Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Last updated on Apr 10, 2023
Summary: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is home to a number of hospitals and clinics, including King Fahad Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, and Riyadh Military Hospital. Emergency services in Riyadh are generally reliable and efficient, and ambulances can be called by dialing 937. The quality of medical care in Riyadh is generally comparable to that of the United States, with many of the same treatments and technologies available.
How are healthcare services Riyadh?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Riyadh, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Riyadh, are characterized by a mix of public and private facilities, offering a wide range of medical services to both citizens and expatriates. The city is home to several large government hospitals, such as King Fahad Medical City and King Saud Medical City, which provide comprehensive healthcare services, including specialized treatments and surgeries. These public hospitals are well-equipped and staffed by highly qualified medical professionals. In addition to public hospitals, Riyadh also has numerous private hospitals and clinics that cater to various medical needs. These private facilities often provide more personalized care and shorter waiting times, albeit at a higher cost. Some of the well-known private hospitals in the city include the Saudi German Hospital and the Kingdom Hospital. Riyadh's healthcare services also extend to specialized centers for various medical fields, such as the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, which focuses on oncology, organ transplantation, and genetic diseases. The city also has several dental clinics, physiotherapy centers, and maternity hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available throughout Riyadh, with many operating 24 hours a day. These pharmacies stock a wide range of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The Saudi government has been investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure and services, aiming to improve the overall quality of healthcare in the country. This includes the construction of new hospitals, upgrading existing facilities, and implementing telemedicine services to reach remote areas. In summary, healthcare services in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are diverse and well-developed, with a combination of public and private facilities catering to various medical needs. The government's ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure and services ensures that the city's residents have access to quality medical care," commented one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"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," wrote one expat.
What are medical services in Riyadh like?
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Riyadh
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Riyadh
- 5 Tips for Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
- Best Places to Live in Saudi Arabia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Saudi Arabia
- Chikungunya Disease in Saudi Arabia
- What It's Like Living in Riyadh
- Pros and Cons of Living in Saudi Arabia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Saudi Arabia