Essential Guide to the Health System in Kuwait
Summary: Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Kuwait and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.

Kuwait has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is free for Kuwaiti citizens. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Kuwait, but they are required to pay for their medical care. The public healthcare system is used by foreigners, but it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Kuwait are generally well-equipped and staffed, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private hospitals.
Kuwait's Private Healthcare System
Kuwait's private healthcare system is well-developed and provides a wide range of medical services. Private hospitals are typically more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer higher quality care and more modern facilities. Expats primarily use private hospitals, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Kuwait are well-equipped and staffed, and they offer a wide range of medical services.
Kuwait's Top Hospitals
The following are some of the most well-known hospitals in Kuwait:
- Ahmadi Hospital (public, located in Ahmadi)
- Farwaniya Hospital (public, located in Farwaniya)
- Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital (public, located in Hawalli)
- Al-Razi Hospital (private, located in Hawalli)
- Al-Sabah Hospital (private, located in Hawalli)
- Al-Adan Hospital (public, located in Kuwait City)
- Al-Amiri Hospital (public, located in Kuwait City)
- Al-Rashid Hospital (private, located in Kuwait City)
- Al-Salam International Hospital (private, located in Kuwait City)
- Al-Zahra Hospital (private, located in Kuwait City)
- Al-Sabah Eye Hospital (private, located in Kuwait City)
Health Insurance Companies in Kuwait
The most popular private health insurers in Kuwait are Gulf Insurance Group, Warba Insurance, and Kuwait Insurance Company. These companies provide health insurance plans for individuals and families, and they are used by both Kuwaiti citizens and expats. Expats typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Kuwait: How to Navigate the Health System
"In Kuwait, medical services are generally of a high standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Kuwait also has a number of specialized medical centers, offering treatments for a range of conditions. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are a number of private health insurance plans available for those who wish to purchase additional coverage. Kuwait also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications," commented one member living in Kuwait.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.