MetLife vs Now Health International
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
MetLife
private7,899 providers
2 plans
Est. 1868
DHA, HAAD regulated
Now Health International
private3,418 providers
2 plans
Est. 2011
DHA, HAAD regulated
MetLife has 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr with 7,899 providers across 8 cities. Now Health International has 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr with 3,418 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
MetLife vs Now Health International — At a Glance
| Attribute | MetLife | Now Health International |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1868 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,800 – 13,000 | AED 5,500 – 28,000 |
| Total Network Size | 7,899 | 3,418 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | Yes |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 0% – 20% |
| Claims Phone | 800-638543 | 800-669 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | MetLife | vs | Now Health International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 4,534 | vs | 2,455 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,742 | vs | 394 |
| Sharjah | 799 | vs | 258 |
| Al Ain | 339 | vs | 122 |
| Ajman | 216 | vs | 94 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 143 | vs | 49 |
| Fujairah | 92 | vs | 37 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 34 | vs | 9 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
MetLife Plans
MetLife
MetLife Essential Health
SMEs meeting mandatory health insurance requirements
AED 2,800 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
7,899 providers
View details →MetLife
MetLife Corporate Plus
Corporate employees with enhanced coverage needs
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
7,899 providers
View details →Now Health International Plans
Now Health International
Now Health WorldCare Essential
Expat professionals and freelancers seeking modular coverage
AED 5,500 – 10,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
3,418 providers
View details →Now Health International
Now Health WorldCare Prestige
Executives and families wanting comprehensive worldwide cover
AED 14,000 – 28,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay
3,418 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose MetLife if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. Choose Now Health International if you prioritise 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.
MetLife vs Now Health International — FAQ
Which is better, MetLife or Now Health International?
It depends on your needs. MetLife has 7,899 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. Now Health International has 3,418 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 5,500/yr. Choose MetLife if you need a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. Choose Now Health International if you prioritise more comprehensive coverage options.
Is MetLife cheaper than Now Health International?
Yes, MetLife's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,800/yr, compared to Now Health International's cheapest plan at AED 5,500/yr. However, plan pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Enhanced and premium tiers may differ. Always obtain a personalised quote from each insurer.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, MetLife or Now Health International?
MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,534 providers, compared to Now Health International's 2,455 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does MetLife or Now Health International cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. MetLife's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,500/yr, while Now Health International offers up to AED 7,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from MetLife to Now Health International?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from MetLife to Now Health International (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 MetLife and Now Health International have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare MetLife and Now Health International plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MetLife and Now Health International side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MetLife starts from AED 2,800/yr, Now Health International from AED 5,500/yr, (2) Network size — 7,899 vs 3,418 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.
Related Comparisons
Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from MetLife and Now Health International or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.