AXA Insurance in Dubai Rebrands as GIG Gulf: What Expats Should Know
AXA Insurance in Dubai has merged with GIG Gulf and now operates fully under the GIG Gulf brand. This transition was completed in June 2022, combining AXA Gulf’s services across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar with those of Gulf Insurance Group.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Expats in Dubai and the wider Gulf region can continue to access the same high-quality insurance coverage, including health and travel plans, through GIG Gulf. The merger ensures ongoing support, comprehensive benefits, and seamless service for former AXA customers and new clients alike.
Wherever you are, or whatever the reasons for your interest in AXA Insurance in the UAE, this article will explain how AXA Insurance has merged and rebranded with GIG Gulf.
We’ll introduce you to the AXA plans still available through GIG Gulf, and we’ll tell you why GIG Gulf is the #1 insurance provider in the region.
When you’d like to get insurance quotes for GIG Gulf, previously known as AXA Gulf, please reach out to Pacific Prime or use our free online insurance quote generator. As an insurance broker, it is our job to negotiate on your behalf until you find insurance that meets your needs and budget.
Dubai Expats will also want to read our article about what insurance expats will need in Dubai and our website page about how the healthcare system in Dubai is set up.
AXA Gulf Merges with GIG Gulf in the UAE
In June 2022, the AXA Group agreed with Gulf Insurance Group (GIG Gulf) to merge AXA’s insurance services in the Gulf with GIG Gulf’s services. This merged AXA’s operations in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar with GIG Gulf. The AXA Group will continue providing services in the rest of the world.
In addition to joining AXA’s Gulf operations with GIG Gulf, AXA Cooperative Insurance (KSA) and AXA Green Crescent Insurance Company (UAE) have merged with GIG Gulf. These transactions were completed in September 2021, and the rebranding was completed in June 2022.
GIG is the number one composite regional insurer and a top three player in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). GIG has also received “A” ratings from S&P, Moody’s, and AM Best, three renowned Rating Agencies in the region.
GIG Gulf Health Plans Replacing AXA Insurance
GIG Gulf will continue to provide the same products and services AXA Gulf used to provide. The now-merged GIG Gulf will offer the same quality of services with the same legal integrity, operating strategy, and leadership teams. Services include health, travel, home, car, and yacht insurance.
GIG Gulf, previously AXA Gulf Insurance, offers five customizable plans for Dubai and UAE expats. All GIG Gulf Health Insurance plans offer:
- Treatment options with over 3,000 providers in the UAE and over 800,000 providers globally
- 24/7 customer support with multilingual representatives
- Fast online reimbursement for claims
- 24/7 free medical advice through telecommunication with certified doctors
- Routine dental care
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for inpatient and outpatient care
- Pre-existing and chronic conditions coverage
- Coverage for cancer and related specialist patient support programs
- Access to the MYGIG app
The types of plans offered by GIG Gulf to Dubai expats include:
- Smart Health – Global: This provides worldwide coverage, excluding the USA. It has a yearly maximum of AED 7,500,000 (about USD $2,000,000).
- Smart Health – Regional: This provides regional coverage in the GCC, which includes Dubai, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and more. This plan has a yearly maximum of AED 2,500,000 (about USD $680,000).
- Smart Health – Gold: This provides coverage in the UAE, plus one other country that is your home country (either India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, or Nepal and Bhutan). This plan has a yearly maximum of AED 500,000 (about USD $136,000).
- Smart Health – Silver: This provides coverage in the UAE, plus one other country that is your home country (either India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, or Nepal and Bhutan). This plan has a yearly maximum of AED 250,000 (about USD $68,000).
- Smart Health – Bronze: This provides coverage in the UAE. It has a yearly maximum of AED 150,000 (about USD $41,000).
To learn more about the AXA insurance plans now offered in Dubai as GIG Gulf plans, read our article about GIG Gulf Insurance Company in Dubai.
To get quotes for AXA insurance/GIG Gulf insurance, use our free insurance quote generator. This online tool can help you compare AXA/GIG Gulf plans with other insurance companies, and you can even save your favorite quotes for later review. This tutorial teaches how to use the tool.
Why Expats Prefer GIG Gulf for Health Coverage
Dubai expats confidently choose to purchase health insurance through GIG Gulf, previously known as AXA Gulf, because they have over seventy years of experience in the Middle East, they have phenomenal customer ratings, and they offer 24/7 customer support.
GIG Gulf Ranks as Top Insurance Provider in the Gulf
GIG Gulf has over seventy years of experience in the Middle East, and they have been selected as the #1 composite regional insurer. GIG has also been ranked as one of the top ten most valuable insurance companies by Forbes Middle East.
In addition to these grand recognitions, GIG Gulf was awarded the 2021 General Insurance Company of the Year award by MIIA.
GIG Gulf is licensed by the UAE Insurance Authority.
Read about the best hospitals in Dubai where you can receive treatment. You can also reference the complete list of hospitals in all of the UAE.
