MedNet vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
MedNet
tpa493 providers
2 plans
Est. 1991
DHA, DOH regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,657 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
MedNet has 2 plans from AED 2,800 a year and 493 in-network providers in 7 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 5,657 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.
MedNet vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | MedNet | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | private |
| Founded | 1991 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 12,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 493 | 5,657 |
| Cities Covered | 7 | 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) | 800 4882 | 800 725262 (SALAMA) |
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 | 270 | vs | 3,036 |
| Abu Dhabi | 76 | vs | 1,189 |
| Sharjah | 99 | vs | 878 |
| Al Ain | 0 | vs | 224 |
| Ajman | 22 | vs | 135 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 19 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 4 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 3 | 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
493 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
493 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
5,657 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
5,657 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose MedNet if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more comprehensive coverage options, 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.
MedNet vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, MedNet or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. MedNet has 493 providers across 7 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,657 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose MedNet if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums, more comprehensive coverage options, presence in 8 cities.
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?
Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,036 providers, compared to MedNet's 270 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
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 — 493 vs 5,657 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.