Health Insurance and Healthcare system in Saudi Arabia
Welcome to the ultimate guide on the healthcare system and health insurance in Saudi Arabia for expats. If you’re an expat planning to move to Saudi, understanding the intricacies of the Saudi healthcare system is crucial.
Moving to Saudi Arabia as an expat comes with a myriad of exciting opportunities and challenges. This practical guide on utilizing Saudi’s healthcare system will provide you with essential information, tips, and insights to navigate the healthcare and insurance landscape effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, Private Healthcare system in Saudi Arabia as well as costs of medical treatment, you equip yourself with valuable information to make informed decisions during your stay in Kingdom.
As an insurance broker specializing in serving expats, our goal is to make your transition to Saudi as smooth as possible, with a strong focus on your healthcare and insurance needs. This extensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about health insurance in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s a glimpse of what this guide will cover:
- Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
- Public vs Private Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
- Health Insurance for Expats in Saudi Arabia
- Best Hospitals in Saudi Arabia
- Cost of Medical Treatment in Saudi Arabia
- Dental Care in Saudi Arabia
- Best Health Insurance Providers in Saudi Arabia
- Healthcare Tips for Expats in Saudi Arabia
By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about your health insurance in Saudi Arabia, ensuring you and your family have access to the best possible care.
Get a Quote on your International Health Insurance Plan in Saudi here.
Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system has seen significant reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical services. It is known for its comprehensive coverage and high-quality services, which have undergone significant improvements and modernization in recent years. Understanding the structure of the healthcare system will help expats navigate their medical needs more effectively.
Public Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
The public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is predominantly funded by the government, providing free or highly subsidized healthcare services to Saudi citizens and certain categories of expatriates, such as government employees. According to the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), the public healthcare sector comprises over 470 hospitals and 2,000 primary health centers across the Kingdom. These facilities are equipped to offer a wide range of medical services, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries.
Despite its extensive network and the high standard of care, the public healthcare system often experiences high patient volumes, leading to longer waiting times for non-emergency treatments. Public hospitals like King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh and the National Guard Health Affairs hospitals are well-regarded for their comprehensive services and advanced medical technologies.
Regardless, Saudi Arabia is the leading spender on healthcare within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), demonstrating the sector’s significant importance to the Saudi government. The Kingdom allocates the highest percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP) to healthcare compared to other countries in the region. This substantial investment has enabled Saudi Arabia to achieve one of the highest densities of medical professionals per thousand residents in the GCC.
A key factor in reaching this milestone has been the intensive recruitment of foreign physicians and nurses. This strategy has led to a balanced workforce, with the number of Saudi and non-Saudi medical professionals being quite comparable. The recruitment of foreign medical staff has not only bolstered the healthcare system’s capacity but also introduced a diverse range of medical expertise and international best practices.
Private Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
The private healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia caters primarily to expatriates and affluent locals seeking faster, more personalized medical care. Private hospitals and clinics are known for their state-of-the-art facilities, shorter waiting times, and higher levels of patient comfort and convenience. The International Medical Center (IMC) in Jeddah, for example, is renowned for its world-class facilities and international standards of care.
Private healthcare providers like the Saudi German Hospitals Group and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group offer extensive services, ranging from general medicine to highly specialized treatments. These facilities often employ internationally trained medical staff and provide services in multiple languages, enhancing their appeal to the expatriate community. However, the cost of private healthcare can be significantly higher, which underscores the importance of having comprehensive health insurance to cover these expenses. Get a Quote on your health insurance here.
Quality of Healthcare Services
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare services rank among the best in the Middle East, with many hospitals and clinics receiving international accreditation from bodies such as the Joint Commission International (JCI). The government has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare and promote medical tourism.
