At a Glance: KSA Healthcare System
| Regulator | Council of Health Insurance (CHI) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory For | All Private Sector Employees & Dependents |
| System Type | Cooperative Health Insurance |
| Key Requirement | Linked to Iqama (Residency) Validity |
| Top Insurers | Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, MedGulf |
| Emergency Number | 997 (Red Crescent), 937 (MOH) |
Saudi Arabia's healthcare system is divided into two sectors: the public sector (Ministry of Health - MOH) which serves Saudi citizens, and the private sector which serves the millions of expatriates living in the Kingdom.
For expats, health insurance is not just a benefit—it is a legal necessity. The Council of Health Insurance (CHI), formerly CCHI, regulates this sector. Every private sector employer is legally obligated to provide health insurance for their non-Saudi employees and their family members (spouse and children).
The Golden Rule: No Insurance = No Iqama
Critical Information: The issuance and renewal of your Residence Permit (Iqama) are digitally linked to your health insurance status.
When your HR or sponsor tries to renew your Iqama via the Absher or Muqeem portal, the system automatically checks the CHI database. If your insurance is expired or invalid, the renewal transaction will be blocked immediately.
Note: The insurance policy must typically be valid for at least the duration of the residency renewal (e.g., 1 year).
Understanding Insurance Classes (A, B, C, VIP)
Not all insurance cards are equal. Your "Class" determines which hospitals you can access. While emergency care is guaranteed for all, non-urgent care is restricted by network.
VIP / Gold
Access to top-tier hospitals (e.g., King Faisal Specialist, Dr. Sulaiman Habib). Private rooms. High limits.
Class A
Excellent coverage. Access to most major private hospitals (e.g., Mouwasat, Saudi German). Low co-pay.
Class B
Mid-range coverage. Includes many polyclinics and standard hospitals. Good for general needs.
Class C / UC
Basic coverage. Restricted to specific budget clinics and hospitals. High co-payment options.
*Always check your specific policy network list before visiting a doctor to avoid rejection.*
How to Check Insurance Validity (CHI Status)
You don't need to ask your HR. You can check your status online instantly using your Iqama number.
Steps to Check:
- Go to the CHI Website (Link below).
- Select "Inquire about Insurance Information".
- Enter your Iqama Number and the Image Code.
- Click OK.
The system will show your Insurance Company Name, Policy Number, and most importantly, the Expiry Date.
The "Sehhaty" App
Sehhaty (My Health) is the unified app for healthcare in Saudi Arabia. While initially for citizens, it is now essential for residents too.
- COVID-19 Services: Vaccine records and tests.
- Sick Leave: Digital sick leave certificates (essential for HR) are issued here.
- Prescriptions: View e-prescriptions (Wasfaty).
- Appointments: Book appointments at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) if eligible.
Find a Hospital or Clinic
You should primarily look for hospitals within your insurance network (Tawuniya, Bupa, etc.). However, the CHI provides a list of all accredited providers.
Search Accredited Providers
Verify if a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy is officially accredited by the Council of Health Insurance.
Search CHI Provider List →For MOH services, visit Ministry of Health