GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf is the insurer that was called AXA Gulf until 2022. It sells health, car, home and travel insurance in the UAE as a branch of Gulf Insurance Group (Gulf), a company registered in Bahrain. Its parent is Gulf Insurance Group of Kuwait, which is 97.06% owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings.
Out of 5 from 1,984 Google reviews across 3 offices
- App Store4.66,400 ratings
- Google Play4.63,250 ratings
An average is not a sign of trust. Read recent reviews yourself before you decide.
What customers sayWhat customers say about GIG Gulf
GIG Gulf averages 4.0 out of 5 across 1,984 Google reviews of its UAE offices, read 11 Nov 2026. Those reviews cover everything it sells, not only health insurance.
Read the Google reviews for each office
GIG Gulf health insurance
GIG Gulf sells three health plans for individuals and families, called Local, Regional and Worldwide, and the Dubai Essential Benefits Plan. It says the cover shown on its website is indicative and may vary with the plan you select.
| Plan | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Local | Local plan | UAE plus one home country from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal and Bhutan. Annual limit starting at AED 500,000.6 |
| Regional | Regional plan | GCC plus Jordan, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal and Bhutan. Annual limit AED 2,500,000.6 |
| Worldwide | International plan | Worldwide excluding the USA. Annual limit starting at AED 7,500,000.6 |
| Essential Benefits Plan | Basic plan | For Dubai visa holders earning AED 4,000 or less, such as domestic helpers, nannies and drivers. Annual limit AED 150,000.7 |
| Cover | With this insurer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual limit | Depends on plan | Local from AED 500,000. Regional AED 2,500,000. Worldwide from AED 7,500,000.6 |
| Area of cover | Depends on plan | Local covers the UAE plus one home country. Regional covers the GCC and named countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Worldwide excludes the USA.6 |
| Network and direct billing | Included | The health page states a network of over 3,000 providers in the UAE and over 800,000 worldwide, and in the same line a direct billing network of 250+ providers. Check a clinic in the Medical Provider Locator before you go.6 |
| Claims administrator | Included | Claims and e-cards are handled in the MyGIG Gulf app and on the GIG Gulf website. The health pages name no outside claims administrator.11 |
| Maternity | Depends on plan | The plan comparison table gives in-patient maternity starting at AED 10,000 on Local, AED 20,000 on Regional and AED 25,000 on Worldwide. The Local plan lists maternity as an option to add. Confirm the amount on your quote.6 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Depends on plan | The health page says pre-existing conditions are covered. It also says some plans require you to disclose them, and that conditions you do not disclose may be excluded.6 |
| Out-patient co-insurance | Included | Starting at 10% on Local. 10% on Regional and Worldwide.6 |
| Pre-approval | Included | The network provider requests it. Stated turnaround is 1 hour for out-patient services and 4 hours for in-patient services. It is not needed in an emergency.11 |
More cover details (10)
| Cover | With this insurer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Routine dental | Depends on plan | AED 7,500 on Local, AED 10,000 on Regional and AED 15,000 on Worldwide. The Local plan lists dental as an option to add.6 |
| Optical | Depends on plan | No benefit on Local or Regional. AED 1,500 with 20% co-insurance on Worldwide.6 |
| Treatment outside the network | Depends on plan | You pay and claim. GIG Gulf refunds at the Reasonable and Customary rates that apply to your network.11 |
| E-card | Included | In the MyGIG Gulf app under View E-card. Providers can also check your cover with your Emirates ID.11 |
| Paying in instalments | Optional extra | Split payment over 4 months with 0% interest and 0% fees.6 |
| Essential Benefits Plan co-insurance | Included | 20% on in-patient treatment, up to AED 500 per visit. 20% on out-patient treatment. 30% on pharmacy.7 |
| Essential Benefits Plan maternity | Included | AED 10,000 for a normal delivery and AED 10,000 for a medically necessary C-section, with 10% co-insurance.7 |
| Essential Benefits Plan pre-existing and chronic conditions | Depends on plan | Covered after a 6-month waiting period. The wait may be waived if you had continuous health insurance in the UAE before.7 |
| Essential Benefits Plan dental | Included | Up to AED 500 a year, with 30% co-insurance.7 |
| Essential Benefits Plan specialist visits | Depends on plan | A consultant or specialist visit needs prior approval and a referral from a GP.7 |
Published prices
- Essential Benefits Plan: AED 630, excluding VAT and levies, on GIG Gulf's website as of 11 November 2026.7
- The Dubai Health Authority's list of participating insurers shows an index rate of 708 for GIG Gulf's Essential Benefits Plan, including Basmah and VAT, as of 11 November 2026.19
