Al Wathba National Insurance vs MetLife
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Al Wathba National Insurance
private4,205 providers
2 plans
Est. 1996
DOH regulated
MetLife
private7,772 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, DOH regulated
Al Wathba National Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,100 a year and 4,205 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 Wathba National 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 Wathba National Insurance vs MetLife — At a Glance
| Attribute | Al Wathba National Insurance | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1996 | 1868 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Regulators | DOH | DHA, DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,100 – 9,500 | AED 2,800 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 4,205 | 7,772 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 600 54 40 40 | 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 Wathba National Insurance | vs | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 1,458 | vs | 4,447 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,621 | vs | 1,711 |
| Sharjah | 354 | vs | 796 |
| Al Ain | 442 | vs | 334 |
| Ajman | 136 | vs | 216 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 99 | vs | 143 |
| Fujairah | 73 | vs | 91 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 22 | vs | 34 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Al Wathba National Insurance Plans
Al Wathba National Insurance
Al Wathba Basic Health
SMEs and employees in Abu Dhabi who need the mandatory cover
AED 2,100 – 3,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,205 providers
View details →Al Wathba National Insurance
Al Wathba Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 4,500 – 9,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 400,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,205 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 Wathba National Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network. 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 Wathba National Insurance vs MetLife — FAQ
Which is better, Al Wathba National Insurance or MetLife?
It depends on your needs. Al Wathba National Insurance has 4,205 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,100/yr. MetLife has 7,772 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Al Wathba National Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network.
Is Al Wathba National Insurance cheaper than MetLife?
Yes, Al Wathba National Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,100/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 Wathba National Insurance or MetLife?
MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,447 providers, compared to Al Wathba National Insurance's 1,458 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Al Wathba National Insurance or MetLife cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Al Wathba National 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 Wathba National 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 Wathba National 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 Wathba National Insurance and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Al Wathba National Insurance and MetLife plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Al Wathba National Insurance and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Al Wathba National Insurance starts from AED 2,100/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 4,205 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 Wathba National Insurance and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.