Cigna vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Cigna
private9,074 providers
3 plans
Est. 1982
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,843 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Cigna has 3 plans starting from AED 3,500/yr with 9,074 providers across 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 5,843 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 | 9,074 | 5,843 |
| 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 | 4,984 | vs | 3,163 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,123 | vs | 1,213 |
| Sharjah | 965 | vs | 894 |
| Al Ain | 396 | vs | 235 |
| Ajman | 260 | vs | 140 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 193 | vs | 108 |
| Fujairah | 119 | vs | 66 |
| 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
9,074 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
9,074 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
9,074 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
5,843 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
5,843 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
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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.