There is an excellent level of healthcare and medical treatment in Kuwait, and the country is considered to be on a par with the facilities which are provided in the United States and Western Europe. The country has a very small population and as the facilities are varied and cover almost every medical condition, there are almost no waiting lists and everyone is treated within days Occasionally there may be something that cannot be covered by the medical system in Kuwait, in which case it may be necessary to seek treatment in another country. Any major surgery required by the ruling families is usually carried out in another country.

The medical staff in the hospitals and clinics are nearly all foreign, although there are some local doctors and nurses. They are attracted to the country because of the excellent financial benefits and so seeking medical treatment is not intimidating for expats. There are a number of mission hospitals run by an American organisation which used to offer free treatment for those who were unable to afford it, although none of their services are free any more. The public health service in Kuwait provides a number of free services for its citizens and many more at a low cost, which means that healthcare is affordable for all members of society.

These services are also available free of charge to expats, although if you are working in the country it is recommended that you have private medical insurance as this will reduce the cost to the state and you are covered for all eventualities. Tourists to the area and those on business also have access to the healthcare facilities and if you are unsure where your nearest doctor’s surgery is, your embassy will be able to provide you with a list.

The major health problems experienced in Kuwait, particularly for expats, are respiratory problems caused by the high concentrations of dust and sand in the air, and this is aggravated by the almost continuous building work being carried out in the country. The extreme heat can also cause several health problems, including sunstroke and sunburn. Once the temperature reaches 50°C all workers should be allowed to move indoors, though some employers will continue with work. The humidity in summer is also uncomfortable and dehydration is another common problem. When you arrive in the country your employer should make you aware of the health risks and advise you on how to avoid falling victim to any of these problems.