Saudi Arabia has a dual healthcare system combining public and private insurance to ensure healthcare access for all. Citizens receive free universal healthcare through the public system, while expatriates and private sector employees rely on private health insurance for medical coverage.
Key Differences
1. Eligibility and Target Population
Public health insurance, managed by the Ministry of Health, offers free, universal healthcare to all Saudi citizens. In contrast, private health insurance is compulsory for non-Saudi residents, especially expatriate workers and their families, following the Cooperative Health Insurance Act of 2005.
2. Cost Structure
- Saudi citizens receive free public healthcare funded by the government, which spent $36.8 billion in 2022, about 14.4% of the national budget. Conversely, private insurance is financed by employers or individuals, with costs varying based on age, coverage, and provider. Plans range from basic options for blue-collar workers to high-end international plans for executives.
3. Coverage Scope and Customization
- Public insurance provides essential healthcare services like primary care, hospital stays, specialized treatments, preventive care, and emergency services through an extensive network of public hospitals and clinics. Private insurance, such as Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, and Medgulf, offers more personalized options, including maternity care, dental services, mental health support, wellness programs, 24/7 helplines, and sometimes international coverage.
4. Service Delivery and Quality
- MOH facilities are everywhere, but they can be crowded with long waits. Private providers, especially in cities, offer quicker service, modern amenities, and focus on customer satisfaction.
5. Financial Mechanism
- The public model relies on taxes and is centrally controlled. The private sector is funded by premiums from insurers and employers, often overseen by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI).
Key Similarities
1. Government Oversight and Regulation
The Saudi Health Council and CCHI strictly regulate both sectors to ensure service quality, fair pricing, and adherence to national standards.
2. Integration With National Health Goals
Saudi Vision 2030 healthcare reforms are backed by both public and private sectors, emphasizing digital transformation, preventive care, and better access to healthcare.
3. Shared Provider Networks
Private insurance sometimes partners with public hospitals and clinics. Insured expats might access services in public facilities under specific conditions.
4. Strategic Use of Technology
Top private providers like Cigna and Bupa Arabia, along with the Ministry of Health, have poured resources into digital healthcare. They’ve launched platforms for e-consultations, appointment scheduling, and online claims, closing a once-significant divide.
Top Public Health Insurance Providers in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s public healthcare system offers free, universal healthcare to its citizens, fully funded and managed by the government. Instead of having various independent public health insurance providers, the system is centralized under the Ministry of Health (MOH) and related government bodies. Key public health entities and programs provide health coverage to the Saudi population. Although these are not traditional “insurance companies,” they serve as public health insurance mechanisms for various groups.
1. Ministry of Health (MOH)(Official Website: https://www.moh.gov.sa)
- Type: Government Health Authority
- Coverage: Entire Saudi citizen population
- Website: https://www.moh.gov.sa
Cost:
Healthcare is free of charge for all Saudi nationals at government hospitals and clinics.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Primary, secondary, and tertiary care
- Emergency services
- Maternity and pediatric care
- Chronic disease management
- Diagnostic and surgical procedures
- Health education and preventive services
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all Saudi citizens and select groups of non-citizens such as government employees and pilgrims in specific cases.
Core Financial Features:
- Fully funded through government budget allocations
- No premiums or out-of-pocket payments for services at MOH facilities
- Budget in 2022: Approx. $36.8 billion, covering both healthcare services and social development
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.2/10
- High satisfaction in terms of access and coverage
- Lower satisfaction regarding wait times, overcrowding, and specialized care access
2. Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)(Official Website: https://www.afms.med.sa)
- Type: Military Health Provider
- Coverage: Military personnel and their families
- Website: https://www.afms.med.sa
Cost:
Free for eligible members and their families.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Full-spectrum medical care
- Rehabilitation services
- Military injury management
- Mental health services
Open for All or Limited:
Limited to military personnel, Ministry of Defense staff, and dependents.
