Posted by Medical insurance is an important part of life in the United Arab Emirates, where high-quality medical care can come at a high price, making having the best medical insurance in the UAE crucial.
Not only does it protect you financially in the event of an unexpected illness or accident, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in any situation that may require medical attention.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization, each individual spends over $2,500 on health care per year, making them one of the highest spenders in the world.
Given the high cost of healthcare, it’s only wise that you have a medical insurance plan that will cater to your medical needs without you having to break the bank.
In this guide, we’ve provided you with the best medical insurers in the United Arab Emirates and all other vital information concerning those companies. So let’s get started with the benefits of medical insurance.
Benefits of Medical Insurance
- Medical Insurance provides financial protection
- Coverage for mental health treatment and counseling
- It provides coverage for maternity and newborn care
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions and chronic illnesses
- This insurance gives you access to high-quality healthcare
- Coverage for dental care and prescription medications.
Medical Insurance Provides Financial Protection
Being financially protected is a major benefit of having medical insurance in the UAE. Without insurance, you could be faced with high medical bills in the event of a serious illness or injury.
You still have to know that not all medical insurance plans are created equal. Some will provide you with more comprehensive coverage than others.
Coverage for Mental Health Treatment and Counseling
One of the less-talked-about but highly valuable benefits of medical insurance in the UAE is coverage for mental health treatment and counseling.
Many people face mental health challenges, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or other issues, and paying for therapies could be above the moon.
But with medical insurance, you can get access to mental health treatment at a reduced cost, which can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
It Provides Coverage for Maternity and Newborn Care
It can be expensive to have a baby, from prenatal care to delivery and beyond. With medical insurance, you can get coverage for a large portion of the costs that are associated with having a baby, such as prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postnatal care.
Some plans also cover newborn care for a certain period after the baby is born. This can help new parents feel more prepared and less stressed about the financial costs of having a baby.
Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions and Chronic Illnesses
Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions that you had before you signed up for your insurance plan. Chronic illnesses are medical conditions that require ongoing treatment and management.
These conditions can be expensive to treat, but with medical insurance, you can get coverage for a portion of the costs.
This Insurance Gives You Access to High-Quality Healthcare
The UAE has some of the best healthcare facilities in the world, and with medical insurance, you can get access to top-notch care at just a fraction of the cost.
Many hospitals in the UAE accept medical insurance, and you may even be able to get direct billing. This means that the hospital will bill your insurance provider directly, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
Coverage for Dental Care and Prescription Medications
Dental care and prescription medications are two additional benefits that some medical insurance plans in the UAE may cover.
It can be expensive, but with insurance, you can get coverage for routine care, such as cleanings and checkups, as well as more extensive procedures, such as fillings and crowns.
Prescription medications can also be expensive, but with insurance, you may be able to get coverage for a portion of the cost.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Medical Insurance in the United Arab Emirates
Below are the criteria we used in selecting the UAE’s best medical insurance:
- Coverage
- Customer Service
- Network of Providers
- Claims Process.
List of 15 Best Medical Insurance in the UAE
The following are the UAE’s best medical insurance providers:
- Daman Health Insurance
- AXA Health Insurance
- Allianz Worldwide Care
- Orient Insurance
- Aetna International
- Bupa Arabia
- DIC
- Takaful Emarat
- RSA Insurance
- The Saudi Arabian Cooperative Health Insurance Company (SACO)
- Cigna
- MedNet
- ADNIC
- Adamjee Insurance
- AIG.
Details on the Best Medical Insurance in the United Arab Emirates
Daman Health Insurance
- Year Founded: 2006
Pros
- They have a large network of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- Daman’s plans offer comprehensive coverage for inpatient and outpatient care.
Cons
- Daman’s plans can be expensive, depending on the level of coverage chosen.
Description
Daman is one of the largest and most well-established health insurance providers in the UAE. They offer a variety of plans to suit your different needs and budgets, and they have a strong network of healthcare providers throughout the UAE.
They’re known for their customer service, and their online portal makes it easy to manage your policy and file claims.
AXA Health Insurance
- Year Founded: 1989
Pros
- They have a large network of hospitals and clinics in the UAE and around the world
- AXA’s Elite plan offers comprehensive coverage for a range of medical expenses
- Their website is user-friendly and offers a wealth of information and resources.
Cons
- AXA’s Elite plan is one of the more expensive health insurance plans available in the UAE
- Some AXA customers have reported long wait times for claims.
Description
AXA is a global and one of the best insurance companies in the UAE, with a strong presence in the health insurance field.
This insurance is known for its competitive rates and easy claims process. They also offer a variety of value-added services, such as telemedicine and second medical opinion services.
Allianz Worldwide Care
- Year Founded: 1999
Pros
- It has a worldwide network of providers, so you can get care almost anywhere
- Allianz offers a range of plans to suit different budgets and needs
- It provides 24/7 customer service.
Cons
- The costs of Allianz’s plans can be high, especially for comprehensive coverage
- Some customers have reported issues with the claims process.
Description
This is a global insurance company with a strong reputation for quality service and customer service. It offers a range of health insurance plans, with both local and international coverage options.
