Saudi Arabia – Health Service

What is the standard of healthcare in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia possesses one of the most sophisticated and dependable healthcare systems across the entire region. The Kingdom has committed substantial resources to constructing a broad medical infrastructure capable of serving both its citizenry and its sizeable foreign resident population. Through the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), the government is actively building the foundations for a patient-centred, internationally competitive system driven by efficiency and innovation.

The country has recorded remarkable improvements in health outcomes: average life expectancy has climbed to 77.6 years, while advances in telemedicine and digital health technology are fundamentally changing how care is delivered. The Ministry of Health oversees approximately 497 government and private hospitals, together providing a total of 77,224 beds.

Medical infrastructure and specialist facilities are concentrated primarily in Riyadh and other large urban centres. Cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam host substantial, well-equipped hospitals whose capabilities are broadly comparable to those found in other high-income nations. Remote and rural areas have historically had fewer specialist services available, though the MOH has actively worked to broaden coverage — the proportion of urban and rural communities with access to basic healthcare services in their vicinity grew from 78% in 2016 to 85.7% in 2020.

Both the public and private healthcare sectors maintain solid standards of care within Saudi Arabia. The system serves more than 31 million citizens and residents, as well as the millions of pilgrims who visit during Hajj and Umrah, through a network encompassing medical cities, university and military hospitals, specialist hospitals, primary care centres, and numerous other facilities.

In structural terms, the public side most closely resembles a Beveridge-style, tax-funded arrangement for nationals — the state finances and delivers care free at the point of use, a principle similar in nature to the NHS in the United Kingdom or Medicare in Australia, though entitlement is more narrowly defined by nationality. The private sector operates on a social insurance model, where mandatory premiums — typically paid by the employer — fund access to a network of private providers. Chronic and lifestyle-associated conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease continue to grow in prevalence, placing increasing demands on the system as a whole.

For authoritative assessments of healthcare quality, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO country profile for Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health official portal.

How is healthcare funded in Saudi Arabia, and is private health insurance necessary?

Saudi Arabia’s public healthcare system is financed and administered by the Ministry of Health. Funding flows through annual government budgets distributed to individual ministries, and royal decrees may be issued by the King to direct additional resources towards specific health programmes or projects. The Ministry of Finance designated SAR 260 billion (approximately USD 69 billion) for Health and Social Development in its official 2025 budget.

Treatment at government medical facilities is provided to citizens at no personal cost, in accordance with the strategic health plan developed to address the needs of the sector. This entitlement does not, however, extend to the majority of expatriates. Saudi Arabia maintains a universal healthcare framework accessible through both public and private channels. Public coverage encompasses most essential treatments, including consultations and inpatient hospital care, but this system remains closed to expats originating from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC — comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE).

Saudi law makes health insurance mandatory for expatriates — it is a legal obligation, not a personal choice, and the responsibility for ensuring workers and their dependants are covered rests firmly with employers. The Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI), the body that regulates Saudi Arabia’s insurance landscape, requires all private sector companies to arrange health insurance coverage for their employees and dependants without exception.

GCC nationals residing in Saudi Arabia may access subsidised public healthcare, though the precise terms differ across regions and services. Non-GCC foreign nationals have no right of access to the public system. One exception exists for those employed in the public sector: both Saudi nationals and expatriates working within government institutions may use public healthcare facilities without incurring out-of-pocket costs.

Self-employed expats and freelancers must independently source and fund their own private health insurance. It is worth bearing in mind that employer-provided plans are frequently basic in scope, meaning co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses for specialist or advanced treatment can be considerable. For this reason, many expats choose to complement their employer plan with additional personal or international coverage. For the most up-to-date information on eligibility rules and contribution requirements, consult the Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI).

How do I register with a doctor or access primary care in Saudi Arabia?

The Ministry of Health delivers primary care services through a network of 1,925 healthcare centres spread across the Kingdom. Saudi nationals access this network free of charge. Expats holding private insurance access primary care through the network of approved clinics and private hospitals designated by their insurer.

