MetLife vs Thiqa

It depends on your needs. MetLife has 7,772 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,800/yr. Thiqa has 7,999 providers across 8 cities with 1 plans from AED 0/yr. Choose MetLife if you need more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise a larger provider network.

No, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/yr, while MetLife'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.

MetLife has a larger Dubai network with 4,447 providers, compared to Thiqa's 3,083 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.

Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. MetLife'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.

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

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MetLife and Thiqa side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MetLife starts from AED 2,800/yr, Thiqa from AED 0/yr, (2) Network size — 7,772 vs 7,999 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.