Picture used for illustrative purpose.

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE Digital Government provides six services to Emiratis abroad to ease communication between Emiratis and the government in crises and emergencies. These include Twajudi, travel health insurance (Musafer), emergency passport renewal in the UAE, passport services abroad and other services.

In case of loss, theft, damage or expiry of passport while abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MoFAIC) can issue a ‘return document’ or an emergency passport. Emiratis can register for Twajudi through MoFAIC’s website or the UAEMOFA app for Android and iOS. In countries, where there is no diplomatic representation, Emiratis can call on 00971-80044444 or communicate with the ministry via its email nationals@mofa.gov.ae.

On arriving at their destination country, citizens who signed up for the Twajudi service will receive a text message on their registered UAE phone numbers. The text message contains phone numbers to be contacted in case of an emergency. The MoFAIC provides an emergency medical travel insurance for Emiratis travelling abroad.

The name of the insurance product is Musafer and it is managed by the National Health Insurance Company-Daman. The programme aims to protect Emiratis and their families from unexpected expenses due to a medical emergency abroad. The programme will cover emergency treatment for Emiratis in any international health facility and it covers inpatient and outpatient medical emergency services at a cost of Dhs500,000 per capita per year.

Unlike other programmes, which obligate the insured to pay the entire costs for later disbursement, the programme pays the total cost of medical treatment directly. Under the programme, a yearly insurance plan costs Dhs399 for adults (19 years and above) and Dhs250 for children (18 years and below). The coverage is for one year and applicable for multiple trips up to a length of 90 days each.

The programme also covers all emergency services, whether inside or outside the hospital, and the insured can communicate with a dedicated call centre that operates on a 24/7 basis. For Emiratis traveling outside the UAE, the MoFAIC provides addresses and location maps of UAE embassies and consulates abroad.

Other guidelines and services from the ministry include a search facility that allows Emiratis to see whether or not they need a prior visa for their destinations. The ministry’s website also provides information and customised services to Emiratis who live abroad or who have gone abroad for tourism, education or treatment.