How to Get Low Cost Insurance in Saudi Arabia For Expats
If you’re living or working in Saudi Arabia, having health insurance is mandatory — especially for all expatriates (non-GCC nationals). Even for visitors or dependents, some form of health insurance is required for visa purposes.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how you can get affordable (low-cost) insurance in Saudi Arabia and what to look for before you buy.
Insurance in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s insurance system is supervised by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI).
CCHI ensures that every health insurance policy meets certain basic standards for residents, workers, and their dependents.
For employees:Â Most companies are required by law to provide health insurance for their staff (and sometimes dependents).
For dependents or personal coverage: If your employer doesn’t include family members, you’ll need to purchase private insurance yourself.
For visitors or tourists:Â A visitor health insurance policy is required for visa approval.
The cost depends on several factors:
Type of Coverage
Average Annual Cost (SAR)
Notes
Basic Individual Plan
500 – 800 SAR
Covers emergencies and limited hospital visits
Family Plan (Husband, Wife, 2 Kids)
2,000 – 4,000 SAR
Covers more hospitals and routine visits
Comprehensive Plan
5,000 – 8,000+ SAR
Covers maternity, dental, and high-end hospitals
Visitor Insurance (Short-term)
40 – 100 SAR per month
Required for visa entry or Umrah/Hajj
So, if you want low cost insurance, look for basic or standard plans that meet CCHI requirements but don’t include extras like dental or maternity care (unless needed).
Buy Low Cost Health Insurance
Here’s how you can buy insurance in Saudi Arabia, even as an individual (not through your employer):
Choose the Right Insurance Type
Basic plan – for low monthly costs and essential coverage only.
Comprehensive plan – for family and wider coverage.
If you just want to meet Iqama renewal or residency requirements, a basic plan is usually enough.
Visit an Approved Provider
Only buy from companies approved by CCHI.
You can find the full list here:
đź”—Â CCHI Approved Companies
Some popular, trusted options include:
Walaa Cooperative Insurance
Wataniya
Get Quotes Online
Almost all Saudi insurance providers allow you to get instant online quotes.
You’ll need:
Iqama number or border number
Mobile number or email address
Go to the insurance website and look for “Buy Health Insurance” or “Get a Quote”.
Enter your details to see the available plans and prices.
Bupa Arabia Individual Plans
Once you see the price list:
Choose the cheapest plan that still includes emergency and outpatient coverage.
Pay online using Mada, Credit Card, or SADAD.
You’ll receive an electronic policy (PDF) immediately after payment.
Once the policy is issued, it should automatically update in the CCHI system and link to your Iqama or Absher account.
You can verify it here:
🔗 Check Your Health Insurance Status – CCHI Portal
Just enter your Iqama number and image code, then click OK to see your insurance details.
What Your Insurance Must Cover (Minimum by Law)
According to CCHI regulations, even the most basic insurance plan must include:
Emergency treatment (in case of accident or illness)
Hospitalization (inpatient)
Outpatient consultations (limited visits)
Lab tests, X-rays, and minor surgeries
Prescription medicine (within limits)
So even if you buy the cheapest approved plan, you’ll still have essential healthcare coverage.
Network hospitals:Â Check which hospitals are included. Low-cost plans may limit you to specific clinics.
Renewal timing: Always renew before your Iqama expires — otherwise your residency renewal might be delayed.
Dependents: If you’re covering your family, make sure each member’s Iqama shows valid insurance in CCHI.
Hidden exclusions: Some plans don’t cover dental, maternity, or chronic conditions. Read the fine print carefully.
Refund policy:Â If your visa or job changes, ask whether the policy can be canceled or transferred.
Tips for Getting the Lowest Price
Compare prices from at least 3 different companies before buying.
Choose a plan with a smaller hospital network — it’s cheaper.
Pay annually instead of monthly (discounts usually apply).
If your company provides partial insurance, top it up with your own add-on plan instead of buying a full one.
Use official comparison websites like:
Example 1: Single worker (Iqama holder)
Coverage: Basic individual health plan
Provider: Walaa Cooperative Insurance
Cost: Around 600–700 SAR/year
Coverage: Emergency, outpatient, and hospital stays
Expat family (husband + wife + 2 kids)
Coverage: Standard family health plan
Cost: Around 2,500–3,000 SAR/year
Coverage: Includes maternity, lab tests, and outpatient visits
Final Checklist Before You Buy
✅ Check the company is CCHI-approved
âś… Compare multiple quotes
âś… Confirm hospital coverage network
âś… Pay online and keep your policy PDF
✅ Verify insurance link on CCHI’s site
Here is a comparison table of some of the best health insurance providers in Saudi Arabia for individuals and families — especially focusing on lower-cost plans (basic/standard coverage) you can consider. Use this as a starting point and then check each provider’s specific plan terms.
Provider
Estimated Annual Premium*
Coverage Focus
Notes & Highlights
Bupa Arabia
~ SAR 1,200-3,500 for standard plans. Akrsk+3eNizaam+3Alfred Tesla+3
Individual & family plans, quite comprehensive
Large network, strong reputation in the Saudi market, Gulf Articles+1
Tawuniya (The Company for Cooperative Insurance)
~ SAR 1,100-3,000 for many plans. eNizaam+1
Wide hospital network, good for residents
One of the long-standing major insurers in the KSA Gulf Articles
MedGulf (Mediterranean & Gulf Cooperative Insurance & Reinsurance)
~ SAR 950-2,800 for more essential coverage. eNizaam+1
More value-oriented, good if you want lower cost
Smaller than the top two but still established
Al Rajhi Takaful
~ SAR 850-2,500 for basic plans. eNizaam+1
Sharia-compliant “Takaful” option
Good choice if you prefer Islamic-compliant insurance
Walaa Cooperative Insurance
~ SAR 1,500-2,800 for individual plans. Alfred Tesla
Flexible, growing provider with more digital options
May offer competitive pricing and simpler plans
Estimated annual premiums for standard/basic coverage for individuals. Family plans will cost more (often 2-4Ă— depending on dependents and coverage level).
 What this table helps you identify:
The range of annual premiums you can expect from reputable providers in Saudi Arabia if you go for a more basic/standard plan.
Which providers lean more toward budget/value options vs premium/elite coverage?
Providers that are more suitable depending on your preference (e.g., Sharia-compliant, such as Al Rajhi Takaful).
That even “lower cost” does not mean minimal — these providers are major, regulated, and have solid reputations.
Important to check before you pick:
Does the plan cover outpatient visits, inpatient hospital stays, emergency treatment, lab, and scans? (Even basic plans should cover these. eNizaam+1)
Which hospitals/clinics are in the network? If your preferred hospital is not covered, a cheaper plan may actually cost you more in terms of travel/time.
If you have family members (spouse/children) who need coverage, many plans list separate pricing for dependents or include fewer benefits for them.
Renewal terms and whether the premium will increase in subsequent years.
Any exclusions, e.g., dental, optical, maternity, may not be included in the cheaper plans.
How claims are handled: direct billing vs reimbursement, ease of digital service, and customer support.
The provider is approved by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) and is valid for your resident status and visa/Iqama renewal.
