Bupa Global vs Now Health International
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Bupa Global
private7,303 providers
2 plans
Est. 1947
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Now Health International
private3,418 providers
2 plans
Est. 2011
DHA, HAAD regulated
Bupa Global has 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr with 7,303 providers across 8 cities. Now Health International has 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr with 3,418 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Bupa Global vs Now Health International — At a Glance
| Attribute | Bupa Global | Now Health International |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1947 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Dubai (ME office) | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP | DHA, HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,500 – 45,000 | AED 5,500 – 28,000 |
| Total Network Size | 7,303 | 3,418 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | Yes | Yes |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 10% | 0% – 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-28721 | 800-669 |
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 | Now Health International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,336 | vs | 2,455 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,702 | vs | 394 |
| Sharjah | 523 | vs | 258 |
| Al Ain | 309 | vs | 122 |
| Ajman | 181 | vs | 94 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 139 | vs | 49 |
| Fujairah | 88 | vs | 37 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 25 | vs | 9 |
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 →Now Health International Plans
Now Health International
Now Health WorldCare Essential
Expat professionals and freelancers seeking modular coverage
AED 5,500 – 10,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
3,418 providers
View details →Now Health International
Now Health WorldCare Prestige
Executives and families wanting comprehensive worldwide cover
AED 14,000 – 28,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay
3,418 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Bupa Global if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Now Health International if you prioritise 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 Now Health International — FAQ
Which is better, Bupa Global or Now Health International?
It depends on your needs. Bupa Global has 7,303 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr. Now Health International has 3,418 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 5,500/yr. Choose Bupa Global if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Now Health International if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Bupa Global cheaper than Now Health International?
No, Now Health International's entry-level plan starts from AED 5,500/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 Now Health International?
Bupa Global has a larger Dubai network with 4,336 providers, compared to Now Health International's 2,455 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Bupa Global or Now Health International 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 Now Health International offers up to AED 7,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Bupa Global to Now Health International?
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 Now Health International (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 Now Health International have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Bupa Global and Now Health International plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Bupa Global and Now Health International side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Bupa Global starts from AED 7,500/yr, Now Health International from AED 5,500/yr, (2) Network size — 7,303 vs 3,418 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 Now Health International or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.