Check before you buy
- GIG Gulf says the cover shown on its health page is indicative and may vary with the information you give and the plan you select. Read the table of benefits for your own plan.6
- Its health page says cosmetic procedures, fertility investigations and treatments, and supplements are typically excluded. So are conditions related to self-harm, hazardous pursuits, experimental treatments, and drugs or alcohol.6
- The Essential Benefits Plan page is for people on a Dubai visa. Ask GIG Gulf what it offers for a worker on another emirate's visa.7
Policy documents
- Policy handbook, Smart Health (UAE except Abu Dhabi and Al Ain)Policy wording, 2022
- Reimbursement Claim FormClaim form
- Pre-authorization request formForm
- Unrecognized ProvidersProvider list
- International emergency medical assistanceGuide
- Application formForm
- Essential Benefits Plan application formForm, 2025
How to claim with GIG Gulf
- Claims phone800 292
- Claim onlineOpen claim page
Steps
- Have the claim form signed and stamped by your treating doctor and by you.10
- Attach invoices with receipts or paid stamps, plus reports, lab tests, scans and referral letters where they apply.10
- Submit the claim in the MyGIG Gulf app or on the GIG Gulf website, upload the documents and enter your bank details.11
- Keep the claim reference number sent to you by email and SMS, and use it to track the claim.11
- Keep the original documents for at least 12 months after treatment, in case GIG Gulf asks for them.11
- GIG Gulf says it aims to review eligible claims within 5 business days and settle them by bank transfer within 10 business days, once it has all the documents.11
- The Smart Health policy handbook on its website says reimbursement claims are only considered within 90 days of treatment. Check the time limit in your own policy.18
- If you disagree with a settlement, email mcs@gig-gulf.com.10
Not happy with a claim? Use the GIG Gulf complaints page first. How to complain about a health insurer.
About GIG Gulf
- Legal name
- Gulf Insurance Group (Gulf) B.S.C Closed
- Type
- Conventional insurer. The Central Bank register lists it as a foreign insurance company.4
- Owner
- Gulf Insurance Group K.S.C.P. of Kuwait. Fairfax Financial Holdings owns 97.06% of Gulf Insurance Group.15
- Listed on
- Its parent, Gulf Insurance Group, is listed on Boursa Kuwait.15
- Headquarters
- Bahrain, according to AM Best. The UAE main branch is in Business Bay, Dubai.16
- UAE branches
- Two open branches: Business Bay in Dubai and Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The branch locator marks the Sharjah City Centre and Sheikh Zayed Road branches as permanently closed.12
- Also sells
- Car, Home, Travel, Motorcycle, Yacht, Personal accident, Golf, Relocation6
- Previous name
- AXA Gulf, until 20 July 20221
- Central Bank
- Listed in the Central Bank of the UAE register, September 2026, number 694
Financial strength
The AM Best grade is for Gulf Insurance Group (Gulf) B.S.C. (c), the Bahrain company whose UAE branch trades as GIG Gulf. The results are for the parent, Gulf Insurance Group of Kuwait, across all its markets, in Kuwaiti dinars.
| Agency | Grade | Covers | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM Best | A (Excellent), Stable16 | UAE company | 22 Oct 2026 |
Awards
- Health Insurer of the Year, MENA Intelligent Insurer Awards, as announced by GIG Gulf, 202522
Recent news
- AM Best affirms its A (Excellent) rating
AM Best affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) for Gulf Insurance Group (Gulf) B.S.C. (c), with a stable outlook.16
- Fairfax takes control of the parent group
Fairfax Financial Holdings raised its stake in Gulf Insurance Group from 43.69% to 90.01% by buying the 46.32% held by Kuwait Projects Company and its affiliates.14
- AXA Gulf becomes GIG Gulf
The insurer said nothing changed for customers' policies, premiums, terms and conditions or provider network, and that renewals would be issued under the GIG Gulf name.1
- Gulf Insurance Group completes its purchase of AXA's Gulf business
Gulf Insurance Group announced completion for a total cash consideration of USD 474.75 million.3
- AXA agrees to sell its Gulf operations
AXA announced an agreement to sell its insurance operations in the Gulf region to Gulf Insurance Group for USD 269 million.2
Contact GIG Gulf
- Toll free800 292
- Emailinfo.dubai@gig-gulf.com
- ComplaintsOpen complaints page
- HoursMedical assistance on 800 292 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Branches open 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Head officeFloor 39, Churchill Executive Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
Branches (2)
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Main Branch - Business Bay | Churchill Executive Tower, Business Bay, Floor 39, Dubai | |
| Al Nahyan Complex - Abu Dhabi | Plaza 30, Building 11 Block B - 72, Al Meel Street, Nahyan Area, Abu Dhabi |
Common questions
Is AXA medical insurance still sold in the UAE?
