Cigna is a global health insurance leader with over 60 years of experience. It has been serving the Middle East and MENA region for more than 20 years. Cigna health insurance combines international expertise with full compliance to UAE regulations, including DHA and Insurance Authority standards.
This article explains the features and benefits of Cigna health insurance, their health plans and exactly how to get their policies in the UAE.
Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR)
- Cigna offers health insurance in the UAE with over 3,600 network providers and direct billing at most hospitals
- Plans range from basic DHA-compliant coverage (from AED 826/year) to unlimited worldwide coverage
- Key benefits include inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, cancer treatment, pre-existing conditions, mental health support, and 24/7 digital apps for claims and telehealth
- You can apply online with a passport, a visa, and an Emirates ID. e-card arrives within 24 hours
Key Features and Benefits of Cigna Health Insurance in the UAE
Health insurance by Cigna comes with several practical benefits that make healthcare easier and more affordable.
Extensive Network of Providers
Cigna gives you access to a massive network of healthcare providers. For individuals and families, there are over 3,600 hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across the UAE. For businesses, SmartCare by Cigna uses the Neuron network, which is one of the largest in the country.
You can walk into any network hospital, show your card, and receive treatment without paying upfront. Direct billing is available at most in-network facilities.
Comprehensive Coverage
Cigna plans offer high annual limits. For example, the HealthGuard Regional plan covers up to AED 2.75 million, the International covers AED 7.35 million, and the International Plus has unlimited coverage.
- All core plans include:
- Inpatient and daypatient hospital stays and surgeries
- Outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medicines
- Cancer treatment and screenings
- Maternity care (with optional enhanced modules)
- Mental health support (health insurance for psychological disorders)
- Pre-existing and chronic conditions
Digital Tools for Easy Access
Cigna provides two powerful digital apps. Both apps are free and available 24/7.
- The SmartCare by Cigna app is for customers on SmartCare plans. You can register with UAE Pass, download your ID card to your phone wallet, book appointments, submit claims, and consult doctors via telehealth. It is fast, simple, and paperless.
- The Cigna Envoy app is for global and corporate plan members. You can submit claims, view ID cards, find providers, and contact support from anywhere.
SmartCare by Cigna
SmartCare is the UAE’s first open-access health insurance solution, launched in 2021 and upgraded in 2024.
It is designed for value. Plans offer annual limits from AED 500,000 up to AED 5 million. Coverage includes inpatient and outpatient care, cancer treatment with no co-insurance, and 24/7 telehealth. Pre-existing conditions are covered up to AED 250,000 from day one.
You can add dental, vision, and wellness modules. It is available for individuals, families, and SMEs.
Global Expertise with Local Compliance
Every Cigna plan sold in the UAE is fully compliant with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Insurance Authority (IA) regulations . This means you get world-class international coverage that also meets your legal requirements for visa sponsorship and residency.
Coverage Areas of Cigna Health Insurance
Health Plans Provided by Cigna Insurance cover three main areas of medical care.
Inpatient & Daypatient Care
If you need to stay in a hospital or undergo a procedure that requires a bed but not an overnight stay, Cigna health insurance plans cover it. This includes:
- Private room accommodation
- Surgeries and operating room costs
- Intensive care unit (ICU) charges
- Cancer therapy (chemo and radiotherapy)
- Organ transplants
- Inpatient mental health treatment
Most plans pay these costs in full up to the annual limit.
Outpatient Services
Outpatient care covers treatment where you do not stay overnight. This includes:
- GP and specialist consultations
- Laboratory tests and X-rays
- Prescription medications
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Routine adult physical examinations
Higher-tier plans include more generous outpatient limits and lower co-payments.
Emergency & Preventive Care
All Cigna plans include 24/7 worldwide emergency cover. If you have a medical emergency while traveling outside your coverage area, you are protected. Medical evacuation and repatriation are paid in full on most plans.