Best Hospitals in Saudi Arabia
1.King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC):
Located in Riyadh and Jeddah, KFSHRC is renowned for its specialized medical services, advanced research facilities, and comprehensive care. It is a top choice for complex and serious medical conditions, offering services comparable to those found in leading hospitals worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Phone: +966 11 464 7272
- Address: Al Maather St., Riyadh 12713, Saudi Arabia
- Additional Information: The hospital is at the forefront of medical research and has recently been recognized for its advancements in AI and robotics in healthcare. For example, in 2023, AI tools used in the hospital in radiology improved diagnostic accuracy by 25% and reduced misdiagnosis rates by 18%, enhancing the detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
2. Saudi German Hospital
With branches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities, the Saudi German Hospital is part of a larger network known for providing high-quality healthcare services. It offers a broad range of medical specialties and has a reputation for excellent patient care. Saudi German Health operates 18 medical facilities across the MENA region, including hospitals in Jeddah, Riyadh, Aseer, Madinah, Ḥaʼil, and Dammam. Their network of hospitals boasts over 3,000 beds and employs more than 9,000 healthcare professionals. Saudi German Health also has affiliations with renowned international entities, including the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which enhances the quality of care through access to global expertise.
Contact Info:
- Location: Jeddah – Batterjee Street, Al Zahra District, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia
- Phone: +966 12 682 9000
- Additional Information: They have received numerous awards for its contributions to healthcare, including the Healthcare Company of the Year by Arabian Business KSA Achievement Awards and the Outstanding Contribution to the Middle East Healthcare Industry Award by Arab Health.
Contact Info:
- Phone: +971 04 429 7777
- Address: Othman bin Affan Street, Buraidah – Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Additional Information: HMG integrates cutting-edge medical technologies to provide high-quality care. This includes specialized units for orthopedic and spinal surgeries.
Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s health insurance regulations require all expatriates to be covered by a health insurance policy approved by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI). This mandate applies to all expatriates and their dependents, ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare services. Employers are responsible for providing health insurance to their expat employees, including the costs associated with the policy.
The legal framework for health insurance in Saudi Arabia is governed by the Cooperative Health Insurance Law. This law stipulates that:
- Employers’ Responsibility: Employers must provide health insurance for all expatriate employees and their dependents. The insurance must cover essential medical services, including consultations, treatments, surgeries, medications, and emergency care.
- Approved Insurance Providers: Health insurance policies must be obtained from providers accredited by the CCHI. This ensures that the insurance plans meet the required standards and offer adequate coverage.
- Compliance and Enforcement: The Ministry of Labor and Social Development, in collaboration with the CCHI, enforces compliance with health insurance regulations. Employers who fail to provide the mandated insurance can face significant fines and penalties.
Non-compliance with health insurance regulations can have serious repercussions for both employers and expatriates:
- For Employers: Employers who do not provide the required health insurance can be fined up to SAR 5,000 per uninsured employee. Additionally, non-compliant employers may face restrictions on their ability to hire new employees and renew work permits for existing staff.
- For Expatriates: Expats without valid health insurance may face difficulties in accessing healthcare services. They might also encounter issues with visa renewals and other residency-related processes. In extreme cases, failure to comply with health insurance requirements can lead to deportation.
Public Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
- The Ministry of Health provides 60% of healthcare services
- The government spent $36.8 billion on healthcare and social development in 2022, 14.4% of the Kingdom’s yearly budget.
- Saudi Arabia has 61.4 on the Health Care Index, a measure of the overall quality of healthcare infrastructure, services, and resources.
Private Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
Cost of Medical Treatment in Saudi Arabia
The cost of medical treatment in Saudi Arabia can vary widely depending on the type of service, the healthcare provider, and whether the patient is covered by insurance. Understanding these costs is crucial for expatriates who need to budget for their healthcare needs. Many expatriates and long-term visitors opt for international health insurance plans that provide coverage for private hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
General Medical Treatment Costs
Medical services in Saudi Arabia range from affordable to expensive, particularly in private healthcare facilities. Click here to view the medical cost calculator in Saudi Arabia. Here are some approximate costs for common medical treatments:
- General Practitioner Consultation: SAR 100 – SAR 300
- Specialist Consultation: SAR 300 – SAR 600
- Diagnostic Tests (e.g., X-rays, blood tests): SAR 200 – SAR 1,000
- Emergency Room Visit: SAR 500 – SAR 2,000
- Inpatient Hospital Stay (per day): SAR 1,000 – SAR 5,000
Dental Care in Saudi Arabia
Dental care is an important aspect of healthcare that expatriates need to consider. Dental services in Saudi Arabia are generally of high quality, with many clinics offering a range of treatments from routine check-ups to advanced procedures.