Not under the AXA name. The insurer announced on 20 July 2022 that AXA Gulf is now GIG Gulf. Health plans in the UAE are sold under the GIG Gulf name.1
What happened to my AXA health insurance in the UAE?
GIG Gulf said nothing changed for your policies, premiums, terms and conditions or provider network when the name changed. Renewals are issued under the GIG Gulf name.1
What does AXA health insurance cover now that it is GIG Gulf?
GIG Gulf sells three plans. Local covers the UAE plus one home country, with an annual limit from AED 500,000. Regional has a limit of AED 2,500,000. Worldwide excludes the USA and starts at AED 7,500,000. GIG Gulf says these figures are indicative, so read the table of benefits for your plan.6
What is the 24-hour AXA insurance contact number in the UAE?
AXA Gulf is now GIG Gulf. Call 800 292 from inside the UAE. GIG Gulf lists 24/7 medical assistance on that number.6
Does AXA still sell maid insurance in Dubai?
GIG Gulf, formerly AXA Gulf, sells the Essential Benefits Plan for Dubai visa holders earning AED 4,000 or less, including domestic helpers, nannies and drivers. It has an annual limit of AED 150,000 and is priced at AED 630 excluding VAT and levies, as of 11 November 2026.7
Does AXA maternity cover continue with GIG Gulf?
GIG Gulf's plan comparison table gives in-patient maternity starting at AED 10,000 on the Local plan, AED 20,000 on Regional and AED 25,000 on Worldwide. The Local plan lists maternity as an option to add, so confirm it is on your quote.6
Is AXA Green Crescent the same company as GIG Gulf?
No. AXA Green Crescent Insurance Company announced on 17 February 2022 that it had changed its name to HAYAH Insurance Company.13
Sources
22
1GIG Gulf, AXA Gulf is now GIG Gulf. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: AXA Gulf is now GIG Gulf
2AXA, AXA to sell its insurance operations in the Gulf region. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: AXA to sell its insurance operations in the Gulf region
3Gulf Insurance Group, Gulf Insurance Group completes the acquisition of AXA in the Gulf. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Gulf Insurance Group completes the acquisition of AXA in the Gulf
4Central Bank of the UAE, CB Register September of 2026. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: CB Register September of 2026
5Dubai Health Authority, Permitted Insurers. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Permitted Insurers
6GIG Gulf, Health Insurance Plans for Individuals & Families in UAE. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Health Insurance Plans for Individuals & Families in UAE
7GIG Gulf, Domestic Helper Health Insurance - AED 630. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Domestic Helper Health Insurance - AED 630
8GIG Gulf, Contact us. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Contact us
9GIG Gulf, Complaints. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Complaints
10GIG Gulf, How to file a Claim. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: How to file a Claim
11GIG Gulf, Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
12GIG Gulf, Branch locator. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Branch locator
13HAYAH Insurance, AXA Green Crescent announces name change to HAYAH. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: AXA Green Crescent announces name change to HAYAH
14Fairfax Financial Holdings, Fairfax Successfully Completes Acquisition of Additional 46.32% Interest in Gulf Insurance Group from Kipco. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Fairfax Successfully Completes Acquisition of Additional 46.32% Interest in Gulf Insurance Group from Kipco
15Gulf Insurance Group, About Us. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: About Us
16AM Best via Business Wire, AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Gulf Insurance Group (Gulf) B.S.C. (c). Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Gulf Insurance Group (Gulf) B.S.C. (c)
17Gulf Insurance Group, Key Operational & Financial Highlights, 2025 Annual Report. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Key Operational & Financial Highlights, 2025 Annual Report
18GIG Gulf, Policy handbook Smart Health (UAE except Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Policy handbook Smart Health (UAE except Abu Dhabi and Al Ain)
19Dubai Health Authority, DHA Participating Insurers Results. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: DHA Participating Insurers Results
20Apple App Store (UAE), MyGIG Gulf App. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: MyGIG Gulf App
21Google Play, MyGIG GULF. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: MyGIG GULF
22GIG Gulf, Health Insurer of the Year 2025 - UAE - GIG Gulf. Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Source document: Health Insurer of the Year 2025 - UAE - GIG Gulf
- Owner
- Medicalinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 10 May 2027
- Status
- Published