Aetna International vs Cigna
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Aetna International
private5,804 providers
2 plans
Est. 1853
DHA, DOH regulated
Cigna
private8,805 providers
3 plans
Est. 1982
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Aetna International has 2 plans from AED 7,000 a year and 5,804 in-network providers in 8 cities. Cigna has 3 plans from AED 3,500 a year and 8,805 in-network providers in 8 cities. Both insurers have the most providers in Dubai. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
Aetna International vs Cigna — At a Glance
| Attribute | Aetna International | Cigna |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1853 | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 3 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,000 – 36,000 | AED 3,500 – 40,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,804 | 8,805 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | Yes | Yes |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 20% | 0% – 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-423862 | 800-244627 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Aetna International | vs | Cigna |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,634 | vs | 4,798 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,227 | vs | 2,082 |
| Sharjah | 381 | vs | 952 |
| Al Ain | 214 | vs | 384 |
| Ajman | 143 | vs | 255 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 112 | vs | 184 |
| Fujairah | 76 | vs | 116 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 17 | vs | 34 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Aetna International Plans
Aetna International
Aetna Core Health
Expat professionals and families in the UAE
AED 7,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.0M · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,804 providers
View details →Aetna International
Aetna Premier
Senior executives and HNW expats requiring global coverage
AED 19,000 – 36,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 2.0M · private room · 0% co-pay
5,804 providers
View details →Cigna Plans
Cigna
Cigna Essential Care
Individuals and small businesses meeting UAE mandatory requirements
AED 3,500 – 6,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
8,805 providers
View details →Cigna
Cigna Global Health Options
Expat professionals and families wanting flexible global-local coverage
AED 8,000 – 16,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.0M · semi-private room · 10% co-pay
8,805 providers
View details →Cigna
Cigna Global Health Platinum
C-suite executives and high-net-worth families
AED 20,000 – 40,000/yr
Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay
8,805 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Aetna International if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Cigna if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Both are established insurers in the UAE market. The best choice depends on your employer's plan options, budget, required coverage, and preferred hospital network in your city.
Aetna International vs Cigna — FAQ
Which is better, Aetna International or Cigna?
It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,804 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. Cigna has 8,805 providers across 8 cities with 3 plans from AED 3,500/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Cigna if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Aetna International cheaper than Cigna?
No, Cigna's entry-level plan starts from AED 3,500/yr, while Aetna International's cheapest plan begins at AED 7,000/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Aetna International or Cigna?
Cigna has a larger Dubai network with 4,798 providers, compared to Aetna International's 3,634 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Aetna International or Cigna cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Aetna International's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 12,000/yr, while Cigna offers up to AED 15,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Aetna International to Cigna?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Aetna International to Cigna (or vice versa), be aware of: (1) Pre-existing condition waiting periods may restart — check the new insurer's policy, (2) Maternity waiting periods usually reset, (3) Any ongoing treatment authorisations need to be re-submitted. Coordinate with your employer's HR department if on a group plan. Both Aetna International and Cigna have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Aetna International and Cigna plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and Cigna side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, Cigna from AED 3,500/yr, (2) Network size — 5,804 vs 8,805 providers, (3) Coverage — dental, optical, maternity, and mental health inclusion, (4) Co-pay percentages, and (5) Provider availability in your city. Scroll down for the full comparison table.
Related Comparisons
Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Aetna International and Cigna or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.