Thanks to you both for your replies and I appreciate that. So far I have found schools in the UAE not willing to provide any information about cover at the recruitment stage - even basic information. Also, I contacted insurers in the UAE such as Daman and asked about the specific medical condition and medication and they are unable to provide any information at all. My husband has Polycythemia Vera and it is very well controlled with a medication called Pegasys (Pegalated Interferon Alpha-2a). His specialist said he should be able to live a normal life-span! He's very fit and well and he basically has to get blood tests every six months just to make sure everything is ok. Yes, the medication is expensive but I can't find anything out about availability in The Middle East. (I think to purchase in UAE it is 1065 AED per week but there may be cheaper alternatives). I didn't know whether (since it is a pre-existing condition) it would not be covered at all or whether it would be covered up to a certain financial cut-off point. I know many people would say that it's easier to stay in our home country but it is a shame to be tied when we are both otherwise fit and healthy and would love to work overseas. Thanks again.

Thanks so much for your reply. Honestly, I don't really know what to look out for with health insurance. I do know that many schools no longer offer perks for spouses in their UAE packages. I used to teach in UAE but it was before I was married so I didn't look into spouse cover back then and I don't have any medical conditions myself so I didn't need to use the insurance myself. When I look at vacancies now, I notice that many don't cover the spouse in the UAE. I heard that Saudi does provide health insurance for spouse but other than that I don't know what to look out for. If you have any advice or information, I would be so grateful. I'm not sure how to PM you as I don't seem to have access to that. Thanks

I’m considering teaching in the Middle East (UAE or Saudi) and would like to hear from teachers currently working there about the health insurance provided in your contracts. Does it usually cover spouses? If so, do you find it to be basic or more comprehensive coverage? My husband has a pre-existing medical condition & requires a specialist medication, so strong cover for him would be important. Any insights into the types of plans or general benefits you’ve seen offered in the region would be very helpful. Thanks and I really appreciate any advice because it is really hard to find information online or from HR of prospective employers!