Question 1

Which is better, Aetna International or MetLife?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 6,001 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. MetLife has 8,008 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums.

Question 2

Is Aetna International cheaper than MetLife?

Accepted Answer

No, MetLife'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.

Question 3

Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Aetna International or MetLife?

Accepted Answer

MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,616 providers, compared to Aetna International's 3,779 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.

Question 4

Does Aetna International or MetLife cover dental?

Accepted Answer

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 MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Question 5

Can I switch from Aetna International to MetLife?

Accepted Answer

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 MetLife (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 MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

Question 6

How do I compare Aetna International and MetLife plans?

Accepted Answer

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 6,001 vs 8,008 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.

Attribute	Aetna International	MetLife
Type	private	private
Founded	1853	1868
Headquarters	Dubai	Dubai
Regulators	DHA, HAAD	DHA, HAAD
Number of Plans	2	2
Premium Range	AED 7,000 – 36,000	AED 2,800 – 13,000
Total Network Size	6,001	8,008
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	800-638543

City	Aetna International	vs	MetLife
Dubai	3,779	vs	4,616
Abu Dhabi	1,252	vs	1,744
Sharjah	391	vs	806
Al Ain	221	vs	344
Ajman	146	vs	220
Ras Al Khaimah	116	vs	150
Fujairah	78	vs	93
Umm Al Quwain	18	vs	35

Aetna International vs MetLife

Aetna International

MetLife

Aetna International vs MetLife — At a Glance

Network Comparison by City

Aetna International Plans

Aetna Core Health

Aetna Premier

MetLife Plans

MetLife Essential Health

MetLife Corporate Plus

Verdict

Aetna International vs MetLife — FAQ

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