Bupa Global vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Bupa Global
private7,161 providers
2 plans
Est. 1947
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,657 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Bupa Global has 2 plans from AED 7,500 a year and 7,161 in-network providers in 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 5,657 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 Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | Bupa Global | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1947 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Dubai (ME office) | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 7,500 – 45,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 7,161 | 5,657 |
| 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% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 800 0444 0492 | 800 725262 (SALAMA) |
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 | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,238 | vs | 3,036 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,668 | vs | 1,189 |
| Sharjah | 519 | vs | 878 |
| Al Ain | 304 | vs | 224 |
| Ajman | 180 | vs | 135 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 139 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 88 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 25 | vs | 24 |
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
7,161 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
7,161 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance Plans
Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Basic Takaful Health
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage across UAE
AED 2,500 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families across UAE wanting enhanced Takaful
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Bupa Global if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, Bupa Global or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. Bupa Global has 7,161 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 7,500/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,657 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Bupa Global if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Bupa Global cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
No, Salama Islamic Insurance'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 Salama Islamic Insurance?
Bupa Global has a larger Dubai network with 4,238 providers, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's 3,036 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Bupa Global or Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Bupa Global to Salama Islamic Insurance?
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 Salama Islamic Insurance (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 Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Bupa Global and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Bupa Global and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Bupa Global starts from AED 7,500/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 7,161 vs 5,657 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 Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.