Al Wathba National Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Al Wathba National Insurance
private4,284 providers
2 plans
Est. 1996
HAAD regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,768 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Al Wathba National Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,100/yr with 4,284 providers across 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 5,768 providers across 8 cities. Al Wathba National Insurance is strongest in Abu Dhabi while Salama Islamic Insurance has the most providers in Dubai.
Al Wathba National Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | Al Wathba National Insurance | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1996 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Regulators | HAAD | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,100 – 9,500 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 4,284 | 5,768 |
| 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% |
| Claims Phone | 800-29642 | 800-72526 |
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 | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 1,498 | vs | 3,113 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,650 | vs | 1,211 |
| Sharjah | 358 | vs | 885 |
| Al Ain | 447 | vs | 227 |
| Ajman | 137 | vs | 137 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 99 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 73 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 22 | vs | 24 |
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 meeting HAAD requirements
AED 2,100 – 3,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,284 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
4,284 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance Plans
Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Basic Takaful Health
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage across UAE
AED 2,500 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,768 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families across UAE wanting enhanced Takaful
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,768 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Al Wathba National Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Wathba National Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, Al Wathba National Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. Al Wathba National Insurance has 4,284 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,100/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Al Wathba National Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Al Wathba National Insurance cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
Yes, Al Wathba National Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,100/yr, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's cheapest plan at AED 2,500/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 Salama Islamic Insurance?
Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,113 providers, compared to Al Wathba National Insurance's 1,498 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Al Wathba National Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Al Wathba National Insurance to Salama Islamic Insurance?
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 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 Al Wathba National Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Al Wathba National Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Al Wathba National Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Al Wathba National Insurance starts from AED 2,100/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 4,284 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.
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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 Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.