Preventive care is also a priority. Plans cover annual health screenings, wellness checks, and vaccinations. The Cigna Wellbeing App offers telehealth consultations, stress management tools, and fitness resources.
How to Get Cigna Health Insurance in the UAE
Getting and buying from the best health insurance companies in the UAE is a quick and online process. Here is exactly how to get Cigna health insurance in four steps.
Step 1: Choose your plan
Decide whether you need individual, family, or corporate coverage. Compare plans like Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), HealthGuard Regional, International, International Plus, or SmartCare.
Pro tip: Use comparison websites like Lookinsure for health insurance. It allows you to compare different plans and their features at the same time.
Step 2: Submit your documents
You will need to upload some of your personal (or family members) documents, such as:
- Passport copy
- UAE visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Salary certificate (for EBP applicants earning AED 4,000 or less)
- Previous insurance certificate (if applicable)
Step 3: Get a quote and purchase
You can request a quote directly and get results in less than a minute on Lookinsure. Once you made your decision and selected a suitable plan, online payment is ready. Lookinsure gives you BNPL (buy now pay later) options to pay for your policy in 4 installments. Paying later with Tabby and Tamara will be your options, besides other online payment methods.
Step 4: Receive your e-card
After purchase, your policy documents and digital ID card are sent via email instantly or within 24 hours. You can also download the card to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay using the SmartCare or Envoy app.
NOTE: Claims and renewals are managed entirely through the app or web portal. No branch visits are required.
Advantages of Choosing Cigna in the UAE
There are clear reasons why Cigna won Health Insurance Company of the Year in 2024. We pointed out some of their bold advantages:
- Wide provider network: Thousands of hospitals and clinics across the UAE, with direct billing at most locations.
- 24/7 digital support: Apps for claims, provider search, ID cards, and telehealth. No paperwork headaches.
- Affordable plans with premium options: From basic DHA-compliant EBP starting at AED 826 per year to unlimited worldwide coverage.
- Specialized services: Maternity, mental health, chronic condition management, dental, vision, and wellness are all available as core benefits or add-ons.
- Globally compliant: Meets DHA, IA, and international standards. Works for UAE visa purposes and travel abroad.
Conclusion
Cigna Health Insurance in the UAE provides flexible, comprehensive, and reliable coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. With an extensive network of hospitals, powerful digital tools, and specialized care options, residents can access high-quality healthcare conveniently. Whether you need the lowest-cost DHA-compliant plan or unlimited global coverage, Cigna has a solution tailored to your budget and lifestyle.
Frequently Answered Questions
1. Which health insurance is best in the UAE?
The best plan depends on your needs. Cigna is consistently ranked among the top insurers in the UAE, offering everything from basic EBP plans to unlimited international coverage.
2. What is covered under health insurance in the UAE?
Standard coverage includes inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, emergency treatment, and prescription medications. Many Cigna plans also cover pre-existing conditions, chronic disease management, mental health, dental, vision, and wellness screenings.
3. What is Cigna’s advantage?
Cigna’s main advantages are its massive global network, strong local compliance, fast digital claims (often 5 working days), and specialized programs for chronic conditions, maternity, and mental health. Their 24/7 telehealth and case management services also set them apart.
4. What are the features of Cigna’s HMO plans?
Cigna’s UAE plans operate like PPO or EPO models rather than traditional HMOs. You choose a network tier, and you can access specialists directly without referrals in most cases. Direct billing is standard, and digital tools make managing care simple.
5. How can I apply for Cigna Health Insurance in the UAE?
You can apply online through the Cigna UAE website, through Lookinsure, or via the SmartCare app. Submit your Emirates ID, passport, visa copy, and salary certificate if required. You will receive your e-card within 24 hours.
6. Does Cigna cover emergency medical evacuation?
Yes. All Cigna HealthGuard and GlobalCare plans include medical evacuation and repatriation as standard benefits. Regional, International, and Unlimited plans all cover these services in full up to the plan limit.
