MSH International vs Takaful Emarat
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
MSH International
private4,602 providers
2 plans
Est. 1974
DHA, DOH regulated
Takaful Emarat
private2,222 providers
2 plans
Est. 2008
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
MSH International has 2 plans from AED 6,500 a year and 4,602 in-network providers in 8 cities. Takaful Emarat has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 2,222 in-network providers in 8 cities. Both insurers have the most providers in Dubai. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
MSH International vs Takaful Emarat — At a Glance
| Attribute | MSH International | Takaful Emarat |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1974 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 6,500 – 30,000 | AED 2,500 – 12,000 |
| Total Network Size | 4,602 | 2,222 |
| 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% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 800 674823 | 600 522550 |
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 | Takaful Emarat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 2,796 | vs | 1,138 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,032 | vs | 506 |
| Sharjah | 329 | vs | 279 |
| Al Ain | 177 | vs | 96 |
| Ajman | 106 | vs | 106 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 90 | vs | 45 |
| Fujairah | 60 | vs | 33 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 12 | vs | 19 |
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
4,602 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
4,602 providers
View details →Takaful Emarat Plans
Takaful Emarat
Takaful Emarat Basic Takaful
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage
AED 2,500 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
2,222 providers
View details →Takaful Emarat
Takaful Emarat Enhanced Takaful
Corporate employees and families wanting Sharia-compliant enhanced cover
AED 5,500 – 12,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
2,222 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose MSH International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Takaful Emarat if you prioritise 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 Takaful Emarat — FAQ
Which is better, MSH International or Takaful Emarat?
It depends on your needs. MSH International has 4,602 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 6,500/yr. Takaful Emarat has 2,222 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose MSH International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Takaful Emarat if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is MSH International cheaper than Takaful Emarat?
No, Takaful Emarat'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 Takaful Emarat?
MSH International has a larger Dubai network with 2,796 providers, compared to Takaful Emarat's 1,138 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does MSH International or Takaful Emarat 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 Takaful Emarat offers up to AED 3,500/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from MSH International to Takaful Emarat?
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 Takaful Emarat (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 Takaful Emarat have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare MSH International and Takaful Emarat plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare MSH International and Takaful Emarat side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — MSH International starts from AED 6,500/yr, Takaful Emarat from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 4,602 vs 2,222 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 Takaful Emarat or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.