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Bahrain Health Insurance for Expats

Find the best international health insurance options for expats living and working in Bahrain and discover how their healthcare system works.

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International Health Insurance for Expats in Bahrain

Employed expats in Bahrain are required to enroll in the public health insurance scheme (SHIFA) run by the government. Unemployed expats, and those who want medical coverage beyond the limits of the SHIFA plan, can secure a private international health insurance plan.

Are you moving or traveling to Bahrain? Do you have questions concerning their healthcare system and your insurance options?

This short guide offers a useful summary of the structure of Bahrain’s healthcare system, what insurance options expats have, and who the best providers are.

Read on to learn more, or click the button below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Bahrain

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
  • Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
  • Numerous Deductible Options
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • 4 Core Insurance Plans
Plan Details

AXA Global Health Insurance Plan

  • Experienced Personal Support 24/7
  • Easy Online Access
  • Virtual Doctor Service
  • Mind Health Support
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit up to USD $8,000,000
Plan Details

The Bahrain Healthcare System: Explained for Expats

The Bahrain healthcare system includes public, private, and military healthcare facilities. The quality of healthcare provided by facilities in Bahrain is generally high, or at least equal to that in the United States and Western Europe.

All Bahraini cities and major towns have at least one modern hospital with highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment. Some poorer towns may have older facilities but are still ample enough to provide acceptable care for your medical needs.

Since the healthcare costs for non-Bahraini citizens are expensive, expats should secure a private health insurance policy to cover the potential medical expenses. It is also vital to ensure that your health insurance plan covers emergency evacuation.

Doing so guarantees coverage in the event that you are seriously ill and require transportation to another country for treatment. The benefit of emergency evacuation can protect you from the exorbitant financial burden.

Public Hospitals and Healthcare in Bahrain

Bahrain has 43 licensed government facilities, 27 government-run health centers, 2 maternity hospitals, and 7 public hospitals, including a psychiatric hospital, a geriatric hospital, and 2 hospitals for kidney diseases.

Some of Bahrain's most well-known medical facilities include a multidisciplinary facility called Salmaniya Medical Complex, the American Mission Hospital, and the Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Opening Hours and Languages Spoken

Hospitals and major clinics are open 24 hours a day and provide service on a first-come, first-served basis. Arabic and English are spoken throughout these facilities, with English being standard within private facilities because roughly 25% of the population are expats and foreign patients.

Comfort and Amenities

With a wide variety of facilities available for Bahraini nationals and expats, overcrowding is rarely an issue. That being said, private healthcare facilities offer greater amenities since you will generally be treated in a private room rather than a ward.

Some higher-end private hospitals offer care at a 5-star hotel standard, but that, of course, comes with a steeper price tag.

Private Hospitals and Healthcare in Bahrain

Bahrain has 877 licensed private facilities including 21 private hospitals, 166 optical care centers, 151 multi-specialty medical centers, 79 multi-specialty dental centers, and 74 educational units. Centers specialize in many needs including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, nutrition, and more.

The private healthcare sector in Bahrain is booming! Over recent years, the market has:

  • Benefited from rapid growth
  • Received great investments in specialized care
  • Adopted advanced medical equipment
  • Been actively supported by the government
  • And won the patient preference due to higher quality of care and shorter wait times

Expats may find that they prefer the treatment and care they receive in private facilities.

Start by Comparing Insurance Plans Online

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Health Insurance Options in Bahrain for Expats

Expats living and working in Bahrain are required to enroll in the public Social Health Insurance Fund. This insurance will cover some of your medical expenses. Foreigners who want to supplement this coverage or who are not employed can purchase a private health insurance plan.

We recommend an international medical plan because it will cover you anywhere in the world, including when you travel back to your country of citizenship.

Public Health Insurance in Bahrain

Effective in January 2019, Bahrain introduced a mandatory Health Insurance Fund for all its citizens, as well as for expats and certain visitors. This law requires all Bahraini citizens, residents, and certain visitors to pay monthly contributions to a health insurance fund.