Allianz is known for its 24/7 customer support and its easy online claims process. They also have a wide network of healthcare providers throughout the UAE.
Orient Insurance
- Year Founded: 1947
Pros
- Orient Insurance offers a variety of plans to suit different budgets and needs
- It has a large network of providers in the UAE
- This insurance covers a wide range of medical expenses, including dental and optical care.
Cons
- Some customers have reported long wait times for claim processing.
Description
Orient is a UAE-based insurance company. Its health insurance plans cover a wide range of services, like inpatient and outpatient care, prescription medications, and more.
It also has a network of over 1,000 healthcare providers throughout the UAE. Orient is known for its competitive rates and its focus on customer service.
Also, this insurance company is well-known for providing innovative risk solutions that cater to customers’ complete satisfaction while demonstrating a deep commitment to customer service.
Aetna International
- Year Founded: 1853
Pros
- Its customer service is highly rated
- Aetna International has a user-friendly website and mobile app.
Cons
- Their plans can be expensive
- Aetna’s plans may not be available in all countries.
Description
This is a well-established insurance company with a presence in over 150 countries. In the UAE, they offer a range of health insurance plans and also have a 24/7 helpline and an easy online claims process.
Overall, Aetna is a trusted and reliable option for medical insurance in the UAE.
Bupa Arabia
- Year Founded: 1997
Pros
- This insurer has a wide range of plans to suit different budgets and needs
- Bupa Arabia has a large network of providers in the UAE and the Middle East
- It provides 24/7 customer service.
Cons
- Bupa Arabia’s plans can be expensive
- It may not cover all medical expenses.
Description
Its plan covers inpatient and outpatient care, as well as dental and optical treatments. It also includes a range of value-added benefits, such as health screenings, wellness programs, and much more.
The plan is available in both individual and family packages, with different coverage options to suit your needs.
DIC
- Year Founded: 1970
Pros
- DIC’s customer service is available 24/7
- It has a wide range of plans to suit different needs and budgets
- DIC has a large network of providers in the UAE and worldwide.
Cons
- Its premiums can be on the higher end
- DIC’s plans may not cover all medical expenses.
Description
DIC is one of the leading insurance providers in the UAE. They offer a range of health insurance plans, including DIC Essential and DIC Elite.
DIC Essential is a basic plan that covers inpatient and outpatient care, while DIC Elite is a more comprehensive plan that includes additional benefits, such as annual health checkups, physiotherapy, and more.
They also have a range of value-added services, such as online consultations and home delivery of medication.
Takaful Emarat
- Year Founded: 2008
Pros
- Takaful Emarat’s premiums are very competitively priced
- You can customize their plans to suit your specific needs.
Cons
- Takaful Emarat’s plans may not cover all medical expenses, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing a policy
- It does not have a 24/7 customer service helpline.
Description
Takaful Emarat is a leading takaful (Islamic insurance) provider in the UAE. It offers a range of health insurance plans, such as the Essential plan, which covers inpatient and outpatient care, and the Pro plan, which includes additional benefits such as dental, optical, and more.
Takaful Emarat also has a variety of other insurance products, such as home insurance, motor insurance, and travel insurance.
RSA Insurance
- Year Founded: 1996
Pros
- RSA Insurance offers a wide range of plans, so you can find one that fits your budget
- It has a large network of providers, so you can choose from a wide range of hospitals and clinics
- This insurer offers 24/7 customer service.
Cons
- RSA Insurance’s premiums can be more expensive than those of other providers.
Description
RSA is a leading global insurance provider with a strong presence in the UAE. Its global health product offers a range of health insurance plans, including Essential, Core, and Select plans.
The Essential plan provides basic coverage, while the Core and Select plans offer a range of enhanced benefits.
These plans provide coverage for inpatient and outpatient care, dental treatment, optical treatment, and more.
The Saudi Arabian Cooperative Health Insurance Company (SAICO)
- Year Founded: 1952
Pros
- This is one of the most affordable health insurance options in the UAE
- Its plans are flexible, so you can tailor them to your specific needs
- SAICO offers online tools for managing your policy and making claims.
Cons
- SAICO’s customer service can be difficult to reach at times
- Its website is not as user-friendly as some.
Description
The Saudi Arabian Cooperative Health Insurance Company (SAICO) is one of the best health insurance companies in the UAE and is well-known within the country.
SAICO offers a range of health insurance plans that are designed to meet the specific needs of policyholders.
Some of these plans include comprehensive coverage for a variety of medical treatments like hospitalization, daycare, dental, emergency services, etc.
SAICO also has a strong focus on customer service, with a dedicated team of experts available to help customers with any queries or concerns.
Cigna
- Year Founded: 1982
Pros
- Cigna has a large network of providers, including many hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- Offers a 24/7 customer service line.
Cons
- Its plans can be expensive compared to other options
- Cigna’s claims can be slow to process.
Description
Another leading health insurance company in the United Arab Emirates is Cigna. It is a leading global health insurance provider with a strong presence and also offers a range of plans, like the Global Health Choice plan.
This plan provides comprehensive coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, including pre-existing conditions.
