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There are no major health risks in most parts of Saudi Arabia, although expatriates should ensure that they are vaccinated against TB, polio, hepatitis and tetanus. The area around Jizan in the south west of the country is potentially malarial, and the necessary precautions should be taken if visiting this region.

Most medicines are available from pharmacies in Saudi Arabia, and many that are only available on prescription in western countries can be bought over the counter here. It is advisable, however, to bring any medicines you really need in case they cannot be found.

Saudi Arabia has excellent medical facilities, and it is seldom necessary to travel overseas for treatment, although some expatriates do so under the provisions of their medical insurance. The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh is one of the largest hospitals in the Middle East, and has particularly fine obstetric/gynecological and paediatric departments, as well as a wide range of other facilities. The King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital is one of the best eye hospitals in the world.