MSH International vs NAS (NextCare)
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
MSH International
private4,680 providers
2 plans
Est. 1974
DHA, HAAD regulated
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,492 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
MSH International has 2 plans starting from AED 6,500/yr with 4,680 providers across 8 cities. NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 10,492 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
MSH International vs NAS (NextCare) — At a Glance
| Attribute | MSH International | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | tpa |
| Founded | 1974 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 6,500 – 30,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 4,680 | 10,492 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | Yes | No |
| Co-pay Range | 0% – 20% | 20% |
| Claims Phone | 04-327-3500 | 800-627 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | MSH International | vs | NAS (NextCare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 2,849 | vs | 5,118 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,052 | vs | 2,355 |
| Sharjah | 330 | vs | 1,617 |
| Al Ain | 179 | vs | 572 |
| Ajman | 108 | vs | 368 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 90 | vs | 248 |
| Fujairah | 60 | vs | 167 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 12 | vs | 47 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
MSH International Plans
MSH International
MSH Essential Plus
Expat professionals and families in the UAE
AED 6,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 800,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,680 providers
View details →MSH International
MSH Premium International
Executives and families needing worldwide coverage
AED 16,000 – 30,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay
4,680 providers
View details →NAS (NextCare) Plans
NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Essential
Mandatory compliance for employers across UAE
AED 2,500 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
10,492 providers
View details →NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Gold
Corporate employees seeking comprehensive TPA-managed coverage
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
10,492 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose MSH International if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums. 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.
MSH International vs NAS (NextCare) — FAQ
Which is better, MSH International or NAS (NextCare)?
It depends on your needs. MSH International has 4,680 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 6,500/yr. NAS (NextCare) has 10,492 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose MSH International if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums.
Is MSH International cheaper than NAS (NextCare)?
No, NAS (NextCare)'s entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/yr, while MSH International's cheapest plan begins at AED 6,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, MSH International or NAS (NextCare)?
NAS (NextCare) has a larger Dubai network with 5,118 providers, compared to MSH International's 2,849 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does MSH International or NAS (NextCare) cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. MSH International's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 8,000/yr, while NAS (NextCare) offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from MSH International to NAS (NextCare)?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from MSH International to NAS (NextCare) (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 MSH International and NAS (NextCare) have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare MSH International and NAS (NextCare) plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MSH International and NAS (NextCare) side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MSH International starts from AED 6,500/yr, NAS (NextCare) from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 4,680 vs 10,492 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 MSH International and NAS (NextCare) or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.