Bupa Global vs Daman
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Bupa Global
private7,272 providers
2 plans
Est. 1947
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Daman
mandatory9,506 providers
3 plans
Est. 2005
DOH regulated
Bupa Global has 2 plans from AED 7,500 a year and 7,272 in-network providers in 8 cities. Daman has 3 plans from AED 600 a year and 9,506 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.
Bupa Global vs Daman — At a Glance
| Attribute | Bupa Global | Daman |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | mandatory |
| Founded | 1947 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dubai (ME office) | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 3 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,500 – 45,000 | AED 600 – 25,000 |
| Total Network Size | 7,272 | 9,506 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | Yes | No |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 10% | 0% – 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-28721 | 800-42626 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Bupa Global | vs | Daman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,307 | vs | 4,048 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,700 | vs | 2,487 |
| Sharjah | 523 | vs | 1,343 |
| Al Ain | 309 | vs | 801 |
| Ajman | 181 | vs | 364 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 139 | vs | 244 |
| Fujairah | 88 | vs | 168 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 25 | vs | 51 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Bupa Global Plans
Bupa Global
Bupa Essential Health
Expat professionals and families in the UAE
AED 7,500 – 15,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.0M · semi-private room · 10% co-pay
7,272 providers
View details →Bupa Global
Bupa Global Select
Senior executives, HNW individuals, diplomatic staff
AED 22,000 – 45,000/yr
Annual limit: Unlimited · suite room · 0% co-pay
7,272 providers
View details →Daman Plans
Daman
Daman Basic
Low-income workers and dependants in Abu Dhabi (mandatory scheme)
AED 600 – 750/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
9,506 providers
View details →Daman
Daman Enhanced
Mid-salary employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 3,500 – 7,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
9,506 providers
View details →Daman
Daman Premium
Senior employees and executives in Abu Dhabi
AED 12,000 – 25,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.0M · private room · 0% co-pay
9,506 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Bupa Global if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Daman if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more plan tiers to choose from, 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.
Bupa Global vs Daman — FAQ
Which is better, Bupa Global or Daman?
It depends on your needs. Bupa Global has 7,272 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr. Daman has 9,506 providers across 8 cities with 3 plans from AED 600/yr. Choose Bupa Global if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Daman if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Bupa Global cheaper than Daman?
No, Daman's entry-level plan starts from AED 600/yr, while Bupa Global's cheapest plan begins at AED 7,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Bupa Global or Daman?
Bupa Global has a larger Dubai network with 4,307 providers, compared to Daman's 4,048 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Bupa Global or Daman cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Bupa Global's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 20,000/yr, while Daman offers up to AED 7,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Bupa Global to Daman?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Bupa Global to Daman (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 Bupa Global and Daman have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Bupa Global and Daman plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Bupa Global and Daman side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Bupa Global starts from AED 7,500/yr, Daman from AED 600/yr, (2) Network size — 7,272 vs 9,506 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 Bupa Global and Daman or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.