Aetna International vs Takaful Emarat
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Aetna International
private5,804 providers
2 plans
Est. 1853
DHA, DOH regulated
Takaful Emarat
private2,222 providers
2 plans
Est. 2008
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Aetna International has 2 plans from AED 7,000 a year and 5,804 in-network providers in 8 cities. Takaful Emarat has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 2,222 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 Takaful Emarat — At a Glance
| Attribute | Aetna International | Takaful Emarat |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1853 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,000 – 36,000 | AED 2,500 – 12,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,804 | 2,222 |
| 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 | 800-825235 |
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 | Takaful Emarat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,634 | vs | 1,138 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,227 | vs | 506 |
| Sharjah | 381 | vs | 279 |
| Al Ain | 214 | vs | 96 |
| Ajman | 143 | vs | 106 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 112 | vs | 45 |
| Fujairah | 76 | vs | 33 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 17 | vs | 19 |
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 →Takaful Emarat Plans
Takaful Emarat
Takaful Emarat Basic Takaful
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage
AED 2,500 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
2,222 providers
View details →Takaful Emarat
Takaful Emarat Enhanced Takaful
Corporate employees and families wanting Sharia-compliant enhanced cover
AED 5,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
2,222 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Aetna International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Takaful Emarat 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 Takaful Emarat — FAQ
Which is better, Aetna International or Takaful Emarat?
It depends on your needs. Aetna International has 5,804 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,000/yr. Takaful Emarat has 2,222 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 Takaful Emarat if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Aetna International cheaper than Takaful Emarat?
No, Takaful Emarat'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.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Aetna International or Takaful Emarat?
Aetna International has a larger Dubai network with 3,634 providers, compared to Takaful Emarat's 1,138 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Aetna International or Takaful Emarat 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 Takaful Emarat offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Aetna International to Takaful Emarat?
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 Takaful Emarat (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 Takaful Emarat have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Aetna International and Takaful Emarat plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Aetna International and Takaful Emarat side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Aetna International starts from AED 7,000/yr, Takaful Emarat from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 5,804 vs 2,222 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.
Related Comparisons
Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Aetna International and Takaful Emarat or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.