Thiqa vs Watania (ADNTC)
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Thiqa
premium7,999 providers
1 plan
Est. 2005
DOH regulated
Watania (ADNTC)
private4,785 providers
2 plans
Est. 2011
DOH, MOHAP regulated
Thiqa has 1 plan and 7,999 in-network providers in 8 cities. Watania (ADNTC) has 2 plans from AED 2,200 a year and 4,785 in-network providers in 8 cities. Thiqa has the most providers in Dubai while Watania (ADNTC) has the most in Abu Dhabi. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
Thiqa vs Watania (ADNTC) — At a Glance
| Attribute | Thiqa | Watania (ADNTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | premium | private |
| Founded | 2005 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DOH | DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 1 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 0 – 0 | AED 2,200 – 10,000 |
| Total Network Size | 7,999 | 4,785 |
| 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% |
| Claims Phone | 800-42626 | 800-928264 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Thiqa | vs | Watania (ADNTC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,083 | vs | 1,652 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,440 | vs | 1,715 |
| Sharjah | 913 | vs | 628 |
| Al Ain | 798 | vs | 466 |
| Ajman | 315 | vs | 156 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 234 | vs | 87 |
| Fujairah | 170 | vs | 63 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 46 | vs | 18 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
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 →Watania (ADNTC) Plans
Watania (ADNTC)
Watania Basic Takaful
Employers in Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates seeking Takaful coverage
AED 2,200 – 4,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,785 providers
View details →Watania (ADNTC)
Watania Enhanced Takaful
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 5,000 – 10,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,785 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Thiqa if you need a larger provider network. Choose Watania (ADNTC) if you prioritise more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options. 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.
Thiqa vs Watania (ADNTC) — FAQ
Which is better, Thiqa or Watania (ADNTC)?
It depends on your needs. Thiqa has 7,999 providers across 8 cities and offers 1 plans starting from AED 0/yr. Watania (ADNTC) has 4,785 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,200/yr. Choose Thiqa if you need a larger provider network. Choose Watania (ADNTC) if you prioritise more plan tiers to choose from, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Thiqa cheaper than Watania (ADNTC)?
Yes, Thiqa's entry-level plan starts from AED 0/yr, compared to Watania (ADNTC)'s cheapest plan at AED 2,200/yr. However, plan pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Enhanced and premium tiers may differ. Always obtain a personalised quote from each insurer.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Thiqa or Watania (ADNTC)?
Thiqa has a larger Dubai network with 3,083 providers, compared to Watania (ADNTC)'s 1,652 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Thiqa or Watania (ADNTC) cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Thiqa's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 0/yr, while Watania (ADNTC) offers up to AED 3,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Thiqa to Watania (ADNTC)?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Thiqa to Watania (ADNTC) (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 Thiqa and Watania (ADNTC) have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Thiqa and Watania (ADNTC) plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Thiqa and Watania (ADNTC) side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Thiqa starts from AED 0/yr, Watania (ADNTC) from AED 2,200/yr, (2) Network size — 7,999 vs 4,785 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 Thiqa and Watania (ADNTC) or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.