The registration process is typically coordinated by your employer and results in the issuance of a health insurance card that grants access to private healthcare services and facilities, including doctors, hospitals, and therapy providers. Once you have your insurance card, you present it at any clinic within your insurer’s approved network. The facility verifies your eligibility through the CHI system, and you pay only the applicable co-payment, if one is required under your plan.

Public hospitals treat Saudi nationals and expatriates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to see a particular doctor, an appointment made 24 to 72 hours in advance is generally necessary. Private clinics tend to offer shorter waiting times and are the preferred route for most expats.

The Ministry of Health operates a free digital health platform called Sehhaty. This is the MOH’s unified platform, enabling secure sharing of health information and providing access to a broad range of health sector services across the Kingdom. The dedicated helpline number 937 is a toll-free service offering health information, guidance, and instructions as well as medical consultations around the clock. The Sehhaty app allows users to book appointments and access telehealth services conveniently.

The following documents are commonly required when registering with a private clinic or joining an insurer’s network for the first time:

• Valid Iqama (residence permit)
• Passport copy
• Health insurance card issued by your employer’s insurer
• Employment contract or proof of employment (may be requested)

Check the official guidance via the Saudi Ministry of Health portal and your insurer’s documentation for the most current registration requirements.

What services do hospitals in Saudi Arabia provide, and what should patients expect?

The private sector delivers health services through an extensive network of hospitals, dispensaries, laboratories, pharmacies, and physiotherapy centres operating throughout the Kingdom. Major public hospitals offer a comprehensive range of services encompassing emergency care, surgery, obstetrics, oncology, cardiology, and specialist outpatient clinics. The Seha Virtual Hospital connects 224 hospitals and makes 44 specialised services available nationwide. These include emergency and critical care advice, specialist clinics, multidisciplinary case committees, medical support services, and home care provision.

In terms of quality, private hospitals generally offer a level of medical care that exceeds what is typically found in government-funded facilities. Private health facilities routinely provide shorter waiting times, along with superior levels of comfort and amenity. Expats who have the flexibility to choose their provider will generally find the private sector more accessible and more responsive to their needs.

Public hospitals in Riyadh are staffed by highly qualified personnel and deliver treatment to standards broadly in line with those found in hospitals across Western countries. With healthcare professionals in hospitals communicating in both Arabic and English, expats should generally find it possible to describe their condition to a physician and obtain appropriate medication without undue difficulty.

Regarding family involvement during hospitalisation: consistent with custom across many Middle Eastern countries, it is both culturally common and frequently expected in Saudi Arabia for family members to be present throughout a hospital stay, offering emotional support and assistance with personal care. This contrasts with systems such as the NHS, where nursing staff assume full responsibility for all aspects of personal care. Expatriates without family living nearby may need to make their own arrangements for personal support during prolonged hospital admissions — this is a practical consideration worth thinking through in advance.

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare facilities fall into three broad categories: public hospitals run by the MOH, military and specialist government hospitals serving defined populations, and private hospitals and clinics. The military healthcare network is reserved exclusively for military and royal army personnel and their families, with dedicated hospitals providing their medical services.

How does follow-up and aftercare work in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia operates a referral-based system designed to provide curative care to all members of society. In practice, this means that following a hospital episode, ongoing care is managed through outpatient clinics within the same facility or via referral to an appropriate specialist clinic. Expats covered by private insurance arrange aftercare appointments through their insurer’s network in exactly the same manner as primary care visits.

The referral system enables physicians to direct patients to a hospital for a defined clinical reason when needed. Digitally, both the Sehhaty platform and the Seha Virtual Hospital give patients the ability to access follow-up consultations and home care services remotely — a facility that can be especially valuable for those living in less urbanised parts of the country.

