GlobeMed vs IRIS Health
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
GlobeMed
tpa8,457 providers
2 plans
Est. 1991
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
IRIS Health
tpa6 providers
2 plans
Est. 2003
DHA, DOH regulated
GlobeMed has 2 plans from AED 2,600 a year and 8,457 in-network providers in 8 cities. IRIS Health has 2 plans from AED 2,800 a year and 6 in-network providers in 2 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.
GlobeMed vs IRIS Health — At a Glance
| Attribute | GlobeMed | IRIS Health |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | tpa |
| Founded | 1991 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Dubai (HQ Lebanon) | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DHA, DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,600 – 12,000 | AED 2,800 – 11,500 |
| Total Network Size | 8,457 | 6 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 2 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Claims Phone | 04-425-3300 | 04-340-0220 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | GlobeMed | vs | IRIS Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,461 | vs | 5 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,889 | vs | 0 |
| Sharjah | 1,191 | vs | 1 |
| Al Ain | 375 | vs | 0 |
| Ajman | 232 | vs | 0 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 171 | vs | 0 |
| Fujairah | 114 | vs | 0 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 24 | vs | 0 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
GlobeMed Plans
GlobeMed
GlobeMed Managed Essential
Employers using GlobeMed-administered plans for mandatory compliance
AED 2,600 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
8,457 providers
View details →GlobeMed
GlobeMed Managed Plus
Corporate groups seeking enhanced TPA-managed coverage
AED 5,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
8,457 providers
View details →IRIS Health Plans
IRIS Health
IRIS Managed Essential
Companies using IRIS-administered plans for mandatory compliance
AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
6 providers
View details →IRIS Health
IRIS Managed Plus
Corporate groups seeking personalised TPA-managed coverage
AED 5,500 – 11,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
6 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose GlobeMed if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, presence in 8 cities. Choose IRIS Health 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.
GlobeMed vs IRIS Health — FAQ
Which is better, GlobeMed or IRIS Health?
It depends on your needs. GlobeMed has 8,457 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,600/yr. IRIS Health has 6 providers across 2 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose GlobeMed if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, presence in 8 cities. Choose IRIS Health if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is GlobeMed cheaper than IRIS Health?
Yes, GlobeMed's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,600/yr, compared to IRIS Health'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, GlobeMed or IRIS Health?
GlobeMed has a larger Dubai network with 4,461 providers, compared to IRIS Health's 5 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does GlobeMed or IRIS Health cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. GlobeMed's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,500/yr, while IRIS Health offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from GlobeMed to IRIS Health?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from GlobeMed to IRIS Health (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 GlobeMed and IRIS Health have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare GlobeMed and IRIS Health plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare GlobeMed and IRIS Health side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — GlobeMed starts from AED 2,600/yr, IRIS Health from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 8,457 vs 6 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 GlobeMed and IRIS Health or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.