IRIS Health vs NAS (NextCare)
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
IRIS Health
tpa5,881 providers
2 plans
Est. 2003
DHA, HAAD regulated
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,492 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
IRIS Health has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 5,881 providers across 8 cities. NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 10,492 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
IRIS Health vs NAS (NextCare) — At a Glance
| Attribute | IRIS Health | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | tpa |
| Founded | 2003 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 11,500 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,881 | 10,492 |
| 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 | 800-627 |
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 | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,461 | vs | 5,118 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,331 | vs | 2,355 |
| Sharjah | 477 | vs | 1,617 |
| Al Ain | 256 | vs | 572 |
| Ajman | 147 | vs | 368 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 121 | vs | 248 |
| Fujairah | 65 | vs | 167 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 23 | vs | 47 |
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 →NAS (NextCare) Plans
NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Essential
Mandatory compliance for employers across UAE
AED 2,500 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
10,492 providers
View details →NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Gold
Corporate employees seeking comprehensive TPA-managed coverage
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
10,492 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more comprehensive coverage options. 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 NAS (NextCare) — FAQ
Which is better, IRIS Health or NAS (NextCare)?
It depends on your needs. IRIS Health has 5,881 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. NAS (NextCare) has 10,492 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is IRIS Health cheaper than NAS (NextCare)?
No, NAS (NextCare)'s entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/yr, while IRIS Health's cheapest plan begins at AED 2,800/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, IRIS Health or NAS (NextCare)?
NAS (NextCare) has a larger Dubai network with 5,118 providers, compared to IRIS Health's 3,461 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does IRIS Health or NAS (NextCare) 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 NAS (NextCare) offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from IRIS Health to NAS (NextCare)?
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 NAS (NextCare) (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 NAS (NextCare) have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare IRIS Health and NAS (NextCare) plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare IRIS Health and NAS (NextCare) side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — IRIS Health starts from AED 2,800/yr, NAS (NextCare) from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 5,881 vs 10,492 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 NAS (NextCare) or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.