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IRIS Health vs MetLife

UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026

IRIS Health

tpa

5,881 providers

2 plans

Est. 2003

DHA, HAAD regulated

MetLife

private

7,899 providers

2 plans

Est. 1868

DHA, HAAD regulated

IRIS Health has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 5,881 providers across 8 cities. MetLife has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 7,899 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.

IRIS Health vs MetLife — At a Glance

AttributeIRIS HealthMetLife
Typetpaprivate
Founded20031868
HeadquartersDubaiDubai
RegulatorsDHA, HAADDHA, HAAD
Number of Plans22
Premium RangeAED 2,800 – 11,500AED 2,800 – 13,000
Total Network Size5,8817,899
Cities Covered88
DentalYesYes
OpticalYesYes
MaternityYesYes
Mental HealthYesYes
InternationalNoNo
Co-pay Range20%20%
Claims Phone04-340-0220800-638543

Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.

Network Comparison by City

CityIRIS HealthvsMetLife
Dubai
3,461
vs
4,534
Abu Dhabi
1,331
vs
1,742
Sharjah
477
vs
799
Al Ain
256
vs
339
Ajman
147
vs
216
Ras Al Khaimah
121
vs
143
Fujairah
65
vs
92
Umm Al Quwain
23
vs
34

Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.

IRIS Health Plans

IRIS Health

IRIS Managed Essential

Basic

Companies using IRIS-administered plans for mandatory compliance

AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay

Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Quality-focused TPAStrong provider credentialingTailored programme design

5,881 providers

View details →

IRIS Health

IRIS Managed Plus

Enhanced

Corporate groups seeking personalised TPA-managed coverage

AED 5,500 – 11,500/yr

Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay

Dental (AED 3,500)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Customised health programmesDental and optical includedProvider quality monitoring

5,881 providers

View details →

MetLife Plans

MetLife

MetLife Essential Health

Basic

SMEs meeting mandatory health insurance requirements

AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay

Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
DHA compliantDigital claims via appAffordable group rates

7,899 providers

View details →

MetLife

MetLife Corporate Plus

Enhanced

Corporate employees with enhanced coverage needs

AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay

Dental (AED 3,500)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Wellness programme includedDental and opticalMental health coverage

7,899 providers

View details →

Verdict

Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. 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.

IRIS Health vs MetLife — FAQ

Which is better, IRIS Health or MetLife?

It depends on your needs. IRIS Health has 5,881 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. MetLife has 7,899 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,800/yr. Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose MetLife if you prioritise a larger provider network.

Is IRIS Health cheaper than MetLife?

Both IRIS Health 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, IRIS Health or MetLife?

MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,534 providers, compared to IRIS Health's 3,461 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.

Does IRIS Health or MetLife 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 MetLife offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Can I switch from IRIS Health to MetLife?

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 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 IRIS Health and MetLife have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

How do I compare IRIS Health and MetLife plans?

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare IRIS Health and MetLife side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — IRIS Health starts from AED 2,800/yr, MetLife from AED 2,800/yr, (2) Network size — 5,881 vs 7,899 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.

Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from IRIS Health and MetLife or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.