Community nursing and home-based rehabilitation services are less well developed in Saudi Arabia than in certain other high-income countries that have long-established public health infrastructure. The country’s growing older population is expected to drive rising demand for services such as geriatrics and long-term care, placing additional pressure on existing resources. Expats with complex or sustained care requirements — such as physiotherapy following surgery or long-term chronic disease management — may find that supplementary private arrangements are needed to cover gaps left by a basic employer-provided insurance plan.

Mental health follow-up is available but may be more limited in scope than the provision found in some comparable healthcare systems. The Sehatty app offers access to medical, mental health, and psychological consultations with doctors available around the clock. The National Centre for Mental Health Promotion delivers supervised, specialist counselling through the Qareboon app. Expats who require regular psychiatric or psychological care should verify explicitly that their insurance plan includes mental health coverage, as this varies considerably between policies.

What are the rules on medical treatment for foreign visitors and new arrivals in Saudi Arabia?

For foreign nationals arriving in Saudi Arabia to seek employment, the rules differ depending on origin. GCC nationals can draw on their home country’s health entitlements to access public healthcare, while those from elsewhere are required to obtain Saudi visitors’ health insurance as part of the visa application process. This means that valid coverage must be in place even before your Iqama (residence permit) has been issued and before employer-arranged insurance becomes active.

Treatment in public hospitals is available to everyone in an emergency. For non-emergency access to private hospitals or health centres, the Kingdom enforces mandatory health insurance for non-Saudi workers under the Cooperative Health Insurance Law and its Implementing Regulations.

In the event of a medical emergency, dialling 997 connects you to ambulance services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Emergency treatment is administered first; insurance matters are handled afterwards. This is a critical safeguard to understand: even in the absence of active insurance coverage, emergency stabilisation will not be refused. However, the full cost of any non-emergency treatment received without valid insurance will be billed directly to the patient.

Saudi Arabia does not operate sweeping bilateral reciprocal healthcare agreements of the kind found within the European Economic Area or between certain Commonwealth nations. Some form of health insurance is obligatory for all persons in Saudi Arabia. Visitors and newcomers should not presume that any reciprocal arrangement from their home country applies here. Always verify the current position with the Saudi Ministry of Health and your own country’s foreign affairs department before travelling, as agreements and policies are subject to change.

Newcomers waiting for their residency status to be formalised should ensure that visitor health insurance is in force from the moment of arrival. A common mistake among expats is failing to renew their insurance on time, which can disrupt both Iqama renewal and continuity of medical coverage — keeping a close eye on renewal dates will help avoid these problems.

What are the most important health insurance options for expats in Saudi Arabia?

Twenty-six health insurance firms are authorised to operate in Saudi Arabia. The insurance landscape for expatriates broadly separates into three categories: employer-arranged local insurance, individually purchased local insurance, and international health insurance plans. Developing a clear understanding of these distinctions before relocating is essential.

Employer-provided insurance is the most prevalent arrangement for expats in the private sector. The majority of expats in Saudi Arabia will receive health insurance through their employer, though this typically operates on a co-payment basis — meaning that even insured individuals will be expected to contribute a subsidised fee towards consultations or visits. Employer-provided plans also tend not to cover every procedure or form of medical treatment.

Supplementary local insurance can be purchased directly from one of the 26 CCHI-regulated insurers in Saudi Arabia to enhance the scope of a basic employer plan. This option is worth exploring if you have dependants, existing medical conditions, or require specialist care that falls outside standard employer coverage. Always confirm that any insurer you approach is licensed by the Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI).

International health insurance delivers broader global coverage and is particularly well suited to expats who travel regularly, have family members residing in other countries, or wish to access treatment outside Saudi Arabia. International plans may extend to conditions, treatments, or specialists not included in local employer policies, but they must still satisfy the minimum standards set by the CCHI for residency compliance. Private healthcare generally offers shorter waiting times, access to certain treatments not available through the public system, and better availability of multilingual staff.

