Global Hospitals has tied up with one of the leading mediclaim providers in the UAE, Oman Insurance Company, as it seeks to exploit medical tourism opportunities.

The hospital is also in talks with some other insurers such as Arab Orient and Daman National Health Insurance Company.

"Tie-up with international insurance companies is one among our three-pronged strategy to receive a larger number of international patients. We also look at widening our reach by collaborating with primary and secondary health institutions abroad and healthcare consultants who facilitate patients seeking medical travel," V Ramesh, vice-president, marketing and business development of Global Hospitals, told Financial Chronicle.

"Oman Insurance Company has its presence across the United Arab Emirates. We are also in talks with a few other players such as Arab Orient and Daman. This will help us tap the huge expatriate as well as the local population in the region who look for cost-effective secondary and tertiary care," he added.

The Hyderabad-based super speciality hospital expects to sign MoUs with other insurance players in three to four months.

"Almost 80 per cent of the population in UAE has health insurance cover. However, the secondary and tertiary care is quite expensive in the Gulf compared to India. A single surgery there can deplete the total insurance cover and that is precisely why they prefer high-quality and cost-effective treatment in countries like India," Ramesh added.