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MedNet vs Thiqa

UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026

MedNet

tpa

10,137 providers

2 plans

Est. 1991

DHA, HAAD regulated

Thiqa

premium

8,142 providers

1 plan

Est. 2005

HAAD regulated

MedNet has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 10,137 providers across 8 cities. Thiqa has 1 plan starting from AED 0/yr with 8,142 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.

MedNet vs Thiqa — At a Glance

AttributeMedNetThiqa
Typetpapremium
Founded19912005
HeadquartersDubaiAbu Dhabi
RegulatorsDHA, HAADHAAD
Number of Plans21
Premium RangeAED 2,800 – 12,000AED 0 – 0
Total Network Size10,1378,142
Cities Covered88
DentalYesYes
OpticalYesYes
MaternityYesYes
Mental HealthYesYes
InternationalNoYes
Co-pay Range20%0%
Claims Phone04-325-5225800-42626

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

Network Comparison by City

CityMedNetvsThiqa
Dubai
5,107
vs
3,164
Abu Dhabi
2,210
vs
2,481
Sharjah
1,516
vs
922
Al Ain
543
vs
807
Ajman
348
vs
318
Ras Al Khaimah
232
vs
234
Fujairah
137
vs
170
Umm Al Quwain
44
vs
46

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

MedNet Plans

MedNet

MedNet Managed Essential

Basic

Companies using MedNet-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
Wide TPA networkFast digital claimsMulti-insurer options

10,137 providers

View details →

MedNet

MedNet Managed Plus

Enhanced

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

Dental (AED 3,500)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Large managed networkDental and optical includedFlexible underwriter options

10,137 providers

View details →

Thiqa Plans

Thiqa

Thiqa

VIP

UAE nationals and their dependants in Abu Dhabi

Government-funded

Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay

Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Unlimited annual coverageZero co-pay across all servicesInternational treatment coverage (with approval)

8,142 providers

View details →

Verdict

Choose MedNet if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation. 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 Thiqa — FAQ

Which is better, MedNet or Thiqa?

It depends on your needs. MedNet has 10,137 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. Thiqa has 8,142 providers across 8 cities with 1 plans from AED 0/yr. Choose MedNet if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.

Is MedNet cheaper than Thiqa?

No, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/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 Thiqa?

MedNet has a larger Dubai network with 5,107 providers, compared to Thiqa's 3,164 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.

Does MedNet or Thiqa 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 Thiqa offers up to AED 0/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Can I switch from MedNet to Thiqa?

Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from MedNet to Thiqa (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 Thiqa have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

How do I compare MedNet and Thiqa plans?

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MedNet and Thiqa side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MedNet starts from AED 2,800/yr, Thiqa from AED 0/yr, (2) Network size — 10,137 vs 8,142 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 MedNet and Thiqa or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.