Saudi Arabia boasts top-tier medical facilities, but treatments can be costly without coverage. Travel medical insurance provides peace of mind for visitors.
Enjaz, Saudi’s visa platform, makes purchasing visitor insurance for Saudi Arabia quick and straightforward. Coverage options include hospital care, medical evacuation costs, repatriation expenses and more.
Hospitals
When seeking medical assistance quickly, hospitals are your go-to option. Saudi Arabia boasts numerous hospitals that provide excellent care and treatment, from public to private hospitals – though private options could prove more costly without medical insurance coverage.
Saudi Arabia has taken several steps to enhance healthcare services. One such improvement was to expand and improve their ambulance service nationwide; you can reach emergency services by dialing 997. However, expats may find response times may differ depending on where they reside, making getting on a bus difficult when heading towards hospitals as there can be long queues.
Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in its healthcare infrastructure. Over 460 hospitals and primary healthcare centers were constructed by the government; additionally, members of its armed forces also have hospitals dedicated to treating themselves and their families.
Saudi Arabia boasts approximately 17 beds per 100,000 population for mental health hospital care, which is comparable with global standards. Recently, however, more specialized hospitals for children have emerged while many hospitals also focus on cancer patients.
Saudi Arabia provides dental care as well, boasting approximately 17,000 licensed dentists – many of them foreign nationals – and also boasting one of the world’s largest eye specialist hospitals.
Public and private hospitals across India have become more competitive globally in rankings. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, King Khaled Medical City and King Abdullah Medical City all placed among the world’s 100 hospitals while All India Institute of Medical Sciences reached third position outside the US as an institution offering healthcare.
Doctors
Expats generally enjoy access to quality healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. Hospitals boast highly qualified and knowledgeable staff and offer treatment that matches Western standards of care, while medicines can be easily obtained at pharmacies with government subsidies making medicine affordable. It is wise for digital nomads and digital nomads alike to check with their employers and insurance policies prior to arriving so that they know exactly what costs will arise upon arriving there.
Saudi Arabia has implemented policies designed to curb rising medical costs, including health insurance and privatizing state hospitals. Their national healthcare system offers free public healthcare, while private sector employees must purchase health coverage policies that protect themselves and their families.
Employers typically offer private health insurance in Saudi Arabia at affordable premiums; an average premium for one policy costs about SAR 1,759. In many cases, employers will cover any dental coverage not included with a policy; however many expats still purchase additional private coverage with providers like APRIL International for extra peace of mind.
Foreign doctors working as doctors in Saudi Arabia have reported some difficulties adapting to both its healthcare system and culture, as well as short-term employment contracts that make it hard to secure permanent work or exit quickly should something arise that requires their departure.
Foreign doctors in Saudi Arabia face another unique difficulty due to its health care system, which operates on a first-come first-serve basis. If you want to see a physician, an appointment must be scheduled in advance and sometimes up to 72 hours can pass before an initial consultation can take place.
Though Saudi Arabia can present unique challenges, healthcare professionals may still find Saudi Arabia attractive as it provides lucrative salaries and an exciting work environment. Nurses and physicians in particular can leverage it as an opportunity to gain experience working in an emerging nation like Saudi Arabia. It’s imperative for digital nomads moving abroad that they ensure they have comprehensive health insurance before embarking on this adventure in Saudi Arabia.
Prescriptions
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system has made significant strides forward through increased spending and infrastructure improvement, but still faces several hurdles, such as an insufficient number of healthcare workers in rural areas or no access to preventive healthcare preventive services. Therefore, having a comprehensive international health insurance policy in place can reduce risks to your health while working in Saudi Arabia.
If you require medical assistance immediately, call 911 immediately. Moreover, there are reliable ambulance services throughout the country which can respond rapidly in times of medical need. It’s always wise to make sure your international health insurance policy provides emergency ambulance transport coverage.
Pharmacys can be easily found throughout Saudi Arabia, particularly in its major cities. General medications, including painkillers and cough syrups are sold without prescription at pharmacies; for more specific medications like antibiotics however, first consult a doctor first in order to establish their need. Certain substances, like narcotics and psychotropic substances do require valid documentation from Saudi authorities prior to purchasing these items from pharmacies.
Medication in Saudi Arabia can be costly, so it is wise to compare prices before purchasing medications at local pharmacies. Prices of identical drugs may differ significantly between pharmacies; additionally, some may offer discounts or promotions on certain drugs; those with valid Saudi Arabian prescriptions can often purchase medicines at reduced costs from most pharmacies.
As well as traditional medicine, Saudis also utilize herbal remedies and alternative treatments such as chiropractic to maintain their health. While these may appear harmless, some can have serious side effects and should only be used with guidance from qualified health professionals. Furthermore, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water during heat waves or storms is also very important.
Protecting yourself against diseases like trachoma, cholera, dengue fever and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is paramount. To decrease your chances of contracting these illnesses, ensure frequent handwashing and avoid coming in contact with camels; travelers should avoid eating uncooked or raw camel meat/milk while undercooked/raw camel meat could be consumed during travels as well. Sandstorms can wreak havoc with respiratory systems so those living with asthma or other respiratory disorders should prepare to take precautionary steps during such storms by taking anti-inflammatory medication while staying indoors whenever possible during these stormy events – taking precautionary steps such as taking anti-inflammatory drugs during such stormy events could help avoid potential problems associated with breathing difficulties when traveling through sandstormy environments while staying indoors when possible and staying indoors when possible!
Abayas
An Abaya, a loose-fitting full-length robe symbolic of Islamic piety, has long been part of Muslim dress. Worn over everyday clothing and covering the body from head to feet, the Abaya serves as an important sign of modesty and respect, especially among women who wish to show that they’re committed to adhering to Islamic guidelines.
As Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman implements reforms that bring more liberty into their deeply conservative society, the abaya is taking on new forms. Women have begun opting for lighter colors like blues and pinks that contrast with its traditional black color, as well as wearing open abayas over jeans or long skirts; those without front buttons also often reveal more of themselves and their personal style.
Even though you may arrive at Riyadh or Jeddah Airport without one, it’s strongly suggested that on your first day in Saudi Arabia you purchase one. Abayas can easily be found at most Saudi malls and can help ensure you blend in seamlessly with local women.
If you’re in search of a stylish yet comfortable abaya, there are numerous UK websites dedicated to selling these garments. Haya’s Closet is one such retailer who specialize in selling these pieces; their customer reviews attest to their high-quality offerings.
Staying abreast of fashion in Saudi Arabia has never been easier with fashion blogs that cover its latest styles. Abayas and Other Things is an ideal starting point, featuring many different styles and fabric choices of abayas along with articles about its history in Saudi culture as well as photos showing people wearing them in various situations – this blog updates frequently, too! Additionally it discusses what it means to be Muslim women and how an abaya can promote that identity.
