The healthcare system in Dammam, 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 being preferred for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is called the Ministry of Health (MOH) 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 face long waiting times and overcrowded facilities. Public hospitals in Dammam are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries due to their limited resources and lower quality of care compared to private hospitals. Expats in Dammam primarily use private hospitals, which offer better facilities, shorter waiting times, and a higher standard of care. Private hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Dammam
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Dammam for expats include:
- Almana General Hospital (Private) – Located in Al Faisaliyah, Dammam
- Dammam Medical Complex (Public) – Located in Al Mureekh, Dammam
- Al Mouwasat Hospital (Private) – Located in Al Adama, Dammam
- Dr. Fakhry & Alrajhi Hospital (Private) – Located in Al Badiyah, Dammam
- Al Rashid Hospital (Private) – Located in Al Muntazah, Dammam
Emergency Services in Dammam
Ambulance services are available in Dammam, and the emergency number to call for an ambulance is 997. However, there may be delays in response times due to traffic congestion or other factors. In some cases, it may be faster to arrange private transportation to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.
Health Insurance Companies in Dammam
Some popular private health insurance companies in Dammam include Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, and Medgulf. These companies offer various health insurance plans for individuals and families, including coverage for private hospital care. Expats and digital nomads may also choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers, which offer international coverage and cater specifically to the needs of expats living abroad.