Question 1

Which is better, Cigna or MetLife?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs. Cigna has 9,074 providers across 8 cities and offers 3 plans starting from AED 3,500/yr. MetLife has 8,008 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Cigna if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose MetLife if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.

Question 2

Is Cigna cheaper than MetLife?

Accepted Answer

No, MetLife's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,800/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.

Question 3

Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Cigna or MetLife?

Accepted Answer

Cigna has a larger Dubai network with 4,984 providers, compared to MetLife's 4,616 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.

Question 4

Does Cigna or MetLife cover dental?

Accepted Answer

Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Cigna's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 15,000/yr, while MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Question 5

Can I switch from Cigna to MetLife?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Cigna to MetLife (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 MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

Question 6

How do I compare Cigna and MetLife plans?

Accepted Answer

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Cigna and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Cigna starts from AED 3,500/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 9,074 vs 8,008 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	Cigna	MetLife
Type	private	private
Founded	1982	1868
Headquarters	Dubai	Dubai
Regulators	DHA, HAAD, MOHAP	DHA, HAAD
Number of Plans	3	2
Premium Range	AED 3,500 – 40,000	AED 2,800 – 13,000
Total Network Size	9,074	8,008
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%	20%
Claims Phone	800-244627	800-638543

City	Cigna	vs	MetLife
Dubai	4,984	vs	4,616
Abu Dhabi	2,123	vs	1,744
Sharjah	965	vs	806
Al Ain	396	vs	344
Ajman	260	vs	220
Ras Al Khaimah	193	vs	150
Fujairah	119	vs	93
Umm Al Quwain	34	vs	35

Cigna vs MetLife

Cigna

MetLife

Cigna vs MetLife — At a Glance

Network Comparison by City

Cigna Plans

Cigna Essential Care

Cigna Global Health Options

Cigna Global Health Platinum

MetLife Plans

MetLife Essential Health

MetLife Corporate Plus

Verdict

Cigna vs MetLife — FAQ

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