- Takaful, an Islamic insurance model based on mutual cooperation, provides accessible, Shariah-compliant dental care for Muslim communities.
In Pakistan, access to comprehensive dental care is limited. Public hospitals only offer basic services like tooth extractions. Though private clinics provide a wider range of treatments, the high costs can be prohibitive for the majority of the population. They, therefore, need insurance to afford dental care, but many avoid traditional insurance options due to religious concerns about interest (Riba) and gambling (Maysir).
Takaful, a unique Islamic insurance model based on mutual cooperation, can make dental care more accessible to a wider population; especially Muslims who prefer Shariah-compliant solutions to their monetary problems. This approach, rooted in principles of shared responsibility and risk-sharing, can offer several advantages over traditional insurance.
The structure of Takaful aligns well with the principles of community well-being and inclusiveness where policyholders contribute to a shared fund and any claims are paid from this fund. This can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among policyholders, potentially leading to better support and coverage for oral healthcare needs. Its ethical and inclusive approach can enhance health equity by ensuring that underserved populations have access to oral healthcare. This reduces financial barriers and promotes better oral health for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Takaful models can prioritise preventive healthcare measures and may include routine check-ups and preventive treatments including scaling/ polishing, fissure sealing, and Fluoride therapy as a part of the covered benefits. The focus on preventive care encourages early detection and treatment of dental decay before it gives rise to cavity formation, which can lower overall treatment costs and improve oral health outcomes across communities.
This model of insurance reduces the financial burden on individual participants, making oral healthcare more affordable by pooling resources and spreading risk. Through contributions, members gain access to coverage for routine dental visits, preventive treatments, and essential procedures, which may otherwise be financially prohibitive. Takaful plan can be tailored to also include specific oral healthcare needs, such as orthodontics, prosthetics, or pediatric dentistry, that are generally excluded from conventional insurance plans. These options cater to diverse patient demographics, addressing needs for comprehensive care that extends beyond basic dental services.
Takaful claims processes are designed to be transparent and fair. This can potentially lead to quicker and more efficient processing of oral healthcare claims compared to conventional insurance.
Takaful providers can engage in health awareness campaigns, helping to educate members on oral hygiene, preventive care, and the benefits of regular check-ups. This focus on education supports long-term health improvements, as members gain knowledge about maintaining oral health and preventing serious conditions.
In Pakistan, only a limited number of insurance providers offer Takaful plans that include dental care, restricting much of the population from accessing financial support for oral health needs. This limited availability means that many Pakistanis may forego essential dental treatments due to the high costs involved. Expanding dental coverage in Takaful plans could greatly benefit public health, as increased access to oral care contributes to generalized well-being. Encouraging more insurers to address this gap could help foster a healthier Pakistan.
The author is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, at Baqai Medical University.