5 new cases of avian influenza in Egypt
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 5 new cases of avian influenza (or “bird flu”) in Egypt, 3 of which were fatal. The cases were scattered across the country,… Read more »
Category: Country Updates
NDM-1: Drug-resistant bacteria hits medical tourists
Some medical tourists who went to India and Pakistan looking for cheap health procedures have come back with an unwanted souvenir: a drug-resistant strain of bacteria named New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase… Read more »
WHO: 2,100+ E. coli cases in Europe, nearly all linked to Germany
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published updated statistics for the E. coli outbreak in Central amd Northern Europe. As of June 5th, about 1540 cases of Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli… Read more »
China to impose expatriate insurance tax
China is set to impose a new social security tax on expatriate workers and their employers as part of its social security reform program. The new law will go into… Read more »
Dubai eliminates free cancer therapy for expats
Expats living in Dubai will no longer receive free chemotherapy, according to a recent article in The National. Previously Dubai’s health system had provided free cancer treatment to all residents,… Read more »
HUS outbreak linked to Germany
3 people have died and another 276 have been hospitalized in Germany following a May outbreak of Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS). While cases have been reported in other countries, all… Read more »
Saudi Arabia cuts residence to match expat health cover
Saudi Arabia has limited residence visas for expat workers in the private sector to one year, according to Emirates 24/7. The shortened residence period is now in line with the… Read more »
UAE to fight alcoholism among expats
A landmark study by the UAE’s National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) recently concluded that 5.3% of all deaths in the UAE are caused by illicit drugs or alcohol. A 2010 survey… Read more »
New Islamic health insurance plans join growing takaful market
Dubai Islamic Insurance & Reinsurance has launched two new Islamic health insurance plans in the UAE: Rishtey and Health on Return. The two are aimed at the large population of… Read more »
Travelers require proof of health insurance in Eastern Europe
The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) is urging all those living and travelling in Europe to carry proof of medical insurance while abroad. The President of the Canadian… Read more »