Top 10 Life Insurance Companies in UAE

Zurich International, MetLife, and HAYAH are among the top life insurance companies in the UAE for 2026. Zurich stands out for its strong claims record, paying 98% of life insurance claims, while MetLife is a popular choice among expats. HAYAH offers affordable protection starting from AED 50 per month. Below, we compare the top 10 life insurers in the UAE based on premiums, coverage options, and claim settlement performance, using live quotes from Policybazaar.ae's comparison platform.

Top 10 Life Insurance Companies in UAE at a Glance

Here’s how the UAE top insurers compare on the factors that matters most:

*Note: Premium estimates are illustrative for a 25-year-old non-smoker male and will vary based on individual health underwriting, policy term, and sum assured.

Why Your Choice of Life Insurer in the UAE Matters More Than Anywhere Else

The UAE has no state life insurance, survivors’ benefits, or government pension for expats. Upon the death of a visa sponsor, dependent family members must leave the country within 30 days. This way, your insurer is your only safety net when it comes to protecting your family.

Here’s how to spot the difference between a good and bad life insurer in the UAE:

Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) - This metric shows the percentage of claims an insurer settles against the total claims received. The best life insurers in the UAE, including Zurich, MetLife, LIC International, and Takaful Emarat, settle over 98% of all valid claims. Avoid any company with a CSR below 94-95%.

Average Claim Payout Time - Money is as important as the visa itself when it comes to life insurance. Look at how many days a company takes to process and pay a valid claim. Zurich’s average claim settlement time is 72 hours after receiving all required documents, while some approved policies are paid out within 24 hours. Always inquire about a company’s claim payout time before buying a policy.

Worldwide Portability - Many expats move to different countries every few years. Thus, a good life insurer in the UAE for expats is a company that offers worldwide portability. It means the policy terms don't change when you move to another country. International insurers like Zurich and MetLife offer this flexibility, while local UAE-specific policies may ask you to reapply for coverage or restrict you from buying term insurance in another country.

Sharia Compliance - If you’re interested in Sharia-compliant insurance, Salama, Watania Takaful, Takaful Emarat, and Sukoon Takaful use the Tabarru-based contribution model, as opposed to conventional insurers who use the Wajh al-Mal model. These insurers offer largely the same benefits as conventional Takaful companies but operate under different religious principles.

Best Life Insurance Companies in Dubai, UAE

While there are several life insurance companies Dubai and other Emirates, finding the best one is a great challenge. To help you make an informed choice, we have curated a list of the best life insurance plans with their features and exclusive advantages —

1. Zurich Insurance

Zurich, one of the best life insurance companies in Dubai, helps people in over 200 countries stay safe and ready for the future. With a huge team of experts, it offers life coverage, critical illness cover, and savings plans to protect families like a safety net. They use smart digital tools to show customers what their future could look like and help them plan for it.

Its cordial advisers listen carefully, understand your life’s challenges, and create a special coverage just for each person so they can reach their financial dreams with confidence.

You can certainly choose to buy insurance from this life insurance company in the UAE for the following reasons —

• Quick claim settlement process with 98% of claims settled
• Customisable insurance plans
• Round-the-clock customer care service
• Total cover of USD 59.5 billion in the market

2. MetLife Insurance

MetLife has had a strong presence in the region for more than 65 years. With its headquarters in Dubai, this is one of the top life insurance companies in the UAE that provides comprehensive and customisable insurance plans.

Over the years, the company has adapted to changes while keeping their promise to guide customers through life’s ups and downs.

3. Hayah Insurance

One of the best life insurance companies in the UAE, HAYAH Insurance, has served over 150,000 individuals and businesses in the country. As a top-rated life insurance company, HAYAH offers plans to financially secure individuals and their families against unfortunate events. With a mission of empowering its customer base, the company offers comprehensive solutions through its life insurance policy. You should explore the best life insurance policies in UAE for

• A digital life insurance plan that can be managed easily
• Products regulated and approved by the Central Bank of the UAE
• Customisable insurance plans
• 24/7 customer care services

4. Sukoon Insurance

Sukoon Insurance offers top-notch self-employed insurance plans that financially protect the policyholder and family in case of uncertainties. As one of the top life insurance companies in the UAE, it has earned the trust of people to protect what matters most to them. From easy online services to fast claim payouts, the company always puts customers first. Its strong financial foundation and award-winning service have made it the trusted choice for over 1.36 million insured members.

Some of the reasons to buy best life insurance in UAE from this provider are —

• Customer-centric insurance plans
• High-quality products
• Constant product upgradations
• Round-the-clock customer care service

5. Salama Insurance

If you’re looking forward to Shariah-compliant plans, Salama Insurance is the way to go. This Islamic Takaful company is listed among the top 10 life insurance companies in UAE. Established in 1979, it is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and has a paid-up capital of AED 939 million.