When comparing policies, look for the following key features:

• Network of approved hospitals and clinics in your area of residence
• Co-payment levels and annual deductibles (as of 2025, these vary widely by plan)
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions and chronic disease management
• Mental health and psychiatric care inclusion
• Maternity and newborn coverage, if relevant
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation benefit
• Dental and optical coverage (often excluded from basic plans)

As of 2025, indicative costs for additional private cover beyond employer plans range from approximately USD 1,400 per year for a single individual to around USD 5,000 per year for a family of four, though premiums vary considerably according to age, health status, and the breadth of cover selected. Always gather multiple quotes and confirm current premium levels directly with CCHI-licensed insurers, as these figures are subject to change.

Are there any particular health risks or considerations for people moving to Saudi Arabia?

Before relocating to Saudi Arabia, it is sensible to establish which vaccinations you may need — particularly if you are coming from a country where certain diseases are more prevalent. Although the general risk of infectious disease is relatively low, several vaccines are strongly recommended or required for entry. Standard immunisations to confirm before departure include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus, and MMR. A travel health clinic or your national travel health advisory service can provide personalised pre-travel vaccination guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated considerable resilience and adaptability in responding to outbreaks of SARS, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19. Since MERS-CoV first emerged in 2012, Saudi Arabia has recorded 2,205 cases, representing 84% of all cases reported globally. MERS-CoV is predominantly documented in countries on or near the Arabian Peninsula, with the most recent case reported from Saudi Arabia in April 2025. Expats are advised to avoid direct contact with camels and their products, as this remains a known route of transmission.

Foreign nationals may experience a sharp adjustment to the local environment. Summers are intensely hot and can give rise to heat stroke, sunburn, dehydration, elevated stress levels, and a diminished immune response. Sandstorms and strong winds can create respiratory difficulties. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma should factor these environmental realities into their planning and confirm that any necessary medications are obtainable locally.

Tap water quality is not uniform across Saudi Arabia. In major cities, tap water undergoes treatment but may have a high mineral content, and many residents — both local and expatriate — opt for filtered or bottled water for drinking purposes. Food safety standards in restaurants and supermarkets are broadly on a par with other middle-income countries, though standard hygiene precautions remain advisable, especially when eating at street food stalls.

Chronic and lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are increasingly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, and the healthcare system is well positioned to manage these. Nevertheless, the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases — driven by sedentary habits and dietary patterns — is expected to push healthcare costs upward over time. Expats living with such conditions should verify that their insurance policy explicitly includes ongoing chronic disease management.

Mental health support is accessible but may be less extensive than in high-income countries with long-established community mental health networks. Digital services such as the Sehatty app and the Qareboon counselling platform provide practical and accessible options. Expats who anticipate needing regular psychological support should confirm that their insurance plan covers mental health services and research private providers in their area before completing their move.

For authoritative and current health risk information, consult the WHO Saudi Arabia country page, the Saudi Ministry of Health’s travel health guidance, and your own national travel health advisory service before making your move.

How do I apply for health insurance coverage as an expat in Saudi Arabia?

1. Confirm your employer’s obligation: Before arriving, check with your employer that they will provide CCHI-compliant health insurance. All private sector employers in Saudi Arabia are legally required to do this for workers and their dependants.
2. Obtain visitor insurance for arrival: If you are arriving on a work or visit visa before your Iqama is issued, purchase Saudi visitor health insurance. This is often required as part of the visa application process.
3. Receive your Iqama and insurance card: Once resident, your employer registers you with an approved insurer. You will receive an insurance card linked to the CHI system. Keep this card with you at all times.
4. Check your coverage network: Review which hospitals and clinics are included in your insurer’s network. Visiting providers outside this network typically means paying the full cost out of pocket.
5. Consider supplementary cover: Review the basic plan’s coverage limits, co-payment structure, and exclusions. If you have dependants, a chronic condition, or anticipate specialist needs, obtain quotes for supplementary or international insurance from CCHI-licensed providers.
6. Register on the Sehhaty platform: Download the Sehhaty app and register using your Iqama details. This gives you access to appointment booking, telehealth consultations, and your digital health record.
7. Track renewal dates: Renew your insurance at least one month before expiration to avoid gaps in coverage and delays to your Iqama renewal.

