MSH International vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
MSH International
private4,680 providers
2 plans
Est. 1974
DHA, HAAD regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,768 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
MSH International has 2 plans starting from AED 6,500/yr with 4,680 providers across 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 5,768 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
MSH International vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | MSH International | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1974 | 1979 |
| 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 | 5,768 |
| 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 | 800-72526 |
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 | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 2,849 | vs | 3,113 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,052 | vs | 1,211 |
| Sharjah | 330 | vs | 885 |
| Al Ain | 179 | vs | 227 |
| Ajman | 108 | vs | 137 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 90 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 60 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 12 | vs | 24 |
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 →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
5,768 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
5,768 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose MSH International if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, MSH International or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. MSH International has 4,680 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 6,500/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose MSH International if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums.
Is MSH International cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
No, Salama Islamic Insurance'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 Salama Islamic Insurance?
Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,113 providers, compared to MSH International's 2,849 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does MSH International or Salama Islamic Insurance 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 Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from MSH International 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 MSH International 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 MSH International and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare MSH International and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MSH International and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MSH International starts from AED 6,500/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 4,680 vs 5,768 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 Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.