Dubai Insurance Company vs Thiqa
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Dubai Insurance Company
private8,554 providers
2 plans
Est. 1970
DHA regulated
Thiqa
premium8,142 providers
1 plan
Est. 2005
HAAD regulated
Dubai Insurance Company has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 8,554 providers across 8 cities. Thiqa has 1 plan starting from AED 0/yr with 8,142 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Dubai Insurance Company vs Thiqa — At a Glance
| Attribute | Dubai Insurance Company | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | premium |
| Founded | 1970 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA | HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 1 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 12,000 | AED 0 – 0 |
| Total Network Size | 8,554 | 8,142 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | Yes |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 0% |
| Claims Phone | 04-262-5252 | 800-42626 |
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 | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 5,156 | vs | 3,164 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,106 | vs | 2,481 |
| Sharjah | 1,300 | vs | 922 |
| Al Ain | 366 | vs | 807 |
| Ajman | 315 | vs | 318 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 167 | vs | 234 |
| Fujairah | 106 | vs | 170 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 38 | vs | 46 |
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 →Thiqa Plans
Thiqa
Thiqa
UAE nationals and their dependants in Abu Dhabi
Government-funded
Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay
8,142 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Dubai Insurance Company if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa 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 Thiqa — FAQ
Which is better, Dubai Insurance Company or Thiqa?
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. Thiqa has 8,142 providers across 8 cities with 1 plans from AED 0/yr. Choose Dubai Insurance Company if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is Dubai Insurance Company cheaper than Thiqa?
No, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/yr, while Dubai Insurance Company's cheapest plan begins at AED 2,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Dubai Insurance Company or Thiqa?
Dubai Insurance Company has a larger Dubai network with 5,156 providers, compared to Thiqa's 3,164 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Dubai Insurance Company or Thiqa 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 Thiqa offers up to AED 0/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Dubai Insurance Company to Thiqa?
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 Thiqa (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 Thiqa have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Dubai Insurance Company and Thiqa plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Dubai Insurance Company and Thiqa side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Dubai Insurance Company starts from AED 2,500/yr, Thiqa from AED 0/yr, (2) Network size — 8,554 vs 8,142 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.
Related Comparisons
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 Thiqa or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.