The contributions qualify you to access health services in public and private hospitals and health centers. The government is responsible for Bahraini contributions for compulsory health insurance, while employers take care of financing those of expat residents.

Unemployed expats are responsible for covering the contributions on their own.

This Social Health Insurance Fund, or SHIFA, is designed to reduce costs and improve the quality of Bahrain healthcare.

Through this dedicated health insurance fund, Bahraini nationals can access voluntary health insurance packages, which cover 60% of the costs of private sector hospitals or facilities. Foreign visitors are covered for emergency healthcare, but the cost of visas increased as a result of this law.

Private Health Insurance in Bahrain

If you are an expat who is not working within Bahrain, or if you would like to get more comprehensive benefits, you can secure a private health insurance plan. The Bahrain health insurance plans we offer can afford you a number of coverage benefits including:

Private health insurance can be more inclusive and expansive than Bahrain’s Social Health Insurance Fund, so it can better equip you to cover the higher medical expenses of private health facilities.

With a private plan, you typically get to choose your physician from any of the medical professionals in our insurance companies’ network and you gain access to 24/7 health support anywhere on the globe.

The Cost of International Health Insurance in Bahrain

According to our Cost of International Health Insurance Report in 2023, individuals and families in Bahrain can expect to pay USD $5,269 and USD $14,538 on average annually for coverage. The report details the various factors driving the cost of international health insurance.

Best Insurance Providers for Expats in Bahrain

The best international health insurance providers for expats living in Bahrain are AXA, IMG, GeoBlue, William Russell, and Bupa Global. Each of these providers offers comprehensive, customizable insurance plans designed for the unique needs of expatriates and digital nomads.

To read the full list of top providers in Bahrain, read our blog post Top 9 Insurance Companies in Bahrain for Expats.

AXA

AXA Global Healthcare is a renowned brand with over 50 years of experience offering insurance solutions to more than 95 million clients in 50 countries. This makes AXA a great choice for expats in Bahrain looking for wide coverage and flexibility in their health insurance plans.

The annual plan limits for AXA’s international insurance plans range from US $160,000 to US $8,000,000. Their plan names are:

  • Foundation
  • Standard
  • Comprehensive
  • Prestige
  • Prestige Plus

  • Hospital charges and surgery
  • Virtual doctor service
  • Mind health service
  • Emergency coverage
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Wide range of cancer treatment
  • Ambulance transport
  • CT, PET and MRI scans
Plan Details

IMG

IMG Global offers worldwide coverage through their expat international health insurance plans so you’re covered wherever you travel. 4 tiers of coverage allow you to select $1,000,000 in total coverage per individual up to $8,000,000. IMG plans to cover medical evacuation and prescription drugs.

IMG Global Health’s international health insurance plans available are:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum

  • Inpatient treatment
  • Surgery
  • Labs and diagnostics
  • Physical therapy
  • Cancer treatment
Plan Details

GeoBlue

GeoBlue’s international network of providers spans more than 180 countries and territories and includes more than 1.7 million providers. GeoBlue offers the Xplorer Essential and the Xplorer Premier expat health insurance plans. These plans are favorites for U.S. expats.

Their exclusive deals for U.S. citizens make getting coverage within the U.S. more affordable than many other providers.

  • Xplorer Premier comes with comprehensive medical benefits internationally, including the US.
  • Xplorer Essential offers US coverage as an add-on.

  • Diagnostic lab work and X-rays
  • Surgery
  • Inpatient medical emergencies
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Yearly physicals
Plan Details

William Russell

William Russell is a top provider of global health packages catering to expat individuals, digital nomads, families, and students. Those living in Bahrain will appreciate William Russell’s 6 zones of coverage that grant you the control to customize your premiums and where you get coverage.

