Indian in Saudi Arabia· indianinsaudi · healthcare · 3 min read
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia — Indian Expat Medical Guide
Healthcare guide for Indian expats — SCFHS registration, medical tests, GAMCA/Wafid, pregnancy on visit visa, and understanding Saudi health insurance.
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is well-developed but can be confusing for Indian expats. Whether you need a medical test for your driving license, GAMCA/Wafid medical for visa processing, or understanding your health insurance coverage, this guide covers the essentials.
Table of Contents
- Healthcare System Overview
- SCFHS & Mumaris Plus
- Wafid/GAMCA Medical Test
- Pregnancy on Visit Visa
- Health Insurance for Expats
- Finding Hospitals & Clinics
Healthcare System Overview
Saudi Arabia has a two-tier healthcare system:
- Government hospitals — Free for Saudi citizens; expats can be treated but are generally charged unless their insurance covers it (emergencies are treated for everyone)
- Private hospitals — Faster access; this is where most expat insurance plans are used
For Indian expats:
- Government hospitals (MoH) are not free for most expats and have long wait times
- Private hospitals in your insurer’s network are the usual choice for non-emergency care
- Private-sector employers must provide health insurance (mandated by the Council of Health Insurance, CHI — formerly CCHI)
SCFHS & Mumaris Plus
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) manages healthcare professional licensing. If you’re a healthcare worker, you need Mumaris Plus registration.
📖 Full guide: How to Pay SCFHS Mumaris Plus Fee
Wafid/GAMCA Medical Test
The Wafid (formerly GAMCA) medical test is done in your home country at an approved centre before a Saudi work visa is stamped. It is not needed for iqama renewal; a separate medical check is done in Saudi Arabia when your first iqama is issued. The Wafid test covers:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, TB)
- Chest X-ray
- Vision and hearing tests
📖 Full guides:
Pregnancy on Visit Visa
If you’re pregnant and on a visit visa in Saudi Arabia, there are specific rules and medical requirements you need to know about.
📖 Full guide: Pregnancy on Visit Visa — A Detailed Guide
Health Insurance for Expats
Saudi Arabia mandates health insurance for expatriate residents, regulated by the Council of Health Insurance (CHI, formerly the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance, CCHI).
Key points:
- Private-sector employers must provide at least CHI’s basic policy (annual limit SAR 1 million per person, or SAR 500,000 for small and medium enterprises)
- Coverage varies by plan (check your insurance card, or verify your policy on chi.gov.sa with your iqama number)
- Emergency treatment is available at all hospitals
- Some procedures require pre-approval from your insurance
Finding Hospitals & Clinics
Government hospitals in major cities:
- Riyadh: King Khalid University Hospital, King Fahad Medical City
- Jeddah: King Abdulaziz University Hospital
- Dammam/Al Khobar: King Fahd University Hospital (Al Khobar)
Popular private hospital chains:
- Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group — Multiple cities
- Saudi German Hospital — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other cities
- Dallah Hospital — Riyadh
🔗 Related Guides
- Iqama & Residency — Complete Guide
- Documents & Embassy — Indian Expat Guide
- Jobs & Employment — Indian Expat Guide
- Driving & Traffic — Complete Guide
Last updated: November 2026. Healthcare regulations change — always verify with your hospital or insurance provider.
