Richard Poinson
About Richard
As a health insurance expert at APRIL International, Richard specializes in delivering high-value content for individuals, families, and businesses navigating the complexities of international health coverage across the Middle East. Based in Dubai and deeply rooted in the region's insurance landscape, Richard brings over 15 years of hands-on expertise to one of the world's most rapidly evolving healthcare markets.
With a thorough understanding of the Middle East's diverse health systems - from the highly regulated frameworks of the UAE and Saudi Arabia to the emerging markets of the broader Gulf region - Richard bridges the gap between local healthcare realities and international private medical insurance (IPMI). Whether you are a newly arrived expatriate, a long-term resident, or a company managing a cross-border workforce, Richard helps you understand what the right coverage truly means in this part of the world.
Richard's expertise spans both individual and corporate international health insurance. He supports expats and families seeking long-term, portable coverage tailored to life in the Middle East, while also advising organizations of all sizes - from SMEs establishing a regional presence to large multinational corporations managing complex employee benefit programs across multiple jurisdictions. This dual perspective gives him a comprehensive view of the healthcare needs that define international life in the region.
By placing the policyholder at the heart of his work, Richard ensures that APRIL International serves as a trusted, authoritative resource for anyone seeking reliable health insurance solutions across the Middle East.
His Expertise
With more than 14 years of experience in international health insurance and a career built in the heart of the Middle East, Richard has developed an extensive knowledge base covering healthcare systems, regulatory environments, and insurance market dynamics throughout the region. He closely monitors medical inflation trends, mandatory health insurance regulations, and the evolving needs of globally mobile professionals and their families.
His expertise covers a wide range of topics, including:
Long-term international health insurance for expatriates and families living across the Middle East
Corporate health insurance and employee benefits for groups of all sizes, from SMEs to large multinational corporations
Understanding mandatory health insurance requirements in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
Navigating cross-border compliance and portability of coverage when relocating within the region or moving internationally
Tailoring benefit structures to meet the diverse needs of internationally mobile workforces across the Gulf and beyond
Comprehensive coverage analysis, from routine outpatient care to emergency medical evacuation across the region
Richard is committed to producing clear, practical, and jargon-free content that directly addresses the real questions faced by those living or working in the Middle East.
His mission: to demystify international health insurance in the Middle East for expats, families, and businesses alike - making coverage transparent, relevant, and perfectly adapted to the realities of one of the world's most dynamic regions for global mobility.