Core Financial Features:
- Government-funded
- Services offered exclusively through military hospitals
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.6/10
- Highly rated for service quality and speed within its designated population
3. National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA)(Official Website: https://ngha.med.sa)
- Type: Government/Military Healthcare Network
- Coverage: National Guard employees and families
- Website: https://ngha.med.sa
Cost:
Free for eligible groups.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Full medical, surgical, and preventive services
- Specialized research hospitals
- Medical education and training
Open for All or Limited:
Limited to National Guard members and their dependents
Core Financial Features:
- Fully subsidized by the Ministry of National Guard
- Utilizes high-end infrastructure and tertiary hospitals
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 9/10
- Known for excellence in specialized and tertiary care
4. Security Forces Medical Services (SFMS)(Official Website: https://www.sfh.med.sa)
- Type: Government (Ministry of Interior)
- Coverage: Internal security personnel and families
- Website: https://www.sfh.med.sa
Cost:
No cost to eligible beneficiaries.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Trauma and emergency services
- Psychological and psychiatric care
Open for All or Limited:
Limited to Ministry of Interior personnel and families
Core Financial Features:
- Fully state-funded
- Dedicated hospitals and clinics under the Ministry of Interior
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.7/10
- High-quality services with relatively quick access for eligible groups
5. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC)(Official Website: https://www.kfshrc.edu.sa)
- Type: Public, Tertiary Referral Hospital
- Coverage: Complex and rare cases referred by MOH or royal orders
- Website: https://www.kfshrc.edu.sa
Cost:
Free for referred Saudi citizens.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Oncology, transplant, and genetic care
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Pediatric subspecialties
- International research collaborations
Open for All or Limited:
Limited to referred patients with complex conditions
Core Financial Features:
- Government-funded
- High operating budget for cutting-edge care and research
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 9.2/10
- Widely considered one of the most advanced public hospitals in the region
Top 5 Private Health Insurance Providers in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s private health insurance sector is strong and well-regulated, enhancing the public system by providing tailored coverage for expatriates, private sector workers, and citizens who want more access to private healthcare. The top five private health insurers are recognized for their market presence, service excellence, and innovation. Each is licensed by the Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and offers diverse plans for individuals, families, and businesses.
1. Bupa Arabia(Official Website: https://www.bupa.com.sa)
- Website: https://www.bupa.com.sa
- Founded: 1997
Cost:
- Basic plans: Approx. SAR 1,800–3,000/year
- Comprehensive family plans: SAR 6,000–15,000/year
- Corporate packages: Custom pricing
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Outpatient and inpatient care
- Emergency treatment and surgeries
- Maternity and pediatric care
- Dental and optical (depending on plan)
- Wellness programs and 24/7 digital support
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals, families, and businesses (both citizens and expatriates)
Core Financial Features:
- Direct billing at extensive hospital network
- Reimbursement within 7–15 working days
- No-interest installment plans available through partners
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 9.1/10
- High satisfaction for accessibility, digital tools, and customer service
2. Tawuniya (Company for Cooperative Insurance)(Official Website: https://www.tawuniya.com)
- Website: https://www.tawuniya.com.sa
- Founded: 1986
Cost:
- Basic coverage: SAR 1,500–2,500/year
- Enhanced plans: SAR 4,000–10,000/year
- Group rates vary by company size and industry
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Hospitalization and consultations
- Maternity and neonatal care
- Medication coverage
- Coverage for chronic conditions
- Telemedicine and app-based access
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all (individuals, families, and companies)
Core Financial Features:
- Transparent co-payment structures
- Tiered plans with scalable benefits
- Competitive group pricing for SMEs and corporates
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.7/10
- Praised for broad hospital access and strong reputation
3. Al Rajhi Takaful(Official Website: https://www.alrajhitakaful.com)
- Website: https://www.alrajhitakaful.com
- Founded: 2010
Cost:
- Starting from SAR 1,200/year for basic plans
- Sharia-compliant family plans: SAR 4,500–11,000/year
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- General healthcare and hospitalization
- Emergency services
- Preventive care
- Optional add-ons for dental, optical, and maternity
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and families; group plans available for companies
Core Financial Features:
- Fully Sharia-compliant Takaful model
- Surplus distribution to policyholders
- Direct settlement with hospitals and clinics
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.3/10
- Strong appeal among religiously conscious customers
4. Walaa Cooperative Insurance(Official Website: https://www.walaaco.com)
- Website: https://www.walaaco.com
- Founded: 2007
Cost:
- Individual plans: SAR 1,500–2,800/year
- Comprehensive packages: SAR 5,000–9,000/year
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Outpatient/inpatient treatment
- Chronic and non-communicable disease coverage
- Rehabilitation and therapy services
- Discounts for family enrollments
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals, families, and private companies
Core Financial Features:
- Digital claims and app-based policy management
- Cashless treatment across wide network
- Budget-friendly installments
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.1/10
- Appreciated for affordability and online convenience
5. Medgulf (Mediterranean and Gulf Insurance & Reinsurance Co.)(Official Website: https://www.medgulf.com.sa)
- Website: https://www.medgulf.com.sa
- Founded: 1980
Cost:
- Group/corporate-focused plans: SAR 1,800–5,000/person/year
- Individual plans available upon request
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Group health insurance for companies and SMEs
- Custom packages for hospitalization, surgery, and medications
- Employee wellness and preventive programs
Open for All or Limited:
Primarily open to corporate clients; limited individual access
Core Financial Features:
- Strong emphasis on employer-based insurance
- Custom pricing and claims handling for groups
- Flexible annual limits and co-pay structures
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- Estimated: 8.4/10
- Rated highly among businesses for reliability and customization
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