Haris Ashley
Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay. This insurance is mandatory for all applicants intending to obtain a visa for purposes of visit, transit, or tourism. The insurance covers emergency inpatient treatment, including examination, medical treatment, and hospitalization costs. Non-emergency situations like cosmetic surgeries, pre-existing conditions, and self-inflicted injuries are not covered. Visitors can apply for insurance through Enjaz, Saudi's Electronic Visa platform, which connects applicants with licensed insurance companies in Saudi Arabia. This insurance can be renewed for extended stays directly through the websites of licensed companies. This article will outline the steps to check the validity of visit visa insurance in KSA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health insurance for visitors | Mandatory |
| Coverage | Emergency in-patient treatment, examination, medical treatment, and hospitalization costs |
| Non-covered situations | Cosmetic surgeries, pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse-related issues, or misuse of medication |
| Visa validity for extension | 7 days or less remaining on the visa |
| Maximum stay | 180 days from the original arrival date |
| Extension requirements | Valid medical insurance, passport validity for at least 6 months beyond the new visa expiry date, physical presence in KSA, payment of extension fees and traffic violation fees |
| Insurance validity check | CHI E-Services |
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What You'll Learn
Health insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Saudi Arabia
Health insurance is now mandatory for all visitors to Saudi Arabia. This applies to anyone entering the country on a temporary visa, including expats and their families. The new regulation was introduced in December and requires visitors to present valid insurance certificates when applying for a visit visa, extension, or transit visa. This demonstrates that they have sufficient medical coverage for their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Council of Health Insurance has approved a new health insurance program with a maximum coverage of SR100,000 (approximately US$26,660). This initiative ensures that visitors have access to essential emergency health services, treatments, medications, and equipment. It also covers traffic accident injuries, emergency dialysis, and the repatriation of deceased visitors. The program is designed to provide crucial support in case of medical emergencies, with reimbursements corresponding to the actual costs of necessary medical services.
To comply with the new regulation, visitors can obtain health insurance through the official Arabic platform for visa issuance. The insurance takes effect upon the issuance of the tourist visa and grants access to a network of emergency health services sanctioned by the Council of Health Insurance. This network covers various regions within Saudi Arabia, ensuring accessible care for tourists across the country.
It is important to note that the health insurance requirement also applies to family visit visas. The Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that visitors must have valid health insurance documents to extend their family visit visas electronically. This arrangement has been made in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance and the National Information Center. The maximum premium for the policy is set at SR100,000.
The introduction of mandatory health insurance for visitors is expected to generate significant financial income for the Saudi government. It also reflects the country's growing focus on healthcare, with the number of Saudis enrolling in health insurance schemes increasing by 5% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. The Council of Health Insurance expects the number of beneficiaries to reach 90% of the population in 2023.
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Insurance covers emergency inpatient treatment
Saudi Arabia mandates that all visitors to the country possess travel insurance that covers inpatient treatment and medical emergencies. This insurance is activated as soon as your visa is granted and covers COVID-19 treatment as well. The cost of Saudi visa insurance varies depending on factors such as age, duration of the trip, and the type of coverage.
If you are extending your stay in Saudi Arabia, you must renew your insurance. You can do this by selecting a health provider on the CHI website. Here, you can also inquire about your visa insurance using your passport number and policy number.
It is important to note that you will not receive a copy of your health insurance policy along with your visa. However, you may download a PDF file of your insurance policy using the same account with which you applied for your Saudi visa.
Many expatriates and long-term visitors opt for international health insurance plans that provide extensive coverage, including access to private healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia and globally. Private insurance offers several advantages, including shorter waiting times, comprehensive coverage, international coverage, personalized care, and peace of mind.
When selecting a health insurance provider in Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to ensure that they are accredited by the CCHI and offer adequate coverage. Bupa Arabia is one of the leading health insurance providers in the country, offering comprehensive coverage that includes inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and maternity care.
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Non-emergency situations are not covered
It is important to understand the scope of your insurance coverage when travelling to Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. While medical insurance is mandatory and typically covers a range of healthcare, medical, and surgical expenses, there may be situations that are not covered.
