GlobeMed vs MetLife
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
GlobeMed
tpa8,457 providers
2 plans
Est. 1991
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
MetLife
private7,772 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, DOH regulated
GlobeMed has 2 plans from AED 2,600 a year and 8,457 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.
GlobeMed vs MetLife — At a Glance
| Attribute | GlobeMed | MetLife |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | private |
| Founded | 1991 | 1868 |
| 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 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 8,457 | 7,772 |
| 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 | 04-425-3300 | 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 | GlobeMed | vs | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,461 | vs | 4,447 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,889 | vs | 1,711 |
| Sharjah | 1,191 | vs | 796 |
| Al Ain | 375 | vs | 334 |
| Ajman | 232 | vs | 216 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 171 | vs | 143 |
| Fujairah | 114 | vs | 91 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 24 | vs | 34 |
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 →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 GlobeMed 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.
GlobeMed vs MetLife — FAQ
Which is better, GlobeMed or MetLife?
It depends on your needs. GlobeMed has 8,457 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,600/yr. MetLife has 7,772 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose GlobeMed if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. Choose MetLife if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is GlobeMed cheaper than MetLife?
Yes, GlobeMed's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,600/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, GlobeMed or MetLife?
GlobeMed has a larger Dubai network with 4,461 providers, compared to MetLife's 4,447 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does GlobeMed or MetLife 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 MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from GlobeMed to MetLife?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from GlobeMed 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 GlobeMed and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare GlobeMed and MetLife plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare GlobeMed and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — GlobeMed starts from AED 2,600/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 8,457 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 GlobeMed and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.