Healthcare in Saudi Arabia for Expats: Insurance Classes, Hospitals & Emergency

One of the first questions every expat asks is: "What happens if I get sick?"

In Saudi Arabia, healthcare is tied strictly to your employment. You cannot renew your Iqama without valid medical insurance. But not all insurance cards are created equal.

Is your card "Class A" or "Class C"? Can you go to the fancy Dr. Sulaiman Habib Hospital, or are you stuck with a small polyclinic?

Here is your complete guide to navigating the Saudi healthcare system, understanding your insurance benefits, and knowing exactly what to do in an emergency.

1. The "CCHI" Insurance System

The Council of Health Insurance (CHI/CCHI) regulates everything. By law, your employer must provide medical insurance for you. (Note: Employers are usually required to cover family members too, but check your specific contract).

The "Classes" of Insurance (VIP vs. Basic)

Insurance networks are divided into classes (Networks).

• VIP / Class A: The Gold Standard.
• Access: You can go to almost any hospital (Dr. Sulaiman Habib, King Faisal Specialist, Dallah Hospital).
• Co-pay: Usually 0% or very low (e.g., 50 SAR).
• Class B: The Middle Ground.
• Access: Good hospitals (Aster Sanad, Mouwasat), but the top-tier luxury hospitals might be excluded.
• Co-pay: Usually 10% to 20%.
• Class C: The Budget Option.
• Access: Mostly small polyclinics and dispensaries. Major hospitals are only covered for life-threatening emergencies.
• Co-pay: Can be up to 20%.

How to check your Class: Look at your insurance card (Bupa, Tawuniya, Medgulf). It often says "Network: Gold/Silver/Bronze" or "Class A/B/C".

2. Public vs. Private Hospitals

Private Hospitals (Where you will go)

90% of expats use private hospitals because their insurance covers it.

• Quality: World-class. Facilities like Dr. Sulaiman Habib in Riyadh feel like 5-star hotels. English is the primary language.
• Speed: You can usually walk in and see a specialist within 30 minutes.

Government Hospitals (MOH)

These are free for Saudi citizens.

• Can expats use them? Generally, no, unless:
1. It is a life-threatening emergency (car accident, heart attack).
2. You work for the government.
3. You require specialized treatment (e.g., cancer) not available in private hospitals (requires referral).

3. How to See a Doctor (The Process)

Gone are the days of calling for an appointment.

1. Download the App: Most major hospitals have their own apps (e.g., Habib App).
2. Book Online: Choose "Internal Medicine" or "ENT".
3. Arrival: Go to reception with your Iqama and Insurance Card (digital or physical).
4. Approval: The receptionist will check if your insurance covers the visit. This takes 2 minutes.
5. The Co-pay: You pay your deductible (e.g., 50 SAR) at the counter.

4. Buying Medicine

Pharmacies are everywhere (Nahdi, Al-Dawaa).

• Insurance: If the doctor prescribes medicine, it is uploaded to the system. You go to the pharmacy, give your Iqama, and pay your co-pay (usually 10-20% of the drug cost).
• Antibiotics: Strict Rule. You cannot buy antibiotics without a prescription anymore. Do not argue with the pharmacist; they will lose their license if they sell it to you.

5. Emergency Numbers (Save These)

• 911: Unified Emergency (Ambulance/Police) in Riyadh/Makkah/Eastern Province.
• 997: Red Crescent (Ambulance) in other regions.
• 937: Ministry of Health Hotline.
• Why this number is magic: If a hospital refuses to treat you in an emergency, or if you can't find a specific medicine, call 937. They speak English and solve problems very fast.

Final Verdict

Saudi healthcare is excellent, but it relies on your insurance. My advice: Before you sign a job contract, ask "What Insurance Class do you provide?" The difference between Class A (VIP treatment) and Class C (small clinics) is massive when you are sick and just want to feel better.

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Post #12: Family Visit Visa Guide

Action: Create a new post titled: "How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia (2025 Step-by-Step)"

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How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia (2025 Step-by-Step)

For most expats, the ultimate dream is bringing their parents, spouse, or children to visit them in the Kingdom.

Whether it’s to perform Umrah together or just to show them your new life in Riyadh, the Family Visit Visa is the way to do it.

In 2025, the process has moved entirely online via the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) platform. No more standing in lines. However, the rules about "Who is eligible" and the "365-day validity" can be confusing.

Here is your step-by-step guide to applying for, stamping, and extending a Family Visit Visa.

1. Who Can You Invite? (Eligibility)

You cannot invite just anyone. The relationship must be "First Degree."

• Allowed: Parents (Father/Mother), Spouse (Husband/Wife), Children.
• Sometimes Allowed: Parents-in-law (rules vary), Siblings (Brother/Sister - often requires special approval).
• Not Allowed: Cousins, Uncles, Friends. (For friends, use the Tourist Visa).

2. The Cost (2025 Fees)

Budgeting is important.

• MOFA Application Fee: ~35 SAR (Paid by you).
• Chamber of Commerce (COC) Attestation: 35 SAR (Paid by your employer/you).
• Visa Stamping (Enjaz): ~$100 - $150 USD per person (Paid in home country).
• Insurance: Varies by age (older parents = expensive insurance).

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: The MOFA Application

1. Go to the MOFA Visa Platform.
2. Login via Nafath (National SSO).
3. Choose "Family Visit Visa Application" for residents.
4. Fill in your details (Sponsor) and their details (Visitors).
• Critical: Make sure the name spelling matches their Passport exactly.
5. Submit. You will get a "Request Number."

Step 2: Chamber of Commerce (The Approval)

Your application is currently "Pending." It needs your sponsor's approval.

• If you work for a Private Company: Ask your HR to approve the request online via the Chamber of Commerce portal. It costs 35 SAR.
• Timeframe: Once approved by HR, the visa document usually becomes "Approved" on the MOFA website within 3-5 days.

Step 3: The "Visa Document"

Check the MOFA website. If the status changes to "Visa Document", congratulations! You have the official invitation. Download this PDF and send it to your family.

Step 4: Stamping in Home Country (Tasheer/VFS)

Your family cannot fly yet. They need the sticker (or digital visa) in their passport.

1. They must book an appointment at the Saudi Visa Centre (Tasheer / VFS Tasheel) in their country.
2. Take the MOFA Document, Passport, and Photos.
3. Pay the Enjaz fee and Medical Insurance fee.
4. They will receive the visa within a few days.

4. The "Multiple Entry" 365-Day Rule

Most Family Visit Visas issued today are Multiple Entry, Valid for 365 Days.

• Validity: The visa lasts for 1 year.
• Stay Duration: 90 Days per trip.
• The Trick: You cannot stay for 365 days straight. You must leave the country (or extend) every 90 days.

5. How to Extend (Without Leaving)

If you don't want your family to fly out every 90 days, you can extend the visa inside Saudi Arabia via Absher.

1. Login to Absher > Family Members > Extend Visit Visa.
2. Pay the fee (100 SAR).
3. Pay the Medical Insurance extension.
4. Limit: You can usually extend up to a total of 180 days (check current MOI rules as this changes). After 180 days, they must exit and re-enter.

Final Verdict

Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia is easier than ever. The process is digital, fast, and transparent. Just remember to check the spelling on the application form three times—a typo there can ruin the whole trip!

(Now that your health is sorted, you might want to bring your family to visit. Read our next guide on [How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in 2025]).