Daman vs MetLife
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Daman
mandatory9,536 providers
3 plans
Est. 2005
HAAD regulated
MetLife
private7,899 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, HAAD regulated
Daman has 3 plans starting from AED 600/yr with 9,536 providers across 8 cities. MetLife has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 7,899 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Daman vs MetLife — At a Glance
| Attribute | Daman | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Type | mandatory | private |
| Founded | 2005 | 1868 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Regulators | HAAD | DHA, HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 3 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 600 – 25,000 | AED 2,800 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 9,536 | 7,899 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 20% | 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-42626 | 800-638543 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Daman | vs | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,076 | vs | 4,534 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,489 | vs | 1,742 |
| Sharjah | 1,343 | vs | 799 |
| Al Ain | 801 | vs | 339 |
| Ajman | 364 | vs | 216 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 244 | vs | 143 |
| Fujairah | 168 | vs | 92 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 51 | vs | 34 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
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 →MetLife Plans
MetLife
MetLife Essential Health
SMEs meeting mandatory health insurance requirements
AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
7,899 providers
View details →MetLife
MetLife Corporate Plus
Corporate employees with enhanced coverage needs
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
7,899 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Daman if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose MetLife if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation. 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.
Daman vs MetLife — FAQ
Which is better, Daman or MetLife?
It depends on your needs. Daman has 9,536 providers across 8 cities and offers 3 plans starting from AED 600/yr. MetLife has 7,899 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Daman if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose MetLife if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is Daman cheaper than MetLife?
Yes, Daman's entry-level plan starts from AED 600/yr, compared to MetLife's cheapest plan at AED 2,800/yr. However, plan pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Enhanced and premium tiers may differ. Always obtain a personalised quote from each insurer.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Daman or MetLife?
MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,534 providers, compared to Daman's 4,076 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Daman or MetLife cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Daman's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 7,500/yr, while MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Daman to MetLife?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Daman 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 Daman and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Daman and MetLife plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Daman and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Daman starts from AED 600/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 9,536 vs 7,899 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 Daman and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.