Cigna vs Daman
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Cigna
private8,960 providers
3 plans
Est. 1982
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Daman
mandatory9,536 providers
3 plans
Est. 2005
HAAD regulated
Cigna has 3 plans starting from AED 3,500/yr with 8,960 providers across 8 cities. Daman has 3 plans starting from AED 600/yr with 9,536 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Cigna vs Daman — At a Glance
| Attribute | Cigna | Daman |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | mandatory |
| Founded | 1982 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP | HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 3 | 3 |
| Premium Range | AED 3,500 – 40,000 | AED 600 – 25,000 |
| Total Network Size | 8,960 | 9,536 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | Yes | No |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 20% | 0% – 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-244627 | 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 | Cigna | vs | Daman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,900 | vs | 4,076 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,121 | vs | 2,489 |
| Sharjah | 958 | vs | 1,343 |
| Al Ain | 389 | vs | 801 |
| Ajman | 257 | vs | 364 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 184 | vs | 244 |
| Fujairah | 117 | vs | 168 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 34 | vs | 51 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Cigna Plans
Cigna
Cigna Essential Care
Individuals and small businesses meeting UAE mandatory requirements
AED 3,500 – 6,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
8,960 providers
View details →Cigna
Cigna Global Health Options
Expat professionals and families wanting flexible global-local coverage
AED 8,000 – 16,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.0M · semi-private room · 10% co-pay
8,960 providers
View details →Cigna
Cigna Global Health Platinum
C-suite executives and high-net-worth families
AED 20,000 – 40,000/yr
Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay
8,960 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
9,536 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
9,536 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
9,536 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Cigna if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Daman 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.
Cigna vs Daman — FAQ
Which is better, Cigna or Daman?
It depends on your needs. Cigna has 8,960 providers across 8 cities and offers 3 plans starting from AED 3,500/yr. Daman has 9,536 providers across 8 cities with 3 plans from AED 600/yr. Choose Cigna if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Daman if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums.
Is Cigna cheaper than Daman?
No, Daman's entry-level plan starts from AED 600/yr, while Cigna's cheapest plan begins at AED 3,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Cigna or Daman?
Cigna has a larger Dubai network with 4,900 providers, compared to Daman's 4,076 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Cigna or Daman cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Cigna's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 15,000/yr, while Daman offers up to AED 7,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Cigna to Daman?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Cigna 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 Cigna and Daman have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Cigna and Daman plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Cigna and Daman side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Cigna starts from AED 3,500/yr, Daman from AED 600/yr, (2) Network size — 8,960 vs 9,536 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 Cigna and Daman or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.