Insider's Guide to the Health System in Saudi Arabia

The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is a mix of public and private healthcare, with both providing quality care. Saudi Arabia's public healthcare system is called the Ministry of Health (MOH) and is free for citizens and legal residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, but it is not used by many foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals for minor medical issues, but for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, private hospitals are usually recommended. Public hospitals in Saudi Arabia are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Saudi Arabia's Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare in Saudi Arabia is of a high standard and is generally more expensive than public healthcare. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to have English-speaking staff and more modern facilities. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are more likely to have the latest medical technology and experienced medical professionals. Private hospitals in Saudi Arabia are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Saudi Arabia's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Saudi Arabia include:

• King Fahad Medical City (public, Riyadh)
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (private, Riyadh)
• King Abdulaziz Medical City (public, Jeddah)
• King Khalid University Hospital (public, Riyadh)
• National Guard Health Affairs (public, Riyadh)
• King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (public, Jeddah)
• King Abdullah Medical City (public, Makkah)
• King Saud Medical City (public, Riyadh)
• King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (private, Riyadh)
• King Fahad Medical Complex (private, Riyadh)

Health Insurance Companies in Saudi Arabia

The most popular private health insurers in Saudi Arabia are Bupa Arabia, MedGulf, and Tawuniya. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Saudi Arabia: How to Navigate the Health System

"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," commented one expat living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"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," mentioned one expat living in 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," commented one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"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," mentioned one expat living in Saudi Arabia.