Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign workers living in the Kingdom. A proper understanding of the nuances of various insurance policies is important before buying a policy. Augusto Santini, an Australian expatriate in the Kingdom, lamented that most expats are unaware of the various types of insurance policies and especially those that suit them. “They are happy enjoying the minimum benefits,” he said. Santini said that by making health insurance compulsory for expats, “we feel safe”. Saudi Arabia has begun mandatory health insurance for expatriates linking it with their Iqama renewal since 2006.With a huge foreign work force in the Kingdom, the demand for adequate medical insurance for expats is on the rise. Saudi Arabia's health insurance industry is booming with the total number of registered people under the national health insurance scheme estimated at 2.64 million, a 33 percent of the target population earmarked by the Council for Cooperative Health Insurance. Martin Adams, a British national here, says, “Most of the expats live here for years, and as such a suitable health insurance policy is indispensable for our good health. There are many private health insurance companies here that offer excellent medical facilities that we are in most need of.” Many insurance companies offer comprehensive health coverage that a policy holder is able to tailor to suit his needs. Faisal Bin Qasim, a Qatari insurance official in Jeddah, listed an unofficial checklist to be kept in mind before opting for a particular insurance policy. “There are different types of insurance policies, such as, Individual, Family, Group, Travel, Teacher, etc. Before choosing a policy one must ask the authority certain important questions, such as, which hospitals and clinics are included under the policy, what is the system of appointments with the doctors, their fees, how to avail medication and what should be done in case of an emergency,” said Qasim. He said awareness is the key in choosing the right health policy. “Your insurance provider has the expertise to ensure for you the best treatment and health facilities. This is priceless in the Kingdom,” said Qasim.
