Now Health International vs Union Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Now Health International
private3,338 providers
2 plans
Est. 2011
DHA, DOH regulated
Union Insurance
private1,689 providers
2 plans
Est. 1998
DOH, DHA regulated
Now Health International has 2 plans from AED 5,500 a year and 3,338 in-network providers in 8 cities. Union Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,300 a year and 1,689 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.
Now Health International vs Union Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | Now Health International | Union Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 2011 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH | DOH, DHA |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 5,500 – 28,000 | AED 2,300 – 10,500 |
| Total Network Size | 3,338 | 1,689 |
| 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) | See www.now-health.com | +971 4 3787 777 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Now Health International | vs | Union Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 2,391 | vs | 902 |
| Abu Dhabi | 387 | vs | 388 |
| Sharjah | 253 | vs | 229 |
| Ajman | 93 | vs | 72 |
| Al Ain | 120 | vs | 36 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 48 | vs | 32 |
| Fujairah | 37 | vs | 25 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 9 | vs | 5 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Now Health International Plans
Now Health International
Now Health WorldCare Essential
Expat professionals and freelancers seeking modular coverage
AED 5,500 – 10,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
3,338 providers
View details →Now Health International
Now Health WorldCare Prestige
Executives and families wanting comprehensive worldwide cover
AED 14,000 – 28,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 1.5M · private room · 0% co-pay
3,338 providers
View details →Union Insurance Plans
Union Insurance
Union Basic Health
SMEs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai meeting mandatory requirements
AED 2,300 – 4,200/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
1,689 providers
View details →Union Insurance
Union Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
AED 5,000 – 10,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
1,689 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Now Health International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Union Insurance 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.
Now Health International vs Union Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, Now Health International or Union Insurance?
It depends on your needs. Now Health International has 3,338 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 5,500/yr. Union Insurance has 1,689 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,300/yr. Choose Now Health International if you need a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Choose Union Insurance if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Now Health International cheaper than Union Insurance?
No, Union Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,300/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 Union Insurance?
Now Health International has a larger Dubai network with 2,391 providers, compared to Union Insurance's 902 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Now Health International or Union 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 Union Insurance offers up to AED 3,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Now Health International to Union 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 Union 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 Union Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Now Health International and Union Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Now Health International and Union Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Now Health International starts from AED 5,500/yr, Union Insurance from AED 2,300/yr, (2) Network size — 3,338 vs 1,689 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 Now Health International and Union Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.