Question 1

Which is better, Bupa Global or Now Health International?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs. Bupa Global has 7,398 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr. Now Health International has 3,470 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.

Question 2

Is Bupa Global cheaper than Now Health International?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Bupa Global or Now Health International?

Accepted Answer

Bupa Global has a larger Dubai network with 4,413 providers, compared to Now Health International's 2,495 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.

Question 4

Does Bupa Global or Now Health International cover dental?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can I switch from Bupa Global to Now Health International?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I compare Bupa Global and Now Health International plans?

Accepted Answer

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 — 7,398 vs 3,470 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.

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	7,398	3,470
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

City	Bupa Global	vs	Now Health International
Dubai	4,413	vs	2,495
Abu Dhabi	1,704	vs	394
Sharjah	528	vs	262
Al Ain	313	vs	125
Ajman	184	vs	95
Ras Al Khaimah	140	vs	51
Fujairah	91	vs	39
Umm Al Quwain	25	vs	9

Bupa Global vs Now Health International

Bupa Global

Now Health International

Bupa Global vs Now Health International — At a Glance

Network Comparison by City

Bupa Global Plans

Bupa Essential Health

Bupa Global Select

Now Health International Plans

Now Health WorldCare Essential

Now Health WorldCare Prestige

Verdict

Bupa Global vs Now Health International — FAQ

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