The insurance solutions of Salama strictly comply with the Shariah law, making them sought after among the residents and non-residents alike. Here’s why the best life insurance in Dubai from this provider are worth exploring —

• Easy quotes and quick claim process
• Customisable plans
• Shariah-compliant policies
• 45+ years in the insurance industry
• 50 awards in the last 5 years

6. Arabia Insurance

Founded in 1944, Arabia Insurance Company is one of the oldest and most established insurance providers in the Middle East. With operations spanning 8 countries and more than 80 years of regional expertise, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable and customer-focused insurance solutions.

Its strong financial standing is reflected in its AM Best Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and Long-Term Credit Rating of BBB-, demonstrating its ability to meet policyholder obligations.

7. LIC International

Founded in 1989, LIC International is one of the top 10 life insurance companies in UAE. If you are looking for term insurance for NRIs in the Middle East, this is a provider to look for. Starting small with a USD 0.245 million asset base, it has now become a Billion-Dollar company.

8. Orient Insurance

Established in 1982, Orient Insurance is a part of Al-Futtaim Group. This life insurance company has a paid-up capital of AED 500 million and an A+ credit rating.

The company has a wide range of network branches in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jebel Ali, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah that offer an array of services.

9. Watania Takaful

Watania International Holding PJSC (WIH), earlier called Dar Al Takaful PJSC, is a company listed on the Dubai Financial Market with the ticker WATANIA. It started in 2008 and grew by joining with other Takaful companies, buying Noor Takaful in 2020 and merging with National Takaful Company (Watania) in 2022. This made it one of the best life insurance companies in Dubai. In March 2023, it became an investment holding company, focusing on Shari’ah-compliant investments in Takaful and related services.

10. Takaful Emarat

Incorporated in 2008, Takaful Emarat is one of the top life insurance companies in the UAE. It is a Shariah-compliant Takaful company with comprehensive life covers that protect the policyholder and their family in case of any uncertainty. The life insurance plans from this provider comply with Shariah-laws while catering to the emerging needs with a modern approach.

What is a Takaful Life Insurance Company?

Takaful is a Sharia-compliant alternative to conventional insurance. Instead of paying premiums to an insurer, participants contribute to a shared fund that provides financial support when covered events occur.

Popular Takaful life insurance providers in the UAE include:

• Salama
• Watania Takaful
• Takaful Emarat

These providers operate under both UAE insurance regulations and Shariah governance frameworks.

Local vs International Life Insurance Companies in UAE

Understanding the difference between local and international insurers can help you choose the right provider.

International Insurers

Local Insurers

What Makes a Life Insurance Company Reliable in the UAE?

A reliable life insurance company should be licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), maintain strong financial reserves, and have a transparent claim settlement process.

When comparing insurers, look at:

• CBUAE licensing status
• Financial strength ratings (S&P, Moody’s, AM Best)
• Claim settlement performance
• Customer reviews
• Product flexibility
• Digital servicing capabilities

Companies such as Zurich, MetLife, HAYAH, and Sukoon are often preferred because of their established track records and broad product offerings.

How to Choose the Best Life Insurance Companies in the Dubai, UAE?

Here are some tips to select the right Dubai life insurance companies —

• Buy Early — Premiums are lower when you’re younger. Buy life insurance as soon as you start earning to save on costs.
• Set Life Insurance Goals — Decide whether your primary goal is to secure your family's financial future with an insurance plan or save for specific goals like your child's education with a unit-linked insurance plan.
• Calculate Optimal Coverage — Ensure your coverage is at least 10-15 times your annual income. Consider family expenses, debts, future costs, and subtract your liquid assets to find the right amount.
• Find Out the Premium Amount — Take the guesswork out of your financial planning. Use Term Insurance Calculator to find your exact coverage target or premium based on your UAE lifestyle, debts, and income.
• Select Policy Term — Choose a term based on how long your family will depend on you financially, typically until you stop earning.
• Choose a Reputable Insurer — Look for companies with a high Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) and read customer reviews to ensure reliable service.
• Disclose All Facts — Inform your insurer about tobacco or alcohol use, hazardous jobs, or existing illnesses to avoid future claim rejection.
• Read the Policy Document — Understand terms, conditions, lock-in periods, and claim conditions before committing.
• Choose a Comprehensive Plan — If required, go for riders like Critical Illness, Accidental Death Benefit, Permanent Disability, and Terminal Illness to enhance your coverage.
• Regularly Review Needs — Reassess your insurance needs periodically and adjust your coverage to match changing financial goals and life events.

Key Factors in Evaluating the Best Life Insurance Companies in Dubai

• Check Regulatory Approval: Always verify that the insurer is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE.
• Review Financial Strength: Look for ratings from S&P, Moody’s, and AM Best. An “A” rating or higher generally indicates strong financial stability.
• Compare Claim Settlement Performance: Choose insurers with a strong claim settlement record and efficient claims process.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three insurers before purchasing a policy. Premiums for similar coverage can vary significantly.
• Check Portability: If you may relocate in the future, select an insurer that offers international portability.
• Verify Sharia Compliance: If Islamic compliance is important, shortlist Takaful providers and review their Sharia governance structure.

How Policybazaar.ae Help Find the Best Life Insurance Company in Dubai, UAE?

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