Aetna International vs Noor Takaful
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Aetna International
private5,804 providers
2 plans
Est. 1853
DHA, DOH regulated
Noor Takaful
private4,930 providers
2 plans
Est. 2009
DHA, DOH regulated
Aetna International has 2 plans from AED 7,000 a year and 5,804 in-network providers in 8 cities. Noor Takaful has 2 plans from AED 2,600 a year and 4,930 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 Noor Takaful — At a Glance
| Attribute | Aetna International | Noor Takaful |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1853 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DHA, DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,000 – 36,000 | AED 2,600 – 11,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,804 | 4,930 |
| 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% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | See aetnainternational.com | See noortakaful.com |
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 | Noor Takaful |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,634 | vs | 2,716 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,227 | vs | 972 |
| Sharjah | 381 | vs | 741 |
| Al Ain | 214 | vs | 200 |
| Ajman | 143 | vs | 133 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 112 | vs | 89 |
| Fujairah | 76 | vs | 64 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 17 | vs | 15 |
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 →Noor Takaful Plans
Noor Takaful
Noor Basic Takaful Health
SMEs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi seeking Sharia-compliant health coverage
AED 2,600 – 4,600/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,930 providers
View details →Noor Takaful
Noor Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families wanting Takaful enhanced cover
AED 5,500 – 11,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,930 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Noor Takaful 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 Noor Takaful — FAQ
Which is better, Aetna International or Noor Takaful?
It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,804 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. Noor Takaful has 4,930 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,600/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Noor Takaful if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Aetna International cheaper than Noor Takaful?
No, Noor Takaful's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,600/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 Noor Takaful?
Aetna International has a larger Dubai network with 3,634 providers, compared to Noor Takaful's 2,716 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Aetna International or Noor Takaful 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 Noor Takaful offers up to AED 3,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Aetna International to Noor Takaful?
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 Noor Takaful (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 Noor Takaful have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Aetna International and Noor Takaful plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and Noor Takaful side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, Noor Takaful from AED 2,600/yr, (2) Network size — 5,804 vs 4,930 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 Noor Takaful or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.