Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

Now Health International vs Salama Islamic Insurance

UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026

Now Health International

private

3,418 providers

2 plans

Est. 2011

DHA, HAAD regulated

Salama Islamic Insurance

private

5,768 providers

2 plans

Est. 1979

DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated

Now Health International has 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr with 3,418 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.

Now Health International vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance

AttributeNow Health InternationalSalama Islamic Insurance
Typeprivateprivate
Founded20111979
HeadquartersDubaiDubai
RegulatorsDHA, HAADDHA, HAAD, MOHAP
Number of Plans22
Premium RangeAED 5,500 – 28,000AED 2,500 – 13,000
Total Network Size3,4185,768
Cities Covered88
DentalYesYes
OpticalYesYes
MaternityYesYes
Mental HealthYesYes
InternationalYesNo
Co-pay Range0% – 20%20%
Claims Phone800-669800-72526

Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.

Network Comparison by City

CityNow Health InternationalvsSalama Islamic Insurance
Dubai
2,455
vs
3,113
Abu Dhabi
394
vs
1,211
Sharjah
258
vs
885
Al Ain
122
vs
227
Ajman
94
vs
137
Ras Al Khaimah
49
vs
106
Fujairah
37
vs
65
Umm Al Quwain
9
vs
24

Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.

Now Health International Plans

Now Health International

Now Health WorldCare Essential

Enhanced

Expat professionals and freelancers seeking modular coverage

AED 5,500 – 10,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay

Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Modular — add dental/optical as ridersInternational emergency coverageOnline member portal

3,418 providers

View details →

Now Health International

Now Health WorldCare Prestige

Premium

Executives and families wanting comprehensive worldwide cover

AED 14,000 – 28,000/yr

Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay

Dental (AED 7,500)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Zero co-payPrivate roomWorldwide coverage

3,418 providers

View details →

Salama Islamic Insurance Plans

Salama Islamic Insurance

Salama Basic Takaful Health

Basic

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

Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Largest Takaful insurer in UAEAll-emirate compliantOver 40 years of Takaful expertise

5,768 providers

View details →

Salama Islamic Insurance

Salama Enhanced Takaful Health

Enhanced

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

Dental (AED 4,000)
Optical
Maternity
Mental Health
International
Takaful-compliantDental and optical includedAlternative medicine covered

5,768 providers

View details →

Verdict

Choose Now Health 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.

Now Health International vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ

Which is better, Now Health International or Salama Islamic Insurance?

It depends on your needs. Now Health International has 3,418 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Now Health International if you need more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, lower entry-level premiums.

Is Now Health International cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?

No, Salama Islamic Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,500/yr, while Now Health International's cheapest plan begins at AED 5,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.

Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Now Health International or Salama Islamic Insurance?

Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,113 providers, compared to Now Health International's 2,455 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.

Does Now Health International or Salama Islamic Insurance cover dental?

Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Now Health International's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 7,500/yr, while Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Can I switch from Now Health 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 Now Health 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 Now Health International and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

How do I compare Now Health International and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Now Health International and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Now Health International starts from AED 5,500/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 3,418 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.

Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Now Health International and Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.