15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in 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," remarked 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," said one expat living in Riyadh.

"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," wrote an expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"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," said an expat in Jeddah.

"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," said an expat in Riyadh.

"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," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Saudi Arabia.

"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," said one expat.

"I returned to the US this past summer so I could get treatment. Outstanding standards in the US," remarked one expat in Riyadh.

"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," remarked one expat living 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," remarked 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," said one expat living 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," remarked one expat in Saudi Arabia.

"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," wrote one expat.

"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," said an expat in Jeddah.

"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," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.