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Aetna International vs Now Health International

UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026

Aetna International

private

5,920 providers

2 plans

Est. 1853

DHA, HAAD regulated

Now Health International

private

3,418 providers

2 plans

Est. 2011

DHA, HAAD regulated

Aetna International has 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr with 5,920 providers across 8 cities. Now Health International has 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr with 3,418 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.

Aetna International vs Now Health International — At a Glance

AttributeAetna InternationalNow Health International
Typeprivateprivate
Founded18532011
HeadquartersDubaiDubai
RegulatorsDHA, HAADDHA, HAAD
Number of Plans22
Premium RangeAED 7,000 – 36,000AED 5,500 – 28,000
Total Network Size5,9203,418
Cities Covered88
DentalYesYes
OpticalYesYes
MaternityYesYes
Mental HealthYesYes
InternationalYesYes
Co-pay Range0% – 20%0% – 20%
Claims Phone800-423862800-669

Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.

Network Comparison by City

CityAetna InternationalvsNow Health International
Dubai
3,714
vs
2,455
Abu Dhabi
1,250
vs
394
Sharjah
387
vs
258
Al Ain
218
vs
122
Ajman
146
vs
94
Ras Al Khaimah
112
vs
49
Fujairah
76
vs
37
Umm Al Quwain
17
vs
9

Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.

Aetna International Plans

Aetna International

Aetna Core Health

Enhanced

Expat professionals and families in the UAE

AED 7,000 – 13,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 1.0M · semi-private room · 20% co-pay

Dental (AED 4,000)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
International coverage includedCVS Health global networkMental health and EAP support

5,920 providers

View details →

Aetna International

Aetna Premier

Premium

Senior executives and HNW expats requiring global coverage

AED 19,000 – 36,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 2.0M · private room · 0% co-pay

Dental (AED 12,000)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Zero co-payPrivate roomWorldwide coverage including USA

5,920 providers

View details →

Now Health International Plans

Now Health International

Now Health WorldCare Essential

Enhanced

Expat professionals and freelancers seeking modular coverage

AED 5,500 – 10,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay

Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Modular — add dental/optical as ridersInternational emergency coverageOnline member portal

3,418 providers

View details →

Now Health International

Now Health WorldCare Prestige

Premium

Executives and families wanting comprehensive worldwide cover

AED 14,000 – 28,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay

Dental (AED 7,500)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Zero co-payPrivate roomWorldwide coverage

3,418 providers

View details →

Verdict

Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Now Health International 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 Now Health International — FAQ

Which is better, Aetna International or Now Health International?

It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,920 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. Now Health International has 3,418 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 5,500/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Now Health International if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.

Is Aetna International cheaper than Now Health International?

No, Now Health International's entry-level plan starts from AED 5,500/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 Now Health International?

Aetna International has a larger Dubai network with 3,714 providers, compared to Now Health International's 2,455 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.

Does Aetna International or Now Health International 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 Now Health International offers up to AED 7,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Can I switch from Aetna International to Now Health International?

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 Now Health International (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 Now Health International have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

How do I compare Aetna International and Now Health International plans?

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and Now Health International side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, Now Health International from AED 5,500/yr, (2) Network size — 5,920 vs 3,418 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.

Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Aetna International and Now Health International or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.