Aetna International vs Daman
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Aetna International
private5,804 providers
2 plans
Est. 1853
DHA, DOH regulated
Daman
mandatory9,391 providers
3 plans
Est. 2005
DOH regulated
Aetna International has 2 plans from AED 7,000 a year and 5,804 in-network providers in 8 cities. Daman has 3 plans from AED 600 a year and 9,391 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 Daman — At a Glance
| Attribute | Aetna International | Daman |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | mandatory |
| Founded | 1853 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 3 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,000 – 36,000 | AED 600 – 25,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,804 | 9,391 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | Yes | No |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 20% | 0% – 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-423862 | 800-42626 |
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 | Daman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,634 | vs | 3,996 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,227 | vs | 2,451 |
| Sharjah | 381 | vs | 1,332 |
| Al Ain | 214 | vs | 791 |
| Ajman | 143 | vs | 358 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 112 | vs | 244 |
| Fujairah | 76 | vs | 168 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 17 | vs | 51 |
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 →Daman Plans
Daman
Daman Basic
Low-income workers and dependants in Abu Dhabi (mandatory scheme)
AED 600 – 750/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
9,391 providers
View details →Daman
Daman Enhanced
Mid-salary employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 3,500 – 7,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
9,391 providers
View details →Daman
Daman Premium
Senior employees and executives in Abu Dhabi
AED 12,000 – 25,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.0M · private room · 0% co-pay
9,391 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Aetna International if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Daman 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 Daman — FAQ
Which is better, Aetna International or Daman?
It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,804 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. Daman has 9,391 providers across 8 cities with 3 plans from AED 600/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Daman 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 Daman?
No, Daman's entry-level plan starts from AED 600/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 Daman?
Daman has a larger Dubai network with 3,996 providers, compared to Aetna International's 3,634 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Aetna International or Daman 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 Daman offers up to AED 7,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Aetna International to Daman?
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 Daman (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 Daman have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Aetna International and Daman plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and Daman side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, Daman from AED 600/yr, (2) Network size — 5,804 vs 9,391 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.
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Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Aetna International and Daman or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.