Question 1

Which is better, Now Health International or Thiqa?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs. Now Health International has 3,470 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr. Thiqa has 8,241 providers across 8 cities with 1 plans from AED 0/yr. Choose Now Health International if you need more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Thiqa if you prioritise a larger provider network.

Question 2

Is Now Health International cheaper than Thiqa?

Accepted Answer

No, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/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.

Question 3

Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Now Health International or Thiqa?

Accepted Answer

Thiqa has a larger Dubai network with 3,226 providers, compared to Now Health International's 2,495 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.

Question 4

Does Now Health International or Thiqa cover dental?

Accepted Answer

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 Thiqa offers up to AED 0/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.

Question 5

Can I switch from Now Health International to Thiqa?

Accepted Answer

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 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 Now Health International and Thiqa have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.

Question 6

How do I compare Now Health International and Thiqa plans?

Accepted Answer

Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Now Health International and Thiqa side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Now Health International starts from AED 5,500/yr, Thiqa from AED 0/yr, (2) Network size — 3,470 vs 8,241 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.

Attribute	Now Health International	Thiqa
Type	private	premium
Founded	2011	2005
Headquarters	Dubai	Abu Dhabi
Regulators	DHA, HAAD	HAAD
Number of Plans	2	1
Premium Range	AED 5,500 – 28,000	AED 0 – 0
Total Network Size	3,470	8,241
Cities Covered	8	8
Dental	Yes	Yes
Optical	Yes	Yes
Maternity	Yes	Yes
Mental Health	Yes	Yes
International	Yes	Yes
Co-pay Range	0% – 20%	0%
Claims Phone	800-669	800-42626

City	Now Health International	vs	Thiqa
Dubai	2,495	vs	3,226
Abu Dhabi	394	vs	2,483
Sharjah	262	vs	928
Al Ain	125	vs	821
Ajman	95	vs	324
Ras Al Khaimah	51	vs	241
Fujairah	39	vs	171
Umm Al Quwain	9	vs	47

Now Health International vs Thiqa

Now Health International

Thiqa

Now Health International vs Thiqa — At a Glance

Network Comparison by City

Now Health International Plans

Now Health WorldCare Essential

Now Health WorldCare Prestige

Thiqa Plans

Thiqa

Verdict

Now Health International vs Thiqa — FAQ

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