Many dental clinics in Saudi Arabia boast state-of-the-art facilities and employ dentists who have trained internationally. These professionals are adept at combining their extensive expertise with the latest technologies to provide high-quality dental care. English-speaking staff and dentists are common, making communication straightforward for expatriates and tourists.
Range of Services: Saudi Arabia’s dental clinics offer a comprehensive array of dental services, including but not limited to:
- Routine examinations and cleanings
- Fillings and root canals
- Crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers and whitening treatments
- Orthodontics, including traditional braces and clear aligners
Saudi Arabia Dentist Prices
The cost of dental care in Saudi Arabia is significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to combine dental treatments with a holiday. However, prices can vary depending on the clinic’s location, the dentist’s experience, and the complexity of the treatment.
Here are some general price ranges for common dental procedures in Saudi Arabia (prices in SAR):
- Routine Dental Check-up: SAR 100 – SAR 300
- Teeth Cleaning (Scaling and Polishing): SAR 200 – SAR 500
- Dental Fillings: SAR 200 – SAR 1,000 per tooth
- Tooth Extraction: SAR 300 – SAR 1,000
- Root Canal Treatment: SAR 1,000 – SAR 3,000
- Dental Crowns: SAR 1,500 – SAR 4,000 per crown
- Orthodontic Treatment (Braces): SAR 10,000 – SAR 20,000
It’s important to note that these prices are indicative and can vary. For more detailed pricing, you can refer to specific dental clinics such as Riyadh Dental Center and Al Habib Dental Center.
Best Health Insurance Providers in Saudi Arabia
Selecting the right health insurance provider is crucial for expats living in Saudi Arabia to ensure you receive high-quality medical care. Here is a detailed look at some of the top health insurance providers in the Kingdom, known for their comprehensive coverage, excellent customer service, and extensive healthcare networks.
1. Bupa Arabia
Phone: +966 920 000 456
Overview: Bupa Arabia is one of the leading health insurance providers in Saudi Arabia. They offer comprehensive coverage that includes outpatient and inpatient services, emergency care, maternity care, and more. Bupa Arabia is also recognized for its excellent customer service and support, providing policyholders with easy access to their extensive network of hospitals and clinics.
Key Features:
- Extensive network of healthcare providers
- Comprehensive coverage options
- 24/7 customer support
- Online services for claims and policy management
- Wellness programs and preventive care services
Choosing the Best Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
Many expatriates and long-term visitors opt for international health insurance plans that provide extensive coverage, including access to private healthcare facilities not only in Saudi Arabia but also globally. There are many advantages to getting private insurance, including:
- Access to Private Hospitals: Enjoy shorter waiting times and advanced medical facilities.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers a wide range of medical services, including specialized treatments.
- International Coverage: Provides protection while traveling outside of Saudi Arabia.
- Personalized Care: Receive more personalized and patient-focused care.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you and your family are covered for any medical emergencies.
By carefully considering your healthcare needs and selecting the right health insurance provider, you can ensure that you and your family have access to the best possible medical care while living in Saudi Arabia.
Our Advice
If you’re looking for the best international health insurance plan, look no further than i-Brokers to pick your perfect coverage. Especially for expatriates and international visitors, for whom it’s essential to find a plan that provides coverage tailored to your unique needs. i-Brokers partners with over 300+ insurance providers and allows you to compare health insurance policies in seconds. Get a Quote here.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize healthcare as a pillar of its Vision 2030. Future plans include further increasing the number of medical professionals, enhancing medical education and training for Saudi nationals, and adopting cutting-edge medical technologies. The ongoing commitment to healthcare promises to maintain Saudi Arabia’s leading position in the GCC and ensure that its residents have access to world-class medical services.
At i-Brokers, we take great pride in offering the best service possible when it comes to insurance. 82% of consumers who compare insurance with i-Brokers find lower premiums. Can you afford not to? Click here to get a quote on your medical insurance. Choose an insurance plan that best suits your requirements and the needs of all the people you care about.