Arabia Insurance vs NAS (NextCare)
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Arabia Insurance
private4,441 providers
2 plans
Est. 1944
DHA, DOH regulated
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,345 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Arabia Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 4,441 in-network providers in 8 cities. NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 10,345 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.
Arabia Insurance vs NAS (NextCare) — At a Glance
| Attribute | Arabia Insurance | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | tpa |
| Founded | 1944 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Beirut (UAE offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah) | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 11,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 4,441 | 10,345 |
| 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 4 228 0022 | 800 2311 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Arabia Insurance | vs | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 2,440 | vs | 5,030 |
| Abu Dhabi | 863 | vs | 2,321 |
| Sharjah | 656 | vs | 1,605 |
| Al Ain | 187 | vs | 566 |
| Ajman | 121 | vs | 362 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 105 | vs | 248 |
| Fujairah | 57 | vs | 166 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 12 | vs | 47 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Arabia Insurance Plans
Arabia Insurance
Arabia Basic Health
SMEs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi meeting mandatory requirements
AED 2,500 – 4,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,441 providers
View details →Arabia Insurance
Arabia Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families
AED 5,500 – 11,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,441 providers
View details →NAS (NextCare) Plans
NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Essential
Mandatory compliance for employers across UAE
AED 2,500 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
10,345 providers
View details →NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Gold
Corporate employees seeking comprehensive TPA-managed coverage
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
10,345 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Arabia Insurance if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose NAS (NextCare) 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.
Arabia Insurance vs NAS (NextCare) — FAQ
Which is better, Arabia Insurance or NAS (NextCare)?
It depends on your needs. Arabia Insurance has 4,441 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. NAS (NextCare) has 10,345 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Arabia Insurance if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Arabia Insurance cheaper than NAS (NextCare)?
Both Arabia Insurance and NAS (NextCare) have entry-level plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. However, pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Compare enhanced and premium tiers for a full picture, and always obtain personalised quotes.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Arabia Insurance or NAS (NextCare)?
NAS (NextCare) has a larger Dubai network with 5,030 providers, compared to Arabia Insurance's 2,440 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Arabia Insurance or NAS (NextCare) cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Arabia Insurance's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,000/yr, while NAS (NextCare) offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Arabia Insurance to NAS (NextCare)?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Arabia Insurance to NAS (NextCare) (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 Arabia Insurance and NAS (NextCare) have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Arabia Insurance and NAS (NextCare) plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Arabia Insurance and NAS (NextCare) side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Arabia Insurance starts from AED 2,500/yr, NAS (NextCare) from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 4,441 vs 10,345 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 Arabia Insurance and NAS (NextCare) or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.