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.

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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: 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: A visitor health insurance policy is required for visa approval.

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How Much Does It Cost?

The cost depends on several factors:

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).

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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

Decide what you need:

• 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.

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Visit an Approved Provider

Only buy from companies approved by CCHI.
You can find the full list here:
🔗 CCHI Approved Companies

Some popular, trusted options include:

• Bupa Arabia

• Tawuniya

• MedGulf

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• AXA Cooperative

• Walaa Cooperative Insurance

• Wataniya

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Get Quotes Online

Almost all Saudi insurance providers allow you to get instant online quotes.
You’ll need:

• Iqama number or border number

• Date of birth

• Nationality

• 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.

Example:

• Bupa Arabia Individual Plans

• Tawuniya eSales Portal

• Walaa Insurance Online

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Compare and Pay

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.

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Verify Registration

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.

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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.

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Things to Watch Out For

1. Network hospitals: Check which hospitals are included. Low-cost plans may limit you to specific clinics.

2. Renewal timing: Always renew before your Iqama expires — otherwise your residency renewal might be delayed.

3. Dependents: If you’re covering your family, make sure each member’s Iqama shows valid insurance in CCHI.

4. Hidden exclusions: Some plans don’t cover dental, maternity, or chronic conditions. Read the fine print carefully.

5. Refund policy: If your visa or job changes, ask whether the policy can be canceled or transferred.

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Tips for Getting the Lowest Price

• Compare prices from at least 3 different companies before buying.

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• 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:

  • Najm Insurance Portal

  • Esiha Platform

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Example Scenario

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

• Provider: Bupa Arabia

• Cost: Around 2,500–3,000 SAR/year

• Coverage: Includes maternity, lab tests, and outpatient visits

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Final Checklist Before You Buy

✅ Check the company is CCHI-approved
✅ Compare multiple quotes
✅ Confirm hospital coverage network
✅ 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.

 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.