Guide

Saudi Arabia – Health Insurance

For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, health insurance is not optional — it is a legal requirement directly linked to residency and visa eligibility. The majority of expats obtain private health coverage through their employer, with the entire system overseen

Russia – Health Insurance

For expats living in Russia, navigating health insurance involves several overlapping layers. A valid medical insurance policy is a prerequisite for obtaining most types of Russian visas, and those working legally in the country can gain access to the state

Qatar – Health Insurance

Under Law No. 22 of 2021, health insurance is compulsory for every non-Qatari national residing or employed in Qatar. All employers are legally obligated to arrange MOPH-approved coverage for their staff and qualifying dependants. While the Hamad Medical Corporation operates

Romania – Health Insurance

Romania operates a public health insurance system administered by the National Health Insurance House (CNAS), financed through compulsory social contributions. Expats in formal employment are enrolled automatically, while those who are self-employed or not working must register and pay contributions

Portugal – Health Insurance

Health insurance in Portugal occupies a unique space where a publicly funded national health service operates alongside a well-developed private sector. The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) extends universal, tax-funded healthcare to all legal residents, yet proof of private health

Philippines – Health Insurance

The Philippines operates a national social health insurance scheme known as PhilHealth, which all employed workers — including foreign nationals — are required to join, while legal residents may enrol on a voluntary basis. Because PhilHealth only reimburses a portion

Poland – Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for everyone living in Poland, expats included. The public system is administered by the National Health Fund (NFZ) and financed through payroll contributions collected by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). Expats in employment are enrolled automatically

Peru – Health Insurance

For expats in formal employment, health insurance in Peru is essentially compulsory — workers are automatically enrolled in EsSalud, the national social health insurance scheme. A public healthcare system does exist, but underfunding, lengthy waiting periods, and inconsistent standards —

Panama – Health Insurance

Health insurance in Panama occupies a unique space where a contributory social security framework meets a rapidly expanding private healthcare sector. Although no single law compels every expatriate to maintain a private policy, the majority of residency visa categories demand

Norway – Health Insurance

Norway’s publicly funded National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) provides coverage to the majority of residents, including expats who complete the relevant registration steps and satisfy residency or employment criteria. Holding private health insurance is not a legal requirement, but the public