Aetna International vs GIG Gulf
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Aetna International
private5,920 providers
2 plans
Est. 1853
DHA, HAAD regulated
GIG Gulf
private7,604 providers
3 plans
Est. 1962
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Aetna International has 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr with 5,920 providers across 8 cities. GIG Gulf has 3 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 7,604 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Aetna International vs GIG Gulf — At a Glance
| Attribute | Aetna International | GIG Gulf |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1853 | 1962 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Kuwait / Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 3 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,000 – 36,000 | AED 2,800 – 28,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,920 | 7,604 |
| 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 | 800-444 |
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 | GIG Gulf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,714 | vs | 4,088 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,250 | vs | 1,674 |
| Sharjah | 387 | vs | 1,040 |
| Al Ain | 218 | vs | 293 |
| Ajman | 146 | vs | 224 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 112 | vs | 153 |
| Fujairah | 76 | vs | 111 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 17 | vs | 21 |
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
5,920 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
5,920 providers
View details →GIG Gulf Plans
GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf Essential
SMEs and individuals meeting mandatory requirements across UAE
AED 2,800 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
7,604 providers
View details →GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf Corporate Plus
Corporate employees and families across UAE
AED 5,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
7,604 providers
View details →GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf Executive
Senior management and executives
AED 15,000 – 28,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay
7,604 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Aetna International if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose GIG Gulf 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 GIG Gulf — FAQ
Which is better, Aetna International or GIG Gulf?
It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,920 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. GIG Gulf has 7,604 providers across 8 cities with 3 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose GIG Gulf 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 GIG Gulf?
No, GIG Gulf's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,800/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 GIG Gulf?
GIG Gulf has a larger Dubai network with 4,088 providers, compared to Aetna International's 3,714 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Aetna International or GIG Gulf 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 GIG Gulf offers up to AED 8,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Aetna International to GIG Gulf?
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 GIG Gulf (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 GIG Gulf have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Aetna International and GIG Gulf plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and GIG Gulf side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, GIG Gulf from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 5,920 vs 7,604 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 GIG Gulf or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.