IRIS Health vs MedNet
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
IRIS Health
tpa5,881 providers
2 plans
Est. 2003
DHA, HAAD regulated
MedNet
tpa10,137 providers
2 plans
Est. 1991
DHA, HAAD regulated
IRIS Health has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 5,881 providers across 8 cities. MedNet has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 10,137 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
IRIS Health vs MedNet — At a Glance
| Attribute | IRIS Health | MedNet |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | tpa |
| Founded | 2003 | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 11,500 | AED 2,800 – 12,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,881 | 10,137 |
| 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 | 04-340-0220 | 04-325-5225 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | IRIS Health | vs | MedNet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,461 | vs | 5,107 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,331 | vs | 2,210 |
| Sharjah | 477 | vs | 1,516 |
| Al Ain | 256 | vs | 543 |
| Ajman | 147 | vs | 348 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 121 | vs | 232 |
| Fujairah | 65 | vs | 137 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 23 | vs | 44 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
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
5,881 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
5,881 providers
View details →MedNet Plans
MedNet
MedNet Managed Essential
Companies using MedNet-administered plans for mandatory compliance
AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
10,137 providers
View details →MedNet
MedNet Managed Plus
Mid-size companies seeking enhanced TPA-managed coverage
AED 5,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
10,137 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose MedNet 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.
IRIS Health vs MedNet — FAQ
Which is better, IRIS Health or MedNet?
It depends on your needs. IRIS Health has 5,881 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. MedNet has 10,137 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose MedNet if you prioritise a larger provider network.
Is IRIS Health cheaper than MedNet?
Both IRIS Health and MedNet 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, IRIS Health or MedNet?
MedNet has a larger Dubai network with 5,107 providers, compared to IRIS Health's 3,461 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does IRIS Health or MedNet cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. IRIS Health's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,500/yr, while MedNet offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from IRIS Health to MedNet?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from IRIS Health to MedNet (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 IRIS Health and MedNet have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare IRIS Health and MedNet plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare IRIS Health and MedNet side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — IRIS Health starts from AED 2,800/yr, MedNet from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 5,881 vs 10,137 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 IRIS Health and MedNet or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.