Frequently asked questions

Can expats use the public health system in Saudi Arabia?

Public healthcare is not accessible to expatriates from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE). GCC nationals may access subsidised public care, though the terms differ across regions and services. All other expatriates must rely on private healthcare funded through mandatory private insurance. The one universal exception is emergency treatment, which is provided to all patients regardless of their insurance status.

How do I find a doctor who speaks my language in Saudi Arabia?

A significant proportion of doctors and nurses in urban hospitals are themselves expatriates, and as a result many are fluent English speakers. Private hospitals in major cities commonly employ multilingual staff and may have translators or patient liaison officers available. When choosing a clinic or specialist, contact your insurer’s customer service team and request a multilingual provider within your approved network. The MOH’s 937 helpline also provides health advice in multiple languages.

What happens in a medical emergency in Saudi Arabia?

In an emergency, you may proceed directly to any hospital — insurance authorisation is handled automatically in such circumstances. Dial 997 for ambulance services, which operate around the clock every day of the year. Medical treatment is given priority; insurance processing follows afterwards. The majority of hospitals have 24-hour emergency departments capable of managing critical cases. On arrival in the country, save the contact details of your nearest hospital and your insurer’s emergency line in your phone.

How do prescriptions work in Saudi Arabia?

All prescriptions in Saudi Arabia must be issued by a licensed physician and dispensed through a registered pharmacy. The MOH has introduced a Drug Directory for Smartphones (MOH Formulary) designed to help physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff verify medication doses before prescribing, dispensing, or administering them. Many drugs available without a prescription in other countries require a doctor’s prescription in Saudi Arabia. When you first arrive, bring an adequate supply of any existing medication along with written documentation from your home physician. Co-payments for prescription drugs will depend on the terms of your insurance plan.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by health insurance in Saudi Arabia?

The extent to which pre-existing conditions are covered varies considerably between insurers and plan types. Basic employer-provided plans may exclude or restrict coverage for such conditions, especially during the initial period of the policy. International health insurance plans often provide more comprehensive coverage, including for chronic conditions, though typically at a higher premium. Always disclose pre-existing conditions fully and accurately when applying for insurance, and review the exclusions in your policy with care. Confirm current policy terms with your insurer and with the CCHI before signing up to any plan.

Is mental health treatment available and covered by insurance in Saudi Arabia?

The Sehatty app provides access to medical, mental health, and psychological consultations with doctors available 24 hours a day. The National Centre for Mental Health Promotion offers supervised, specialist counselling through the Qareboon app. Private psychiatrists and psychologists practise in major cities, and certain hospitals have dedicated mental health departments. Coverage under insurance plans varies significantly — confirm explicitly whether your policy covers outpatient mental health consultations, inpatient psychiatric care, and ongoing therapy sessions before committing.

What should I do if I arrive in Saudi Arabia before my employer insurance is activated?

Arrange visitor health insurance before you travel. Non-GCC expatriates are required to purchase Saudi visitors’ health insurance as part of the visa application process. This coverage should remain valid until your Iqama has been issued and your employer’s insurance policy is confirmed as active. Do not assume coverage begins automatically upon starting work — obtain written confirmation of the activation date from your employer’s HR department and the insurer directly.

Does Saudi Arabia have reciprocal healthcare agreements with other countries?

Saudi Arabia does not maintain broad reciprocal healthcare agreements with other nations comparable to those operating within the EU or between certain bilateral partners. Health insurance is compulsory for all individuals residing in Saudi Arabia without exception. You should not assume that any arrangement in place between Saudi Arabia and your country of origin will entitle you to healthcare coverage. Before relocating, verify the current situation with the Saudi Ministry of Health and your own government’s foreign affairs or health department, as policies can be revised at any time.