GIG Gulf Customer Satisfaction and Ratings
In 2022, GIG Gulf was voted Health Insurer of the Year and has been given the eKomi Silver Seal of approval by over 20,000 reviewers. GIG’s customers know they can rely on their insurer.
Here are some of the reviews GIG Gulf has received from customers:
- “Easy to access.”
- “Easy, smooth transaction.”
- “Respond time was good, and price was reasonable.”
- “Fast and efficient and great price.”
- “Good service provided always.”
- “Excellent.”
24/7 Support from GIG Gulf’s Multilingual Team
GIG Gulf, previously AXA Gulf Insurance, has a dedicated, multilingual team. Their customer support representatives can give emergency support 24/7, day or night, online or on the phone. Dubai expats can trust that they can get insurance support when they need it.
How Brokers Assist Expats in Choosing GIG Gulf Insurance
Insurance brokers help expats find the health insurance they need when living abroad. Brokers are not employed by an insurance company like an insurance agent is, instead, they are part of a third party that is loyal first and foremost to their expat clients.
Because a broker’s main priority is helping their clients find the best plans for their individual needs and budget, brokers help expats shop around between insurance companies and insurance policies. A broker’s advice is centered around helping their clients rather than directing them to any specific insurer.
Pacific Prime is an award-winning global insurance broker, and we have helped over one million expats secure health insurance around the world. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can serve you in your insurance endeavors!
Read here to learn more about what an insurance broker does and how you can pick one.
The best part is that you won’t pay us a penny! We receive commissions from insurance providers, so you benefit from our services and learn about the many insurance options available to you without any cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AXA Insurance still exist?
AXA Insurance, sometimes referred to as AXA Gulf or AXA Insurance UAE, has merged and rebranded as Gulf Insurance Group (GIG) Gulf. AXA Insurance products can still be purchased through GIG Gulf’s branding.
Who merged with AXA Gulf Insurance?
AXA Gulf Insurance has merged with Gulf Insurance Group, also known as GIG Gulf. This merger was completed in June 2022. To this day, AXA Insurance clients can still purchase insurance plans from GIG Gulf.
Which countries of AXA coverage merged with GIG Gulf?
AXA’s operations in the Gulf, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, AXA Cooperative Insurance (KSA), and AXA Green Crescent Insurance Company (UAE) have merged with GIG Gulf. The remaining areas of coverage around the world previously covered by the larger AXA Group still remain under AXA Group branding.
What does GIG Gulf stand for?
GIG Gulf stands for Gulf Insurance Group. This insurance provider has over seventy years of experience providing coverage for individuals and families in the Gulf, and they are considered the #1 insurer in the region.
Is GIG Gulf a good provider?
GIG Gulf is considered the #1 regional insurance provider in the Gulf. GIG has also been ranked as one of the top ten most valuable insurance companies by Forbes Middle East and they were awarded the 2021 General Insurance Company of the Year award by MIIA.
Conclusion and More Resources
You’ve now learned all about how AXA Insurance in the Gulf merged with GIG Gulf. If you are an expat moving to Dubai, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, or Qatar, you can find phenomenal coverage through GIG Gulf. Get insurance quotes today, and consult a Dubai insurance expert to discover your options.
Expats will also want to read about the great insurance plans offered in Dubai by Bupa Insurance and Cigna Insurance to decide if they’d rather purchase insurance through those providers.
Be sure to read our article with an in-depth introduction to the insurance plans offered in Dubai by GIG Gulf.
Here are some additional resources expats going to Dubai will want to read:
- For a comprehensive dive into what you should consider when moving to Dubai, read Moving to Dubai – A Comprehensive Guide and How to Become a Citizen in Dubai.
- To learn more about what everyday life is like in Dubai, read our articles Living in Dubai – What to Expect and The Cost to Live in Dubai.
- To figure out which cities and areas are the best for expats, read about The Best Places to Live in Dubai and The Best Places to Live in the UAE.
- To discover how to protect yourself from diseases abroad, read about The 14 Most Common Diseases to Watch Out for When Traveling Abroad.
Happy insurance hunting!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
- Can Expats Get Maternity Insurance in Singapore While Pregnant? - June 13, 2025
- IVF Insurance Coverage for Expats: Costs, Plans & Key Considerations - June 12, 2025
- Top Private Hospitals in Thailand for Expats and Digital Nomads - June 12, 2025
Comments
2 Comments
How can expats ensure they are getting the best value for money with their GIG Gulf health insurance plans? Are there any specific exclusions or limitations in GIG Gulf health insurance policies that expats should be aware of before purchasing?
To get the best value from GIG Gulf health insurance plans, expats should assess their coverage needs, compare plan tiers (like Bronze vs. Gold), and factor in add-ons like dental or vision if relevant. It’s also essential to carefully review policy exclusions, such as limits on pre-existing conditions, certain treatments, or region-specific coverage. For tailored advice and to compare GIG Gulf plans with other providers, contact us through our Contact Us page.
Ask a Question
We'll notify you
when our team replies!