The healthcare system in Abha, offers both public and private healthcare options for residents and expats. The quality of healthcare services varies between public and private hospitals, with private hospitals generally offering better facilities and services.
Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is managed by the Ministry of Health and provides free healthcare services to Saudi nationals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are also allowed to use the public healthcare system, but they may be required to pay for some services. Public hospitals in Abha are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries due to limited resources and long waiting times. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer better facilities and services, and are the preferred choice for expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they are equipped with modern facilities and have shorter waiting times.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Abha
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Abha include:
- Abha Private Hospital (Private) – located in the Al Khaldiyah district
- Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region (Public) – located in the Al Soudah district
- Al Mana General Hospital (Private) – located in the Al Khaldiyah district
- King Faisal Medical Complex (Public) – located in the Al Soudah district
If there are no suitable hospitals in Abha, expats may need to travel to nearby cities such as Jeddah or Riyadh for specialized medical care and surgeries. These cities are approximately 600-800 kilometers away from Abha and can be reached by car or domestic flights.
Emergency Services in Abha
There are ambulance services available in Abha. In case of an emergency, you can call the national emergency number, 997, to request an ambulance. However, response times may vary depending on the location and traffic conditions. It is advisable to have a backup plan, such as arranging private transportation, in case of delays in ambulance services.
Health Insurance Companies in Abha
Some popular private health insurance companies in Abha include Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, and Medgulf. These companies offer various health insurance plans catering to the needs of both locals and expats. Expats and digital nomads may also choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers for their healthcare needs while living in Saudi Arabia.
