Health insurance policy for pilgrims: Coverage, benefits, and emergencies

As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims and enhance their experience, the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance is providing comprehensive healthcare services to Umrah pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom. This step is a key component of the services offered to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and provide them with the highest levels of care.

Scope of coverage of the health insurance policy for the pilgrim

The health insurance policy for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom provides a comprehensive health safety net for emergencies only, and is valid for 90 days from the date of entry. This policy aims to ensure that pilgrims receive urgent medical care without incurring unexpected financial burdens, thus giving them peace of mind to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

The main benefits covered by the document are:

• Medical examinations and diagnosis: Coverage of all necessary tests and scans for diagnosing emergency cases.
• Treatment and Medication: Dispensing prescribed medications for emergency cases and covering the costs of necessary treatment.
• Hospitalization: Coverage of accommodation and medical services costs within the hospital in cases that require it.
• Traffic accidents: Taking care of the treatment of injuries resulting from traffic accidents that the pilgrim may be exposed to.
• Emergency pregnancy and childbirth cases: Providing the necessary care for emergency cases related to pregnancy.
• Dental emergencies: Coverage for urgent treatments for sudden dental pain and problems.
• Dealing with epidemics: The document includes coverage for cases related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and medical isolation if necessary, reflecting the health system's readiness to deal with exceptional cases.

The strength and resilience of the health insurance sector in the Kingdom

The implementation of this policy reflects the robust infrastructure of the health insurance sector in Saudi Arabia. According to official statistics from the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance, the total number of subscribers to the mandatory health insurance policy (in general across the Kingdom) has reached approximately 14 million beneficiaries. This substantial number is comprised of 10 million primary subscribers and 4 million dependents.

The data indicates a diverse beneficiary base, with approximately 4.5 million Saudi beneficiaries and 9.5 million non-Saudi beneficiaries. These substantial figures underscore the Council's ability to manage and regulate the insurance sector with high efficiency, ensuring the provision of high-quality and reliable healthcare services to all segments of society, including Umrah pilgrims visiting the Kingdom.

Economic and social impact

The health insurance policy for pilgrims is a strategic step whose benefits extend beyond healthcare to include economic and social aspects. It helps alleviate pressure on government hospitals by involving the private sector in providing treatment services, and it also enhances the sustainability of the healthcare sector. This approach underscores the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance's commitment to its role as a leading regulatory body working to empower beneficiaries to easily access their healthcare rights, ultimately leading to a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable society.