The 4 international medical plans offered for expats are:

  • Bronze
  • SilverLite
  • Silver
  • Gold

  • Hospotalization treatment
  • Cancer treatment and care
  • Emergency evacuations
  • Diagnostics
  • Post-hospital physiotherapy
Plan Details

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Bahrain

Here are some facts expats or travelers living or visiting Bahrain should consider when picking the right insurance policy for their needs:

  • Compare the coverage levels offered by each provider to get the amount you need and not less
  • Become familiar with the local cost of health insurance so you can effectively compare the cost
  • Consider the health risks expats often encounter in Bahrain due to the hot temperatures (listed below)
  • Prescription medications expats currently use may be available over the counter in Bahrain, and some medications you purchase now over the counter require prescriptions there
  • Expats will be required to obtain a medical examination from a doctor when they arrive in Bahrain to prove their good health and lack of infectious diseases

Common ailments expats may develop and should make sure their insurance covers:

  • Sunburns
  • Heat stroke
  • Dehydration
  • Respiratory ailments (due to rapid construction projects)
  • Asthma

Read our blog post How to Compare International Plans: Get the Best Coverage for more tips.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Bahrain

Travelers in Bahrain should stay up to date on their vaccinations, stay hydrated, follow food and water safety, carry a mask or scarf in case of sandstorms, and remain sensitive to local customs and laws. Follow these health and safety tips and more to remain safe!

  1. Vaccinations:
    • Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus)
    • Consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations, as they can be transmitted through food and water
  2. Stay Hydrated:
    • Bahrain's climate can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of bottled or filtered water
  3. Food and Water Safety:
    • Eat at reputable restaurants
    • Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood
    • Drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes made from tap water
  4. Medical Facilities:
    • Bahrain has modern medical facilities, especially in Manama. Keep travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
    • Carry a basic first-aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, antiseptics, and any personal medications
  5. Cultural Sensitivity:
    • Bahrain is an Islamic country. Dress modestly, especially in public places, and respect local customs
    • Public displays of affection are discouraged
  6. Local Laws:
    • Alcohol is available in licensed venues, but public intoxication is illegal
    • Be cautious with photography; avoid taking pictures of military sites, airports, or people without permission
  7. Transportation:
    • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber for safer transport
    • Avoid jaywalking, as traffic can be hectic in some areas
  8. Emergency Numbers:
    • Police: 999
    • Ambulance: 998
    • Fire: 997
    • Keep these numbers handy during your stay
  9. Crime:
    • Bahrain is generally safe with a low crime rate. However, practice standard precautions by keeping your belongings secure and avoiding walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night
  10. Stay Informed:
    • Check for travel advisories and updates from your home country's embassy in Bahrain
  11. Sandstorms:
    • Bahrain occasionally experiences sandstorms. Keep a mask or scarf handy and stay indoors if visibility is low
  12. Heat-Related Illnesses:
    • Wear light, breathable clothing and stay in shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day

Start by Comparing Insurance Plans Online

Compare Between 50,000 International Health Insurance Plan Options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance required for expats in Bahrain?

Expats who are employed in Bahrain are required to enroll in the compulsory Health Insurance Fund SHIFA. Their employers will pay contributions for them. Unemployed or self-employed expats living in Bahrain are required to purchase their own insurance plan through a private provider.

What is the average cost of international expat insurance in Bahrain?

The average cost of an international health insurance plan in Bahrain for an individual is USD $5,269 annually. The average cost for a family is USD $14,538. This is according to Pacific Prime’s 2023 annual report. Globally, the averages range from USD $3,594 in Thailand to USD $9,817 in the U.S.

Compare Bahrain Health Insurance Quotes Now!

Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience in the insurance sector, and we leverage this, plus our solid relationships with top Bahrain health insurance companies, to bring expats a wide range of vetted plans. Let us help you compare health insurance today!

Our insurance consultants take the time to understand your healthcare needs, provide impartial advice, and help you secure the most appropriate plan for your needs and budgets.

Rest assured, you will also receive a whole host of support services throughout your entire insurance journey. This includes:

  • Administration assistance
  • Insurer liaison
  • Claims and renewals support
  • And much more!

To learn more about how we can help, feel free to reach out to our team. Or you could also head straight to our online quotation tool by clicking on the button below!

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