Health Care in Khobar
Summary: Learn about the health system in Khobar: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Khobar.
The healthcare system in Khobar, 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 managed by the Ministry of Health 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 be required to pay for certain services. Public hospitals in Khobar are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries due to limited resources and long waiting times. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer better facilities and services, and are the preferred choice for expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals in Khobar are known for their high-quality care and modern equipment, making them a better option for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Khobar
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Khobar include:
- Almana General Hospital (Private) - Located in Al Khobar
- Al Rashid Hospital (Private) - Located in Al Khobar
- Al Moosa Specialist Hospital (Private) - Located in Al Khobar, specializes in maternity and pediatric care
- King Fahd Military Medical Complex (Public) - Located in Dhahran, approximately 15 minutes by car from Khobar
- Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (Private) - Located in Dhahran, approximately 15 minutes by car from Khobar, specializes in various medical fields
Emergency Services in Khobar
There are ambulance services available in Khobar, which can be accessed by dialing 997. However, response times may vary depending on traffic and 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 Khobar
Some popular private health insurance companies in Khobar include Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, and Medgulf. These companies offer various health insurance plans catering to the needs of both locals and expats. Expats and digital nomads may also choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers, which offer coverage tailored to their specific needs while living and working in Saudi Arabia.
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.