MedNet vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
MedNet
tpa10,137 providers
2 plans
Est. 1991
DHA, HAAD regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,768 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
MedNet has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 10,137 providers across 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 5,768 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
MedNet vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | MedNet | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | private |
| Founded | 1991 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 12,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 10,137 | 5,768 |
| 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 | 04-325-5225 | 800-72526 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | MedNet | vs | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 5,107 | vs | 3,113 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,210 | vs | 1,211 |
| Sharjah | 1,516 | vs | 885 |
| Al Ain | 543 | vs | 227 |
| Ajman | 348 | vs | 137 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 232 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 137 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 44 | vs | 24 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
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 →Salama Islamic Insurance Plans
Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Basic Takaful Health
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage across UAE
AED 2,500 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,768 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families across UAE wanting enhanced Takaful
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,768 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose MedNet if you need a larger provider network. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise 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.
MedNet vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, MedNet or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. MedNet has 10,137 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose MedNet if you need a larger provider network. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is MedNet cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
No, Salama Islamic Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/yr, while MedNet'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, MedNet or Salama Islamic Insurance?
MedNet has a larger Dubai network with 5,107 providers, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's 3,113 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does MedNet or Salama Islamic Insurance cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. MedNet's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,500/yr, while Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from MedNet to Salama Islamic Insurance?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from MedNet to Salama Islamic 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 MedNet and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare MedNet and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MedNet and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MedNet starts from AED 2,800/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 10,137 vs 5,768 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 MedNet and Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.