Dubai Insurance Company vs MetLife
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Dubai Insurance Company
private8,554 providers
2 plans
Est. 1970
DHA regulated
MetLife
private7,899 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, HAAD regulated
Dubai Insurance Company has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 8,554 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.
Dubai Insurance Company vs MetLife — At a Glance
| Attribute | Dubai Insurance Company | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1970 | 1868 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA | DHA, HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 12,000 | AED 2,800 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 8,554 | 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 | 20% | 20% |
| Claims Phone | 04-262-5252 | 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 | Dubai Insurance Company | vs | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 5,156 | vs | 4,534 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,106 | vs | 1,742 |
| Sharjah | 1,300 | vs | 799 |
| Al Ain | 366 | vs | 339 |
| Ajman | 315 | vs | 216 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 167 | vs | 143 |
| Fujairah | 106 | vs | 92 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 38 | vs | 34 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Dubai Insurance Company Plans
Dubai Insurance Company
DIC Essential Health
Small businesses and individuals in Dubai meeting DHA mandate
AED 2,500 – 4,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 150,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
8,554 providers
View details →Dubai Insurance Company
DIC Corporate Health
Mid-size companies and their employees in Dubai
AED 5,000 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
8,554 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 Dubai Insurance Company if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. 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.
Dubai Insurance Company vs MetLife — FAQ
Which is better, Dubai Insurance Company or MetLife?
It depends on your needs. Dubai Insurance Company has 8,554 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. MetLife has 7,899 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose Dubai Insurance Company if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. Choose MetLife if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is Dubai Insurance Company cheaper than MetLife?
Yes, Dubai Insurance Company's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/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, Dubai Insurance Company or MetLife?
Dubai Insurance Company has a larger Dubai network with 5,156 providers, compared to MetLife's 4,534 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Dubai Insurance Company or MetLife cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Dubai Insurance Company's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,500/yr, while MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Dubai Insurance Company to MetLife?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Dubai Insurance Company 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 Dubai Insurance Company and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Dubai Insurance Company and MetLife plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Dubai Insurance Company and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Dubai Insurance Company starts from AED 2,500/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 8,554 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 Dubai Insurance Company and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.