Al Dhafra Insurance vs MetLife
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Al Dhafra Insurance
private3,187 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DOH regulated
MetLife
private7,772 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, DOH regulated
Al Dhafra Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,000 a year and 3,187 in-network providers in 8 cities. MetLife has 2 plans from AED 2,800 a year and 7,772 in-network providers in 8 cities. Al Dhafra Insurance has the most providers in Abu Dhabi while MetLife has the most in Dubai. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
Al Dhafra Insurance vs MetLife — At a Glance
| Attribute | Al Dhafra Insurance | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1979 | 1868 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Regulators | DOH | DHA, DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,000 – 9,000 | AED 2,800 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 3,187 | 7,772 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | No | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | +971 2 694 9444 | 800-BENEFITS (800-23633487) |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Al Dhafra Insurance | vs | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 1,103 | vs | 4,447 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,274 | vs | 1,711 |
| Sharjah | 264 | vs | 796 |
| Al Ain | 316 | vs | 334 |
| Ajman | 95 | vs | 216 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 87 | vs | 143 |
| Fujairah | 38 | vs | 91 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 10 | vs | 34 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Al Dhafra Insurance Plans
Al Dhafra Insurance
Al Dhafra Basic Health
Employees in Abu Dhabi and Western Region
AED 2,000 – 3,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
3,187 providers
View details →Al Dhafra Insurance
Al Dhafra Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 4,500 – 9,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 400,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
3,187 providers
View details →MetLife Plans
MetLife
MetLife Essential Health
SMEs meeting mandatory health insurance requirements
AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
7,772 providers
View details →MetLife
MetLife Corporate Plus
Corporate employees with enhanced coverage needs
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
7,772 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Al Dhafra Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. 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.
Al Dhafra Insurance vs MetLife — FAQ
Which is better, Al Dhafra Insurance or MetLife?
It depends on your needs. Al Dhafra Insurance has 3,187 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,000/yr. MetLife has 7,772 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Al Dhafra Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Al Dhafra Insurance cheaper than MetLife?
Yes, Al Dhafra Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,000/yr, compared to MetLife's cheapest plan at AED 2,800/yr. However, plan pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Enhanced and premium tiers may differ. Always obtain a personalised quote from each insurer.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Al Dhafra Insurance or MetLife?
MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,447 providers, compared to Al Dhafra Insurance's 1,103 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Al Dhafra Insurance or MetLife cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Al Dhafra Insurance's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 2,500/yr, while MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Al Dhafra Insurance to MetLife?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Al Dhafra Insurance 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 Al Dhafra Insurance and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Al Dhafra Insurance and MetLife plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Al Dhafra Insurance and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Al Dhafra Insurance starts from AED 2,000/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 3,187 vs 7,772 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 Al Dhafra Insurance and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.