Healthcare in Saudi Arabia for Expats: Hospitals, Insurance & Emergency Tips (2025 Guide)

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia for Expats: Hospitals, Insurance & Emergency Tips (2025 Guide)

Saudi Arabia has made huge investments in healthcare, offering both public and private medical services to citizens and residents. If you're an expat living in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or any other city, it's essential to understand how the healthcare system works, what your insurance covers, and where to go in case of an emergency.

This guide will walk you through the basics of healthcare in Saudi Arabia for expats — including hospitals, clinics, health insurance options, pharmacy services, and what to do in medical emergencies.

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🏥 Types of Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

There are two main types of healthcare systems available in the Kingdom:

  • Public Healthcare: Managed by the Ministry of Health (MOH), available mostly to Saudi citizens and some residents working in government sectors.
  • Private Healthcare: Preferred by most expats for faster service, English-speaking doctors, and international standards.

As an expat, you will most likely rely on private hospitals and clinics covered by your employer-provided insurance.

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🏨 Best Private Hospitals in Saudi Arabia for Expats

Saudi Arabia has many private hospitals that offer top-quality care, often on par with Western standards. Here are some popular choices among expats:

🔹 Riyadh:

  • Kingdom Hospital
  • Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group
  • Specialized Medical Center (SMC)

🔹 Jeddah:

  • International Medical Center (IMC)
  • Saudi German Hospital
  • King Faisal Specialist Hospital

🔹 Dammam & Eastern Province:

  • ProCare Hospital
  • Dr. Fakhry Hospital

Note: Always check if your insurance plan covers the hospital or clinic you choose.

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💳 Health Insurance for Expats

All expats working in Saudi Arabia must have health insurance provided by their employer, as mandated by law. This insurance typically covers:

  • Consultations with general practitioners and specialists
  • Diagnostic tests (lab, imaging)
  • Hospital stays and surgeries
  • Prescription medications

🛡 Common Insurance Providers in Saudi Arabia:

  • MedGulf
  • Bupa Arabia
  • Tawuniya
  • Allianz Saudi Fransi

If you are not covered by an employer (e.g., dependent or freelancer), you can purchase private health insurance through local providers or global insurers.

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🚨 Emergency Numbers and Services

In case of a medical emergency, you can dial 997 for an ambulance. The Red Crescent Authority operates emergency medical services across the country.

Important Contacts:

  • 🚑 Ambulance: 997
  • 🚔 Police: 999
  • 🚒 Civil Defense: 998

Ambulance services are free for emergencies but response times can vary. For urgent cases, many expats choose to drive directly to the nearest hospital.

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💊 Pharmacies and Prescription Medications

Pharmacies are widely available across Saudi Arabia, including chains like:

  • Al Nahdi
  • White Pharmacy
  • United Pharmacies

Most prescription medications are available, and pharmacists often speak English. Some medications that require prescriptions in other countries may be sold over the counter here — always check with your doctor.

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👩‍⚕️ Language Barrier and Medical Staff

Most doctors and medical staff in private hospitals speak English, especially in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. Many physicians are from the Philippines, India, Egypt, and Europe, and are familiar with expat patients.

Tip: When visiting a government facility, it’s helpful to bring a native Arabic speaker or translator app.

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🧑‍⚕️ Women’s Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

There are dedicated clinics and female doctors for women’s health, including gynecology, pregnancy, and childbirth services. Maternity wards are modern, and many hospitals offer prenatal and postnatal care packages.

Read more: Living as a Female Expat in Saudi Arabia

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📝 Tips Before Your Hospital Visit

  • Bring your Iqama (residence ID) and insurance card.
  • Check if your doctor requires a prior appointment.
  • Ask about co-payments and insurance coverage limits before undergoing tests or procedures.
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📌 Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia offers high-quality medical care for expats, especially in private hospitals. With employer-provided insurance, access to specialists, and multilingual staff, most foreigners find healthcare here comfortable and efficient.

Always keep emergency contacts saved in your phone and locate the nearest hospital to your home or office. Prevention and preparation are key!

If you’ve had a medical experience in Saudi Arabia, feel free to share it in the comments below — or reach out through our Contact Page.

— The Author, My Life in Saudi

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