The quality
of health care in Saudi Arabia is generally high and equal to that in Western
Europe and the USA, except for highly specialized treatments.
Due to Saudi
Arabia’s small population and the many medical facilities in the private and
public sectors, long waiting lists are almost unheard of. For specialized
treatment, however, it’s sometimes necessary to seek medical assistance outside
Saudi Arabia, and locals who can afford it often do so.
Members of the ruling families and wealthy Arabs invariably have all major operations outside their own territory, particularly in London and American cities. Although some of Saudi Arabia’s doctors and medical staff are local, the vast majority are foreign and were trained in their home countries. The attraction of Saudi Arabia for them is the same as for most other expatriates: financial reward.
Members of the ruling families and wealthy Arabs invariably have all major operations outside their own territory, particularly in London and American cities. Although some of Saudi Arabia’s doctors and medical staff are local, the vast majority are foreign and were trained in their home countries. The attraction of Saudi Arabia for them is the same as for most other expatriates: financial reward.
The Council
of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) was established in 1999 to oversee the
private health insurance market. Health insurance is already compulsory for
foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia, who represent the majority of
policyholders in the health insurance market.
American
Mission Hospitals, which used to operate on a part-private (for those who could
afford treatment), part-free (for those who couldn’t) basis, played an
important part in the development of medical services and can still be found
today, although they no longer offer free treatment. Saudi Arabia now has a
public health service providing free or very low cost health care for its
nationals and it’s important to note that these services are also available to
expatriates. Tourists visiting Saudi Arabia should have travel insurance that
includes cover for private medical treatment, but they also have access to
state medical facilities in the case of emergencies.
In the
summer, humidity causes added discomfort, with eye infections common.
Dehydration is also a threat and is a potentially fatal condition that
shouldn’t be underestimated – not only by those working outdoors but also by
anyone playing outdoor sports.
The ‘winter’
months of October to March, however, bring some of the best weather anywhere in
the world, with continuous warm sunshine generating a feeling of well-being and
providing the opportunity for a wholesome, outdoor lifestyle. Good weather is
also beneficial to mental health, and people in Saudi Arabia tend to be happier
and livelier than those who have to cope with cold, wet, depressing climates.