NAS (NextCare) vs Thiqa
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,492 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Thiqa
premium8,142 providers
1 plan
Est. 2005
HAAD regulated
NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 10,492 providers across 8 cities. Thiqa has 1 plan starting from AED 0/yr with 8,142 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
NAS (NextCare) vs Thiqa — At a Glance
| Attribute | NAS (NextCare) | Thiqa |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | premium |
| Founded | 1999 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP | HAAD |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 1 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 13,000 | AED 0 – 0 |
| Total Network Size | 10,492 | 8,142 |
| 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 | 5,118 | vs | 3,164 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,355 | vs | 2,481 |
| Sharjah | 1,617 | vs | 922 |
| Al Ain | 572 | vs | 807 |
| Ajman | 368 | vs | 318 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 248 | vs | 234 |
| Fujairah | 167 | 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
10,492 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 →Thiqa Plans
Thiqa
Thiqa
UAE nationals and their dependants in Abu Dhabi
Government-funded
Annual limit: Unlimited · private room · 0% co-pay
8,142 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 10,492 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. Thiqa has 8,142 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 5,118 providers, compared to Thiqa's 3,164 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 — 10,492 vs 8,142 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, last verified March 2026.