How does healthcare work in Saudi Arabia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a mixed system of public and private health care, both of good quality.
Public services are free for Saudi citizens, but not available to expats.
Expats can go to private institutions including hospitals, clinics and health centres.
As a foreigner, it is mandatory to have health insurance that the employer must provide. In addition, you can also purchase your own health insurance because the coverage of the insurance from the employer may be limited.
Your employer registers you with a private health insurance, after which you will be assigned an insurance doctor and can go to private institutions.
The Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) oversees the insurance system and also provides a lot of information on their website.
Saudi Arabia has long lagged behind in the area of women's rights. This is also reflected in the healthcare, where facilities for women are less good than in some neighbouring countries.
There are many pharmacies and many medicines are available here without a prescription. However, there are also medicines that are banned or heavily regulated. For example, you cannot get antidepressants or sleeping pills.
If you are taking medication into the country, check carefully whether it is allowed.
Mental health care is provided in primary care centres. There are also psychiatric hospitals for more serious problems.
In case of an emergency, call 999, 991 or 997 (for an ambulance).

The public healthcare system offers free care for Saudi citizens and expats working for the government.
The quality of care is good and there are many medical professionals from different countries.
However, waiting times can be quite long.

This healthcare system mainly serves expats and wealthy Saudi citizens.
You get more personal care, pay more, the waiting times are shorter and it is more comfortable.
There is often international staff, so you can be helped in different languages.

The general practitioner system is not like we are used to in the West.
You will actually only find general doctors in hospitals and clinics. It is possible to make an appointment here and you may be referred if necessary.

Dental care is free for Saudis in public hospitals, but expats can go to private clinics.
There are many specialized dental centers with modern equipment.
The costs can be high, so make sure you have good insurance!

Pregnancy and births almost always take place in medical institutions. There are more and more doulas and midwives, but they always work together with the hospital.
At private clinics and hospitals you can expect good care and receive help from foreign doctors, upon request.
Infant mortality rates are low and comparable to, for example, the United States.
In general, you have the same doctor throughout your pregnancy.
Being pregnant without being married is illegal in Saudi Arabia. When this happens, the advice is to leave Saudi Arabia immediately.
If you give birth in a public hospital, your partner is not allowed to be present at the birth.
In general you can go home a few days after the birth.
Breastfeeding in public is not common in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate thanks to strict laws and enforcement. Everyone is therefore quite safe.
Certain border areas with Yemen are not recommended due to safety risks. The situation in the entire region is also tense, which poses risks to life in Saudi Arabia. Be well informed about the latest safety updates.
Saudi Arabia has made strides in the area of women's rights, but it is wise to be aware of social norms and traditions due to the still strict rules. In addition, foreign women are sometimes harassed. Avoid traveling alone outside cities and villages.
In addition: respect the local culture and rules such as dress codes and etiquette. Criticism of the government or religious matters is also not tolerated.
A number of things are illegal, such as demonstrations, but also sex and pregnancy outside of marriage. There are also more strict laws that foreigners are not used to, so keep this in mind!

Tap water is safe for everyday use, but not recommended for drinking.
Avoid street food that has been in the sun for a long time and be careful with raw dishes.
Check the latest vaccination recommendations before you leave.

The roads are generally of excellent quality, especially in urban areas.
Women have been allowed to drive since 2018, which has greatly improved the mobility of expats and Saudi women.
Road safety is a challenge due to high speeds and reckless driving. Driving after sunset in remote areas is not recommended.

Is the trip to Saudi Arabia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

Local insurance through your employer is mandatory, but will most likely not cover all costs. Therefore, it is important to check this carefully and supplement the coverage with private, international insurance.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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