Muscat: Mandatory health insurance in the private sector will also cover dependents of the expatriates and visitors to the Sultanate.
Speaking to the Observer, Ahmed al Maamari, Director General of Insurance, Capital Market Authority (CMA), The government decided last year health insurance should be provided to all employees — both Omanis and expatriates — in the private sector. The company/employer has to provide the health insurance. As per regulations, family members and anyone dependent on the expat employee will be required to be insured in agreement between employer and employee."
Visitors to Oman will also be required to insure themselves during their stay in the country once the regulations come into force. “CMA is working with ROP to implement the mechanism to impose insurance on visitors.”
“We need to develop the insurance industry in the country. When there is demand, the supply will emerge, bringing in vertical and horizontal investments. This will also develop the healthcare providers in the private sector. This development will also encourage more Omanis to take up private sector jobs. It is also part of human rights protection. In addition, the facility will enhance the productivity of employees,” said Al Maamari.
The CMA is also working on anti-fraud measures to monitor the cost. Care is being taken to ensure the services and benefits will not be concentrated in Muscat alone, but throughout the Sultanate.
The government decided last year health insurance should be provided to all employees — both Omanis and expatriates — in the private sector.
“We will begin with the international companies and then proceed to other categories depending on size of the company and number of employees.”
“We have drafted a unified health policy for blue collar employees and want to make sure it is fair for all parties,” he said. The stages of implementation will be announced early 2019.
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