Saudi Arabia – compulsory travel health insurance for visitors

Saudi Arabia rules on compulsory health insurance for all travellers do not apply to those seeking medical treatment. Council of Cooperative Health Insurance has licensed seven cooperative health insurance companies to carry out electronic sale of policies and implement health insurance.

Saudi Arabia has made health insurance compulsory for all travellers going to the country from December 2015. Everybody applying for visas to enter the kingdom for a visit, an extension or in transit, or as a dependent visiting an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia must present valid insurance certificates for medical cover inside the kingdom.

The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance has licensed seven cooperative health insurance companies to carry out electronic sale of policies and implement health insurance.

The measure does not apply to Haj and Umrah pilgrims, holders of diplomatic and special passports, guests of the state and those coming for medical treatment.

Cover does not apply to the expenses of any treatment for a condition known prior to the planned visit, to prevent deliberate medical tourism.