Al Wathba National Insurance vs Thiqa
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Al Wathba National Insurance
private4,205 providers
2 plans
Est. 1996
DOH regulated
Thiqa
premium7,999 providers
1 plan
Est. 2005
DOH regulated
Al Wathba National Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,100 a year and 4,205 in-network providers in 8 cities. Thiqa has 1 plan and 7,999 in-network providers in 8 cities. Al Wathba National Insurance has the most providers in Abu Dhabi while Thiqa 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 Thiqa — At a Glance
| Attribute | Al Wathba National Insurance | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | premium |
| Founded | 1996 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DOH | DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 1 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,100 – 9,500 | AED 0 – 0 |
| Total Network Size | 4,205 | 7,999 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | Yes |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 0% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 600 54 40 40 | 800 4 80000 |
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 | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 1,458 | vs | 3,083 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,621 | vs | 2,440 |
| Sharjah | 354 | vs | 913 |
| Al Ain | 442 | vs | 798 |
| Ajman | 136 | vs | 315 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 99 | vs | 234 |
| Fujairah | 73 | vs | 170 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 22 | vs | 46 |
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 →Thiqa Plans
Thiqa
Thiqa
UAE nationals and their dependants in Abu Dhabi
Government-funded
Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay
7,999 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Al Wathba National Insurance if you need more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa 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 Thiqa — FAQ
Which is better, Al Wathba National Insurance or Thiqa?
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. Thiqa has 7,999 providers across 8 cities with 1 plans from AED 0/yr. Choose Al Wathba National Insurance if you need more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise a larger provider network.
Is Al Wathba National Insurance cheaper than Thiqa?
No, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/yr, while Al Wathba National Insurance's cheapest plan begins at AED 2,100/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Al Wathba National Insurance or Thiqa?
Thiqa has a larger Dubai network with 3,083 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 Thiqa 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 Thiqa offers up to AED 0/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Al Wathba National Insurance to Thiqa?
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 Thiqa (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 Thiqa have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Al Wathba National Insurance and Thiqa plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Al Wathba National Insurance and Thiqa side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Al Wathba National Insurance starts from AED 2,100/yr, Thiqa from AED 0/yr, (2) Network size — 4,205 vs 7,999 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 Thiqa or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.