TEHRAN — Iran Health Insurance Organization started issuing insurance for foreign nationals on Monday, the organization’s public relations director, Majid Akbari, said.

According to a memorandum of understanding inked between the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (BAFIA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), all registered foreign nationals and refugees residing in Iran will benefit from this health insurance scheme, Akbari said, the ISNA news agency reported.

“Some 850,000 foreign nationals will be incorporated into this health insurance scheme,” he noted.

He went on to say that Iran Health Insurance Organization will solely insure those who are registered by the Interior Ministry.

The organization offers three different packages of service, each designed according to the needs of the insured.

The first package is for those who suffer from special diseases such as hemophilia, thalassemia, and multiple sclerosis. This package is absolutely free for services such as hospitalization, he highlighted.

The second package is intended for low-income nationals who would pay one fourth of the insurance premium which is 240,300 rials (about $8) for six months. The rest of the costs of the first two packages will be covered by UNHCR, he added.

The third package is meant for other nationals who do not belong to either of the former groups. They should pay 970,200 rials (about $32) for six months, Akbari said.

Refugees often face financial challenges when addressing issues relating to health care, in particular when surgery or hospitalization is involved. The inclusion of refugees in this scheme ensures that such challenges are overcome.

MQ