IRIS Health vs Union Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
IRIS Health
tpa6 providers
2 plans
Est. 2003
DHA, DOH regulated
Union Insurance
private1,691 providers
2 plans
Est. 1998
DOH, DHA regulated
IRIS Health has 2 plans from AED 2,800 a year and 6 in-network providers in 2 cities. Union Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,300 a year and 1,691 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.
IRIS Health vs Union Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | IRIS Health | Union Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | private |
| Founded | 2003 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DOH, DHA |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 11,500 | AED 2,300 – 10,500 |
| Total Network Size | 6 | 1,691 |
| Cities Covered | 2 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | See irishealth.ae | +971 4 3787 777 |
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 | Union Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 5 | vs | 902 |
| Abu Dhabi | 0 | vs | 388 |
| Sharjah | 1 | vs | 231 |
| Ajman | 0 | vs | 72 |
| Al Ain | 0 | vs | 36 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 0 | vs | 32 |
| Fujairah | 0 | vs | 25 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 0 | vs | 5 |
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
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 →Union Insurance Plans
Union Insurance
Union Basic Health
SMEs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai meeting mandatory requirements
AED 2,300 – 4,200/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
1,691 providers
View details →Union Insurance
Union Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
AED 5,000 – 10,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
1,691 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Union Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, presence in 8 cities. 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 Union Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, IRIS Health or Union Insurance?
It depends on your needs. IRIS Health has 6 providers across 2 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. Union Insurance has 1,691 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,300/yr. Choose IRIS Health if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Union Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, presence in 8 cities.
Is IRIS Health cheaper than Union Insurance?
No, Union Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,300/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 Union Insurance?
Union Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 902 providers, compared to IRIS Health's 5 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does IRIS Health or Union Insurance 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 Union Insurance offers up to AED 3,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from IRIS Health to Union Insurance?
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 Union Insurance (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 Union Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare IRIS Health and Union Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare IRIS Health and Union Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — IRIS Health starts from AED 2,800/yr, Union Insurance from AED 2,300/yr, (2) Network size — 6 vs 1,691 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 Union Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.