Non-emergency situations are generally not covered by visit visa insurance in Saudi Arabia. This means that any medical treatment or healthcare services sought for non-emergency conditions or situations will not be covered by the insurance. It is important to understand what constitutes an emergency and what does not, as the definition of an emergency may vary. Routine medical check-ups, for example, are typically considered non-emergency situations and are not covered. Similarly, pre-existing medical conditions that require ongoing treatment or monitoring are usually excluded from coverage.
Additionally, visit visa insurance in Saudi Arabia may not cover elective or cosmetic procedures. This includes any medical treatment or surgery that is not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery or elective procedures like laser eye surgery. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand the specific exclusions and limitations.
Another aspect to consider is that visit visa insurance typically covers accidents and illnesses that occur during your trip. Pre-existing conditions or illnesses that occurred prior to your trip may not be covered. This includes any ongoing treatment or medication for a pre-existing condition. Again, it is crucial to refer to the specific terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Furthermore, most visit visa insurance policies do not cover expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth. This includes routine prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia and require coverage for pregnancy-related expenses, it is important to explore alternative insurance options or ensure that your current policy specifically includes these situations.
It is always advisable to carefully review the terms and conditions of your visit visa insurance policy to understand the specific inclusions and exclusions. By doing so, you can ensure that you have adequate coverage for your specific needs and avoid unexpected expenses during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the limitations of your insurance coverage will help you make informed decisions and seek appropriate medical care when needed.
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Extend your Saudi visit visa and insurance online
If you need to extend your Saudi visit visa and insurance, you can do so online. It is important to note that health insurance is mandatory when applying for a visa to Saudi Arabia, and you must have valid coverage before travelling to the country. This includes when extending your stay in Saudi Arabia.
To extend your Saudi visit visa and insurance, you will need to renew your insurance, which will require selecting a health provider. You can visit the Council of Health Insurance (CHI) website to inquire about policies and healthcare service providers. Input your passport number and the captcha code to find out more about your provider.
Once you have selected a health provider, you will need to purchase a plan to ensure smooth processing of your visa extension. Your health insurance plan must include comprehensive medical coverage, personal accident benefits, and travel assistance. It should also cover your belongings and provide refunds for non-refundable expenses like cancelled or delayed flights.
After purchasing your health insurance plan, you can extend your Saudi visit visa online through the EVS platform. Fill out the application form, provide details of your medical insurance, and pay the visa fees. Once your application is processed, you will receive your extended visa via email. Your health insurance will be automatically active once you receive your extended visa.
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Check visa and insurance validity with CHI E-Services
As of June 2025, here is the process to check your visa and insurance validity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using CHI E-Services:
To begin, you will need to have a valid CHI account. If you don't have one already, you can create an account on the CHI website or using the CHI app. Once you have logged in to your CHI account, you can follow these steps:
- Navigate to the "E-Services" tab on the CHI website or app.
- Look for the "Visa Services" section and select the "Query Entrance Visa Status" option.
- Enter the required information, including your visa number, passport number, and date of birth.
- Submit your query, and the system will display the status of your visa, including its validity period and any associated insurance information.
Alternatively, you can also check your insurance validity through the Ministry of Health's website or app, especially if you are looking for more detailed information about your insurance coverage. Here are the steps:
- Visit the Ministry of Health's website or download their app.
- Register and create an account if you don't have one already.
- Log in to your account and navigate to the "Insurance Services" section.
- Select the "Insurance Inquiry" option and enter the required information, including your visa or passport number.
- Submit your query, and the system will display the status of your insurance, including the coverage dates and any relevant details.
By using either of these methods, you can easily check the validity of your visa and associated insurance when visiting or residing in KSA. It is important to ensure that your visa and insurance are valid and up-to-date to avoid any legal or financial issues during your stay in the kingdom.
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Frequently asked questions
Health insurance is mandatory for all applicants intending to obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for a visit, transit, or tourism. This insurance covers emergency inpatient treatment, including examination, medical treatment, and hospitalization costs.
You can get your travel insurance when you apply for your visa through Enjaz, Saudi's Electronic Visa platform. Enter your details and passport information, and Enjaz will connect you with licensed insurance companies in Saudi Arabia to purchase your insurance.
You can use CHI E-Services to verify the validity of your insurance and find your insurer's contact information in just a few clicks.
