness can make a real difference to the well-being of employees. For example, GulfCare’s fully customizable packages include the provision of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). This service provides employees with confidential, 24/7 access to a confidential to licensed health professionals, trained to support employees with challenges such as depression and anxiety.

Expanding a company’s workplace healthcare plan not only supports the well-being of employees, but also significantly enhances their satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty. It can also help to secure future talent pipelines. By investing in robust healthcare coverage, companies demonstrate an investment in their people – and, in a competitive market, this can be a real strategic advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.

In this respect, prioritizing employee health is not just a benefit, but a vital business strategy for long-term success.

And that’s where working with health insurance partners like GulfCare can make a real difference. GulfCare is a leading regional provider of corporate health insurance. Based in Dubai, we work with businesses throughout the GCC of all shapes and sizes, to create bespoke healthcare plans that meet the needs of their employees.

To learn more – and receive a free quote – contact us today.