Aetna International vs Salama Islamic Insurance

It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,920 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.

No, Salama Islamic Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/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.

Aetna International has a larger Dubai network with 3,714 providers, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's 3,113 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.

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 Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

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 Salama Islamic Insurance (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 Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 5,920 vs 5,768 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.