Bupa Global vs NAS (NextCare)
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Bupa Global
private7,303 providers
2 plans
Est. 1947
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,492 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Bupa Global has 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr with 7,303 providers across 8 cities. NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 10,492 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Bupa Global vs NAS (NextCare) — At a Glance
| Attribute | Bupa Global | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | tpa |
| Founded | 1947 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Dubai (ME office) | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,500 – 45,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 7,303 | 10,492 |
| 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% | 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-28721 | 800-627 |
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 | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,336 | vs | 5,118 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,702 | vs | 2,355 |
| Sharjah | 523 | vs | 1,617 |
| Al Ain | 309 | vs | 572 |
| Ajman | 181 | vs | 368 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 139 | vs | 248 |
| Fujairah | 88 | vs | 167 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 25 | vs | 47 |
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
7,303 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
7,303 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
10,492 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
10,492 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Bupa Global if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. 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 NAS (NextCare) — FAQ
Which is better, Bupa Global or NAS (NextCare)?
It depends on your needs. Bupa Global has 7,303 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr. NAS (NextCare) has 10,492 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Bupa Global if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums.
Is Bupa Global cheaper than NAS (NextCare)?
No, NAS (NextCare)'s entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/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 NAS (NextCare)?
NAS (NextCare) has a larger Dubai network with 5,118 providers, compared to Bupa Global's 4,336 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Bupa Global or NAS (NextCare) 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 NAS (NextCare) offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Bupa Global 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 Bupa Global 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 Bupa Global and NAS (NextCare) have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Bupa Global and NAS (NextCare) plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Bupa Global and NAS (NextCare) side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Bupa Global starts from AED 7,500/yr, NAS (NextCare) from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 7,303 vs 10,492 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 NAS (NextCare) or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.