Kuwait Health Insurance for Expats

If you are moving or traveling to Kuwait, it’s essential to have a health insurance plan to cover your medical expenses. While you are new to the Gulf region, you will surely have many questions concerning their healthcare system, healthcare for expats, and the commonest health threats.

The short guide below offers a practical summary of healthcare and insurance in Kuwait and options from health insurance companies for expats living there. 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 Kuwait

The Healthcare System for Expats in Kuwait

Comprehensive healthcare services are available in Kuwait from both public and private healthcare providers and are regulated by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to provide high levels of medical care through government clinics and hospitals free of charge to Kuwaitis.

Kuwait has one of the most modern healthcare infrastructures that provide a comprehensive and quality-based package of services, disseminated among primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and a number of national specialized hospitals and polyclinics.

Public Hospitals for Expats in Kuwait

Public healthcare in Kuwait consists of a network of primary, secondary, and specialized health centers and hospitals. Primary centers offer medical services including general practitioners (GP), maternity care, dentistry, preventive medical care, nursing care, family medicine, and pharmaceuticals.

Kuwait’s public healthcare sector accounts for more than 80% of the country's healthcare spending. Considered home to major hospitals and medical centers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Middle East region, Kuwait boasts:

• 6 major general public hospitals
• 12 specialized public hospitals/centers
• Around 100 primary healthcare centers
• Approximately 8,000 hospital beds

Expats can access public healthcare facilities in Kuwait by paying an annual health insurance fee of KD 50 (USD $163) for basic coverage. This mandatory insurance provides access to public healthcare facilities but with additional per-service charges.

Expats also need to get themselves a medical card before they can access healthcare services in Kuwait. They can do so by registering with a nearby hospital or clinic while producing their civil ID card, issued by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).

Expats must first visit primary healthcare centers and obtain referrals for hospital care. They typically receive afternoon or evening appointments at hospitals, while morning sessions are primarily reserved for citizens. Some specialized services may be limited or require higher fees for expatriates.

Expats can expect to pay these additional charges as these healthcare services are not covered under the basic coverage, but at a reduced price of:

• Outpatient visits: KD 2-5 per visit (USD $6.53-16.32)
• Emergency services: KD 5-10 (USD $16.32-32.63)
• Inpatient care: KD 10-30 per day (USD $32.63-97.90)
• Lab tests: KD 2-5 per test (USD $6.53-16.32)
• X-rays and imaging: KD 5-10 (USD $16.32-32.63)
• Medications: KD 1-5 per prescription (USD $3.26-16.32)

Expats are also discouraged from using the public system and run into long queues as hospitals prioritize Kuwaiti nationals.

Due to the inconsistency in the delivery of healthcare services for expats in Kuwait, many opt for international health insurance to access private facilities, faster service, and shorter wait times.

Private Hospitals for Expats in Kuwait

Private healthcare in Kuwait is equipped with top-notch hospitals and medical centers to offer medical assistance with minimal or no waiting time. The booming economy, thanks to the abundant oil supply, has helped the country maintain exceptional healthcare on par with Western or European standards.

There are a total of 16 private medical hospitals (about 1,200 hospital beds) providing medical services in Kuwait, some key private hospitals include:

• Royale Hayat Hospital
• New Mowasat Hospital
• Dar Al Shifa Hospital
• Al Salam International Hospital
• Taiba Hospital
• Al Hadi Hospital

According to the Ministry of Health, the private healthcare market is projected to grow by 15-20% in the coming years. Several new private hospitals will be opening in the next few years, adding 1,800 hospital beds.

Private Health Insurance for Expats in Kuwait

Private health insurance in Kuwait covers an extensive range of healthcare services majorly available in private healthcare facilities such as X-rays and specialized tests. Private treatments and services are generally more expensive, and their costs are approximately:

• General consultation: KD 15-25 (USD $48.95-81.59)
• Specialist consultation: KD 25-40 (USD $81.59-130.54)
• Emergency visits: KD 30-50 (USD $97.90-163.17)
• Overnight stay: KD 80-150 (USD $261.08-489.52)
• Major surgeries: KD 1,000-5,000 (USD $3,263.48-16,317.41)
• Laboratory tests: KD 10-50 (USD $32.63-163.17)
• Imaging services: KD 30-100 (USD $97.90-326.35)

The state scheme cannot be used at private care facilities. If you’re an expat looking to seek coverage for treatment in a private hospital or medical center, international health insurance would be a wise choice.

