GIG Gulf vs MetLife
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
GIG Gulf
private782 providers
3 plans
Est. 1962
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
MetLife
private7,772 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, DOH regulated
GIG Gulf has 3 plans from AED 2,800 a year and 782 in-network providers in 8 cities. MetLife has 2 plans from AED 2,800 a year and 7,772 in-network providers in 8 cities. Both insurers have the most providers in Dubai. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
GIG Gulf vs MetLife — At a Glance
| Attribute | GIG Gulf | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1962 | 1868 |
| Headquarters | Kuwait / Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DHA, DOH |
| Number of Plans | 3 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 28,000 | AED 2,800 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 782 | 7,772 |
| 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% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 800 292 | 800-BENEFITS (800-23633487) |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | GIG Gulf | vs | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 426 | vs | 4,447 |
| Abu Dhabi | 178 | vs | 1,711 |
| Sharjah | 96 | vs | 796 |
| Al Ain | 31 | vs | 334 |
| Ajman | 28 | vs | 216 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 13 | vs | 143 |
| Fujairah | 8 | vs | 91 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 2 | vs | 34 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
GIG Gulf Plans
GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf Essential
SMEs and individuals meeting mandatory requirements across UAE
AED 2,800 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
782 providers
View details →GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf Corporate Plus
Corporate employees and families across UAE
AED 5,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
782 providers
View details →GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf Executive
Senior management and executives
AED 15,000 – 28,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay
782 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
7,772 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
7,772 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose GIG Gulf if you need more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network. 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.
GIG Gulf vs MetLife — FAQ
Which is better, GIG Gulf or MetLife?
It depends on your needs. GIG Gulf has 782 providers across 8 cities and offers 3 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. MetLife has 7,772 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose GIG Gulf if you need more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network.
Is GIG Gulf cheaper than MetLife?
Both GIG Gulf and MetLife have entry-level plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. However, pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Compare enhanced and premium tiers for a full picture, and always obtain personalised quotes.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, GIG Gulf or MetLife?
MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,447 providers, compared to GIG Gulf's 426 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does GIG Gulf or MetLife cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. GIG Gulf's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 8,000/yr, while MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from GIG Gulf to MetLife?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from GIG Gulf 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 GIG Gulf and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare GIG Gulf and MetLife plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare GIG Gulf and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — GIG Gulf starts from AED 2,800/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 782 vs 7,772 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 GIG Gulf and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.