UAE Residents Face Barriers to Mental Healthcare Coverage, Driving Some to Unverified Online Services
Dubai, UAE – A growing concern is emerging in the United Arab Emirates regarding the adequacy of health insurance coverage for mental health services. Healthcare providers are reporting that limited coverage is pushing residents towards potentially unreliable online “psychological consultations” due to cost concerns, according to a report in Emirates Today.
Sources within the healthcare sector, speaking anonymously, highlighted that current insurance plans often provide minimal coverage for psychiatric visits, therapy sessions, and treatment. This financial burden is leading individuals to seek cheaper alternatives online, despite concerns about the qualifications and efficacy of providers on these platforms. While some websites offer lower session fees than traditional hospitals, these remain unaffordable for many.
“The high cost of psychiatry and treatment, coupled with insufficient insurance coverage, is a meaningful barrier to access,” one source explained.