Public Health Insurance in Kuwait for Expats

In early 2019, the Kuwait government imposed a draft law that established a mandatory health insurance scheme for expats living and working in Kuwait.

In order to service expatriate’s health needs, the local authorities have set up a shareholding company called Dhaman, whose health strategy involves the establishment of three hospitals and a series of basic healthcare clinics according to expats’ demographic distribution.

This new requirement is made to ensure that visitors are financially capable of footing the bill in case of a medical condition or emergency.

Ambulances are reserved for absolute emergencies, you’ll be required to head to a hospital by yourself in most cases; Except if you have secured private health insurance, you can directly call a private medical facility under your insurer’s network for emergency evacuation service.

Best Private Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Kuwait

The 10 best insurance companies in Kuwait for expats include Allianz Care, AXA Global, Bupa Global, Cigna, and DavidShield Group.

• Allianz Care
• AXA Global
• Cigna
• DavidShield Group

Allianz Care

The Care Pro Plan stands out as the most comprehensive option for expats, offering the highest coverage limit among Allianz's international health insurance plans in Kuwait.

• Care Plan - Basic coverage
• Care Plus Plan - Intermediate coverage
• Care Pro Plan - Premium coverage (US $5,000,000 limit)

Being a globally recognized provider, Allianz Care is a preferred choice for expatriates seeking reliable international health coverage.

Allianz Care policyholders can expect value-added services including Allianz’s MyHealth Digital Services, Expat Assistance Program, travel security services, expansive global network, and family-friendly benefits.

AXA Global

AXA’s international insurance plans include the Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. The annual plan limits range from US $160,000 to US $8,000,000. The key features of their international health insurance plans are:

Cigna

Cigna Global is a renowned insurance provider providing policies in over 200 markets and territories around the world. The four core international health insurance plans Cigna Global offers include Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Close Care.

The platinum plan provides unlimited coverage worldwide, for services such as inpatient treatment in a private room, accident treatment, ambulance services, and more.

DavidShield Group

DavidShield Group is a prominent international private medical insurance provider, serving customers in over 150 countries. Their strategic alliances with global healthcare providers make them an excellent choice for expats in Kuwait.

They offer extensive medical coverage and a smart card, the DavidCard, which enables policyholders to pay for healthcare services without out-of-pocket expenses. For those with the USA and worldwide coverage, cost-sharing options are available to enhance the policy experience.

For our comprehensive list of the top 10 health insurance providers for expats in Kuwait, check out our article.

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Kuwait

It could be challenging to navigate through all the health insurance options for expats in Kuwait, hence, we have listed out some crucial considerations when picking a health insurance plan that suits your needs.

1. Coverage Requirements:

   Ensure the policy meets the minimum health insurance requirements set by the Kuwaiti government for expats.

2. Network of Providers:

   Check the insurer’s network of hospitals and clinics in Kuwait. A wider network can provide better access to healthcare services.

3. Pre-existing Conditions:

   Review how pre-existing conditions are handled. Some insurers may exclude these conditions or impose waiting periods.

4. Policy Limits and Deductibles:

   Understand the coverage limits and any deductibles or co-payments required. Ensure that the limits are sufficient for potential medical expenses.

5. Emergency Services:

   Confirm that the plan includes emergency services and medical evacuation if necessary, especially if you may need to be transported to another country for treatment.

6. Customer Service and Claims Process:

   Evaluate the insurer’s customer service reputation and the ease of the claims process. Look for reviews and testimonials from other expats.

7. Policy Flexibility:

   Consider the flexibility of the policy in terms of renewals, upgrades, and adding family members.

Health and Safety Tips in Kuwait

The hot and dry climate presents several health problems, especially to visitors, such as skin irritation, sunburn, and sunstroke. Remember to drink plenty of water. Having sunscreen in your pocket would also be helpful whenever you need protection against extreme heat.

Expats have also experienced respiratory problems due to the concentrations of sand and dust in the air. Wear a mask or stay indoors if necessary to prevent infections or allergies.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

With extensive years of experience throughout the world, Pacific Prime can assist you with any health insurance needs in Kuwait. Leveraging our close relationships with major insurers all over the world, we offer professional advice and free plan comparisons to our clients.

No matter what your requirements are, our professional consultants can match you with a policy that best fits you. Our policies can cover a wide range of services with optional benefit packages including outpatient, inpatient, maternity, dental, specialist consultations, and many more.

Please contact us today for a free consultation.