15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
Last updated on Mar 01, 2024
Summary: The quality of medical care in Saudi Arabia is generally considered to be on par with the United States. Saudi Arabia has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Emergency services are generally reliable and efficient, with ambulances available to respond to medical emergencies. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 997 or 112 from any phone.
How are healthcare services Saudi Arabia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Saudi Arabia, they replied:
"If you need medical care, go back to the US or to Europe, if you can afford it. Both medical and dental care are substandard. If you can find doctors trained in the US, that is no assurance that they are qualified. The licensing program and qualifications are sketchy, at best," said an expat in Riyadh.
"Healthcare services in Saudi Arabia are provided by both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and is funded by the government. It provides free or low-cost healthcare services to citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Saudi Arabia can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Health and obtaining a health card. They may also be able to access private healthcare services, depending on their visa status," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
What are medical services in Saudi Arabia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Saudi Arabia, they replied:
"In general I am satisfied with it, however sometimes I feel like they may not know what is wrong with me they make things up," remarked one expat living in Jeddah.
"Saudi Arabia has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The government provides free medical care to all citizens, including preventive care, primary care, and specialized care. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. The country is home to some of the most advanced medical technology and equipment, and many of its hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are dedicated to providing quality medical care to their patients," said one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
"My sponsor always paid for my insurance. I ended paying an extra amount for higher end insurance so I could go the Kingdom Hospital, and found out that the medical staff there are not adequately trained," commented one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"Healthcare and health insurance in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Saudi Arabia is higher than in many other countries, due to the high cost of medical equipment and services. Health insurance is also expensive, as premiums can be quite high, and there are often additional fees for certain services. However, the government does provide some subsidies for health insurance, which can help to reduce the cost," wrote one expat.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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What are emergency services like in Saudi Arabia?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Saudi Arabia wrote:
"Emergency services in Saudi Arabia are generally reliable and efficient. Ambulance services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 997 from any landline or mobile phone. The emergency services operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location," wrote one expat.
"I used Kingdom Hospital, purportedly one of the best, if not the best. It was substandard. I also went to Specialized Medical Center. The staff were even less qualified. Please be careful with your health. I ended up coming back to the US for medical care," commented one expat who moved to Riyadh.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia are home to some of the most comprehensive medical specialist networks in the country. The Eastern Province, including the cities of Damman and Al Khobar, is also known for its excellent selection ofmedical specialists. Further, the cities of Taif, Medina, Mecca, and Buraydah are home to many experienced medical specialists. Additionally, there is an excellent network of medical specialists in the Asir region, including the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait and Najran," said one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
"I returned to the US this past summer so I could get treatment. Outstanding standards in the US," mentioned one expat in Riyadh.
Are common prescription medications available in Saudi Arabia?
"You can get anything at any corner pharmacy without any prescription. the exception are birth control pills or homonal replacement therapy. They are cheap," said one expat living in Riyadh.
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Saudi Arabia. Most medications can be obtained from pharmacies, although some may require a prescription from a doctor. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulates the availability of medications in the country, and all medications must be approved by the SFDA before they can be sold. Additionally, some medications may be subject to additional restrictions, such as age or gender restrictions," mentioned one expat in Saudi Arabia.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Saudi Arabia?
"The medical care in Saudi Arabia is largely top-notch, with many hospitals that have well-equipped facilities and the latest medical technology. Treatment is usually up to international standards and there are many specialists in various health sectors. Staff are well-trained and there is a strong emphasis on providing high-quality medical services. The country is also taking steps to increase access to care and health insurance coverage. Overall, Saudi Arabia has an excellent medical care system in place," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
As a foreigner living in Saudi Arabia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Saudi Arabia, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost of care is relatively low compared to other countries. The government also provides subsidies for certain treatments and medications, making them more affordable for those who need them," said one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Saudi Arabia if they have access to public healthcare in Saudi Arabia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia. The government has implemented strict measures to ensure the safety of citizens, including the closure of non-essential services, the suspension of international flights, and the implementation of social distancing protocols. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has also implemented a nationwide telemedicine system to provide medical advice and support to citizens. Additionally, the government has provided financial support to healthcare workers and has increased the number of beds in hospitals to accommodate the influx of patients. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia has been able to provide quality care to those in need," mentioned one expat in Saudi Arabia.
"Once a system was established, it seems to be running quite well. However, I am not a fan of being forced into a government hospital b/c private hospitals won't take my SAICO insurance to treat COVID," commented one expat who moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Saudi Arabia?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Saudi Arabia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"I would recommend the same hospital, but would advise to read up on breast-feeding and if you are really convinced you want to do it, be strong," remarked one expat in Jeddah.
"1. Make sure you are aware of local laws and customs that relate to pregnancy and childbirth before you begin. For example, pregnant women are not allowed to work in Saudi Arabia and residency for the baby must be obtained. 2. Get in touch with local support agencies, such as Moms in Saudi, to gain more information and advice from other expats who have gone through the same experience. 3. Research the health care system available in the community and seek advice from a qualified doctor before committing to any specific provider or health care plan. 4. Research birth and post-natal care options to ensure you have a positive experience and that your needs are taken care of. 5. Consider your financial planning- hospital bills can be costly and expats should ensure they have a valid health insurance that covers childbirth and post-natal care. 6. Get in touch with local mothers groups who offer both social and practical support- they are a great resource for advice and can provide a support network during the pregnancy and after birth," explained one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
Are healthcare services good in Saudi Arabia?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Saudi Arabia. They wrote:
"In Arab countries, you do NOT! In Europe, you DO. In America, you DO. In South America, you DON'T. in China, they let you ROT. In Japan, they send you to the USA :-)," said one expat in Al-Khobar.
"In Saudi Arabia, healthcare services are generally of very high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system which is government financed and supported. Public healthcare is provided free of charge at government hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare is also available and is subsidized in part by the government. There is a wide range of specialized medical services available within the country and a good selection of healthcare professionals. In addition, the country has signed bilateral agreements with many western countries in order to provide access to advanced medical technology," remarked one in Saudi Arabia.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
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- Is there a lot of crime in Saudi Arabia?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saudi Arabia accepting of differences?
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- Is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Saudi Arabia?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
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- What type of recreational facilities are in Saudi Arabia?
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- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Saudi Arabia?
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