Question 1

Which is better, GIG Gulf or MetLife?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs. GIG Gulf has 7,697 providers across 8 cities and offers 3 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. MetLife has 8,008 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.

Question 2

Is GIG Gulf cheaper than MetLife?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Which has a bigger network in Dubai, GIG Gulf or MetLife?

Accepted Answer

MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,616 providers, compared to GIG Gulf's 4,165 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.

Question 4

Does GIG Gulf or MetLife cover dental?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can I switch from GIG Gulf to MetLife?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I compare GIG Gulf and MetLife plans?

Accepted Answer

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 — 7,697 vs 8,008 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.

Attribute	GIG Gulf	MetLife
Type	private	private
Founded	1962	1868
Headquarters	Kuwait / Dubai	Dubai
Regulators	DHA, HAAD, MOHAP	DHA, HAAD
Number of Plans	3	2
Premium Range	AED 2,800 – 28,000	AED 2,800 – 13,000
Total Network Size	7,697	8,008
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	800-444	800-638543

City	GIG Gulf	vs	MetLife
Dubai	4,165	vs	4,616
Abu Dhabi	1,674	vs	1,744
Sharjah	1,045	vs	806
Al Ain	297	vs	344
Ajman	227	vs	220
Ras Al Khaimah	155	vs	150
Fujairah	113	vs	93
Umm Al Quwain	21	vs	35

GIG Gulf vs MetLife

GIG Gulf

MetLife

GIG Gulf vs MetLife — At a Glance

Network Comparison by City

GIG Gulf Plans

GIG Gulf Essential

GIG Gulf Corporate Plus

GIG Gulf Executive

MetLife Plans

MetLife Essential Health

MetLife Corporate Plus

Verdict

GIG Gulf vs MetLife — FAQ

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