Cigna vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Cigna
private8,960 providers
3 plans
Est. 1982
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,768 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Cigna has 3 plans starting from AED 3,500/yr with 8,960 providers across 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 5,768 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Cigna vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | Cigna | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1982 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 3 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 3,500 – 40,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 8,960 | 5,768 |
| 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 | 800-72526 |
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 | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,900 | vs | 3,113 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,121 | vs | 1,211 |
| Sharjah | 958 | vs | 885 |
| Al Ain | 389 | vs | 227 |
| Ajman | 257 | vs | 137 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 184 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 117 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 34 | vs | 24 |
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 →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
5,768 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
5,768 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Cigna if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, 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.
Cigna vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, Cigna or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. Cigna has 8,960 providers across 8 cities and offers 3 plans starting from AED 3,500/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Cigna if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Cigna cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
No, Salama Islamic Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/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 Salama Islamic Insurance?
Cigna has a larger Dubai network with 4,900 providers, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's 3,113 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Cigna or Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Cigna 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 Cigna 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 Cigna and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Cigna and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Cigna and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Cigna starts from AED 3,500/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 8,960 vs 5,768 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 Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.