Abu Dhabi mandates health insurance :: WAM

The sweep of this law appears huge. Quoting:

President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued law number 23 for 2005 in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi on the emirate's health insurance.
. . .
Unless otherwise stated in articles 2 and 3, all foreign residents and their family members must participate in the compulsory health insurance system. The system is, however, optional for UAE citizens.
. . .
The law obliges employers to participate in the health insurance system for all his/her employees. The employee shall secure health insurance to each employee, along with wife and three children under the age of 18. Employees are compelled to secure health insurance to the persons they sponsor, who are not covered by the employer.

The law links issuing of residence visas to foreigners and their families with their compliance to the provision of participating in the health insurance system.
. . .
Article 12 identifies medical treatment services covered in the health insurance system, including: 1. Check up and primary health care by general practitioners and specialist doctors at clinics and health centres 2. Laboratory tests and X-rays 3. In-patient treatment 4. Dental and gum treatment, excluding orthodontics and dentures 5. Medicines . . . .

It will interesting to see if other emirates do the same.