Aetna International vs IRIS Health
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Aetna International
private6,001 providers
2 plans
Est. 1853
DHA, HAAD regulated
IRIS Health
tpa5,962 providers
2 plans
Est. 2003
DHA, HAAD regulated
Aetna International has 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr with 6,001 providers across 8 cities. IRIS Health has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 5,962 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Aetna International vs IRIS Health — At a Glance
| Attribute | Aetna International | IRIS Health |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | tpa |
| Founded | 1853 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,000 – 36,000 | AED 2,800 – 11,500 |
| Total Network Size | 6,001 | 5,962 |
| 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% | 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-423862 | 04-340-0220 |
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 | IRIS Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,779 | vs | 3,528 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,252 | vs | 1,332 |
| Sharjah | 391 | vs | 478 |
| Al Ain | 221 | vs | 259 |
| Ajman | 146 | vs | 149 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 116 | vs | 126 |
| Fujairah | 78 | vs | 67 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 18 | vs | 23 |
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
6,001 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
6,001 providers
View details →IRIS Health Plans
IRIS Health
IRIS Managed Essential
Companies using IRIS-administered plans for mandatory compliance
AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,962 providers
View details →IRIS Health
IRIS Managed Plus
Corporate groups seeking personalised TPA-managed coverage
AED 5,500 – 11,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,962 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose IRIS Health if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums. 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 IRIS Health — FAQ
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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 IRIS Health or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.