NAS (NextCare) vs Thiqa
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,345 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Thiqa
premium7,999 providers
1 plan
Est. 2005
DOH regulated
NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 10,345 in-network providers in 8 cities. Thiqa has 1 plan and 7,999 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.
NAS (NextCare) vs Thiqa — At a Glance
| Attribute | NAS (NextCare) | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | premium |
| Founded | 1999 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DOH |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 1 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 13,000 | AED 0 – 0 |
| Total Network Size | 10,345 | 7,999 |
| 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% |
| Claims Phone | 800-627 | 800-42626 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | NAS (NextCare) | vs | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 5,030 | vs | 3,083 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,321 | vs | 2,440 |
| Sharjah | 1,605 | vs | 913 |
| Al Ain | 566 | vs | 798 |
| Ajman | 362 | vs | 315 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 248 | vs | 234 |
| Fujairah | 166 | vs | 170 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 47 | vs | 46 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
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
10,345 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
10,345 providers
View details →Thiqa Plans
Thiqa
Thiqa
UAE nationals and their dependants in Abu Dhabi
Government-funded
Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay
7,999 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose NAS (NextCare) if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation. 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.
NAS (NextCare) vs Thiqa — FAQ
Which is better, NAS (NextCare) or Thiqa?
It depends on your needs. NAS (NextCare) has 10,345 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. Thiqa has 7,999 providers across 8 cities with 1 plans from AED 0/yr. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you need a larger provider network, more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is NAS (NextCare) cheaper than Thiqa?
No, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/yr, while NAS (NextCare)'s cheapest plan begins at AED 2,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, NAS (NextCare) or Thiqa?
NAS (NextCare) has a larger Dubai network with 5,030 providers, compared to Thiqa's 3,083 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does NAS (NextCare) or Thiqa cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. NAS (NextCare)'s dental sub-limit goes up to AED 4,000/yr, while Thiqa offers up to AED 0/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from NAS (NextCare) to Thiqa?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from NAS (NextCare) 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 NAS (NextCare) and Thiqa have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare NAS (NextCare) and Thiqa plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare NAS (NextCare) and Thiqa side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — NAS (NextCare) starts from AED 2,500/yr, Thiqa from AED 0/yr, (2) Network size — 10,345 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.
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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 NAS (NextCare) and Thiqa or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.