Cigna’s website provides a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and guides on a range of health and wellness topics.
MedNet
- Year Founded: 2000
Pros
- MedNet’s plans include coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs
- It offers a user-friendly website and mobile app for managing your policy and making claims.
Cons
- MedNet’s customer service can be difficult to reach at times
- Some customers have reported issues with processing their claims.
Description
The MedNet Freedom plan, for example, provides comprehensive coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, including pre-existing conditions.
This plan also offers cashless access to a wide network of healthcare providers in the UAE. MedNet also offers a range of added benefits, such as gym memberships and access to a 24/7 telemedicine service.
In addition, MedNet’s website is packed with information and resources on a variety of health and wellness topics.
ADNIC
- Year Founded: 1972
Pros
- ADNIC offers a variety of plans to suit different budgets and needs
- It has a large network of providers, including many hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- ADNIC’s plans cover a wide range of medical expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, and dental care.
Cons
- Some customers have complained about long wait times for customer service
- There have been reports of claims being processed slowly or incorrectly
- The ADNIC website and mobile app can be slow or difficult to navigate.
Description
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company is one of the leading insurance providers in the UAE. ADNIC offers a range of health insurance plans, including the ADNIC Elite plan, which offers comprehensive coverage for inpatient and outpatient care, as well as dental and optical coverage.
It also has a network of over 2,000 hospitals and clinics in the UAE and around the world, ensuring that policyholders have access to quality care when they need it.
Adamjee Insurance
- Year Founded: 1960
Pros
- Adamjee Insurance offers affordable plans with a variety of coverage options
- It has a wide network of providers, including many hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- Adamjee Insurance’s customer service is available 24/7.
Cons
- Some customers have reported long wait times on the customer service line
- The policy documents can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with insurance terms
- Their website can be difficult to navigate for those who are not tech-savvy.
Description
Adamjee Insurance is a leading insurance provider in Pakistan, and its health insurance plans are also available in the UAE.
The Adamjee Medical and Personal Accident Plan, for example, provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical treatments, including hospitalization, outpatient care, dental, optical, and more.
This plan also offers coverage for personal accidents, including accidental death, permanent disability, and more.
AIG
- Year Founded: 1919
Pros
- AIG offers a wide range of plans to suit different needs and budgets
- It provides helpful online resources and tools for customers
- AIG’s website is easy to use and navigate.
Cons
- AIG’s plans can be expensive compared to other options on the market.
Description
AIG, or American International Group, is one of the largest insurance providers in the world, and it also offers health insurance in the UAE.
The AIG Health & Wellness Plan, for example, offers comprehensive coverage for hospitalization, outpatient care, dental and optical treatment, etc., among other benefits.
AIG’s website also offers a wealth of information on health and wellness topics, such as healthy living, nutrition, and exercise.
Tips for Choosing the Best Medical Insurance for Your Needs
- First, identify your needs and budget. This will help you narrow down the options and find a plan that meets your specific needs.
- Next, research the different plans and providers available in the UAE. Read customer reviews and compare the plans side by side to find the one that best fits your needs.
- Make sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the plan before signing up.
- Consider whether the plan covers pre-existing conditions and whether there are any restrictions on coverage.
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help if you need it.
FAQs on the Best Medical Insurance in the UAE
Can I use my medical insurance outside of the UAE?
That depends on the specific policy you have. Many medical insurance plans in the UAE do offer international coverage, but not all of them do. It's important to check with your insurance provider to see what is and isn't covered. Some policies might only cover emergency care outside of the UAE, while others might cover all types of medical care.
Can I cancel my medical insurance policy in the UAE?
Yes, you can cancel your medical insurance policy in the UAE, but the process and terms for doing so will vary depending on your specific policy. Some policies might have a penalty for early cancellation, while others might allow you to cancel at any time. Can I ask if you are considering canceling your policy?
What happens if I lose my medical insurance card in the UAE?
If you lose your medical insurance card in the UAE, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance provider. They will be able to issue you a new card and advise you on how to use your insurance until the new card arrives. In the meantime, you might still be able to access healthcare services with a digital copy of your card or by providing your policy number to healthcare providers.
Do I need to see a doctor in the UAE who is covered by my insurance plan?
It depends on the terms of your insurance policy. Some policies might require you to see a doctor who is in-network with your insurance plan, while others might allow you to see any doctor of your choice. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand the requirements for using your coverage.
Recommended Reads:
- 8 Free Medical Insurance for Unemployed (Adults and Children)
- Types of Health Insurance In The USA
- Medical Expenses That Are Tax-Deductible
- 10 Best Medical Insurance Companies in the Philippines
- Best Medical Insurance in New York.
Conclusion
The best medical insurance firms in the UAE are those that meet your specific needs and budget. It’s important to carefully research the different options available to you and consider factors like coverage, cost, network of providers, and customer service.
You should also speak with a trusted agent or representative from the insurance company to get more information about the policies you’re considering and don’t forget to review your plan periodically to make sure it still meets your needs..
Do you have any other questions aside from those in the FAQ section? Then feel free to use the comment section below.