Who Are the Key Health Insurance Providers in the UAE?

Without legitimate health insurance:

You are not allowed to renew or obtain a UAE residency visa.

You will be charged full out-of-pocket medical costs.

Government healthcare is restricted or refused.

This need necessitates the selection of a reliable provider. Beginning with the region's top digital insurance platform is our place to begin.

1. Shory – The UAE's Top Digital Health Insurance Platform

Shory is revolutionizing UAE residents' shopping for health insurance. With the UAE's first digital-only insurance comparison and buying platform, Shory allows users to compare, customize, and buy health covers in minutes.

Key Benefits:

Online quotes from multiple providers in seconds

DHA-compliant and DOH-compliant plans

Clear contrasts for inpatient, outpatient, and maternity services

Capacity to add dependents like spouses, children, and parents

Large network of hospitals and clinics across the UAE

Shory partners with trusted local insurers to provide tailored coverage plans for individuals, families, and small businesses. Its user-friendly interface and speedy release of policies place it most ideally for expats, business owners, and professionals with hectic lives.

If you want to compare and buy UAE-wide health insurance without agents or forms, Shory is the fastest place to begin.

2. Daman – The National Health Insurance Company

Daman is a well-established and very respected Abu Dhabi and UAE health insurance company. Being a semi-government organization, it runs the Thiqa Program for nationals and offers Enhanced plans to expats.

Strengths:

Strong focus on chronic and long-term conditions

Special plans for government and corporate employees

Wide acceptance in private and public hospitals

Quick renewals and claim approvals

Stability of Daman and integration with public health centers make it a preference choice, especially in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

3. Orient Insurance – Backed by Al-Futtaim Group

Orient Insurance is part of the reputable Al-Futtaim Group and offers DHA-compliant Essential Benefits Plans (EBP) as well as premium-tier policies.

Key Features:

Coverage for pre-existing conditions

Option to add dental and vision

Dedicated corporate and SME insurance solutions

Approved by both Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Abu Dhabi’s DOH

Orient is widely trusted among expats, especially those seeking affordable yet reliable policies with strong hospital networks.

4. AXA Gulf (now GIG Gulf) – An International Brand With Local Touch

AXA Gulf has been renamed to GIG Gulf, offering individual and group health covers in the UAE. It is renowned for its worldwide coverage and web-based claims and approval tools.

Why Opt for GIG Gulf:

24/7 teleconsultation services

GCC and global coverage

Customized covers for frequent travelers and multinational employees

Soothing mobile app for tracking claims

GIG is ideal for individuals who need to travel extensively or need multi-country health coverage in addition to local benefits.

5. Oman Insurance – Comprehensive and Customizable Plans

Oman Insurance, trading as Sukoon Insurance, is one of the top insurers with a good track record for flexible health insurance plans.

Highlights:

Covers extensive inpatient/outpatient benefits

High claim settlement ratio

Multi-tiered plans ranging from basic to premium

Add-ons like maternity, dental, and alternative medicine

Oman Insurance is well-liked in Dubai, Sharjah, and Northern Emirates and thus a suitable choice for individuals residing in these regions.

6. Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)

ADNIC is one of the oldest insurers in the UAE. Backed by robust support and a comprehensive network of hospitals, it offers individual and group medical covers.

What Makes ADNIC Exceptional:

Customized plans for Emiratis, expats, and tourists

Family plans at affordable prices

Strong customer service and claims settlement

SME and large company corporate insurance

ADNIC's long experience in the UAE market is comforting and reliable service.

7. MetLife – Global Coverage With Regional Tailoring

MetLife is a brand name that's well known throughout the globe, and in the UAE, it has wide medical insurance plans for families, individuals, and corporate patrons.

Unique Features:

Extensive global network of medical care for foreign treatment

High maximum annual insurance benefits

Suited for high-income expats and executives

Good maternity and chronic illness coverage

MetLife is for professionals who want best-in-class international access to healthcare.

8. Al Ain Ahlia Insurance

Established in 1975, Al Ain Ahlia is the UAE's oldest insurance provider and offers a number of DHA/DOH-approved health plans.

Benefits:

DHA and DOH-compliant products

Serves corporate groups and individuals

Excellent assistance for claim inquiries

Good regional reputation

Not as glitzy as some web brands, Al Ain Ahlia's reliability makes it a suitable choice for family or corporate health insurance.

9. Al Sagr Insurance

Al Sagr offers a wide range of basic and enhanced health insurance products with a focus on cost and efficiency.

Highlights:

Low-premium introductory DHA plans

Superb hospital cover in Dubai and Sharjah

Competitively priced for low-paid workers and SMEs

Al Sagr is a budget-friendly option for those wishing to pay legal duties without paying more than necessary.

10. Salama Islamic Arab Insurance

Salama provides Shariah-compliant takaful medical plans in the UAE, perfect for clients on the lookout for Islamic insurance principles.

Benefits:

Family-focused takaful plans

Maternity, diagnostics, and emergencies are fully covered

Ethical investment policies

Dubai and Northern Emirates approved

Salama is an excellent option for families looking for Islamic-compliant health insurance with broader care options.

What to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in the UAE

Before selecting a provider, keep the following factors in mind:

Hospital Network – Is your preferred clinic or hospital included?

Coverage Type – Does the plan cover outpatient, inpatient, maternity, and chronic conditions?

Compliance – Ensure plans are approved by DHA or DOH depending on your location.

Premium Costs – Compare annual or monthly costs relative to coverage limits.

Customer Service – Review how quick claims are paid or processed.

Add-On Options – Review options like dental, vision, or worldwide coverage.

Companies such as Shory make it simple by letting you compare multiple plans at once, with you making the best selection without phoning or paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best health insurance provider in the UAE?

Shory is the best one to start with because it will allow you to compare top providers like Daman, Orient, and MetLife. Each provider has something special to offer based on your needs.

Is health insurance mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. Health insurance in UAE is mandatory in most Emirates, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where health insurance is linked to visa issuance and renewal.

How do I get affordable health insurance in the UAE?

Utilize internet mediums like Shory to see low-cost plans from Al Sagr, Orient, or Sukoon Insurance. You may otherwise opt for Essential Benefits Plans (EBPs) with minimal coverage.

What health insurance is best for families in the UAE?

Family plans from Daman, ADNIC, or Oman Insurance provide excellent pediatric, maternity, and chronic disease coverage. Shory provides a comparison of family plans across providers.

Can expats get health insurance in the UAE?

Yes, expats have plenty of private insurers to select from. The majority of employers offer coverage for staff, although dependents need individual policies.

Final Thoughts

The UAE healthcare laws require all residents—expat or local—to be insured under an existing health insurance policy. With so many alternatives, Shory is the go-to digital platform for quick, transparent, and compliant UAE health insurance.

From old-school providers like Daman and MetLife to budget-friendly ones like Al Sagr and Salama, the UAE insurance market is competitive and diverse. Use this guidebook to make an informed decision and purchase the appropriate policy for yourself and your family.