Saudi Arabia requires all foreign students to hold CCHI-compliant health insurance — a mandatory condition for your student visa (D1), Iqama issuance, and university enrollment.
Last updated: March 2026
Best for: Budget-conscious students needing Iqama compliance
Minimum coverage for residence permit renewal. Covers hospitalization and emergency care. Required copayments apply (SAR 20–50 per visit).
Learn moreBest for: Most independent international students
Covers outpatient, specialist, diagnostics, medication. Accepted at most private hospitals in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting full private hospital access and minimal copayments
Includes dental, optical, mental health, maternity. No referral required for specialists. Best-in-class hospital network.
Learn moreBest for: KASP recipients and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques scholarship students
Full medical and dental insurance provided by the sponsoring university. No additional plan needed — verify coverage details with your institution.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic CCHI Insurance (annual) | SAR 1,200–2,000 (~€300–€500) | Minimum plan for Iqama compliance. Covers ER and hospitalization. |
| Standard Insurance (annual) | SAR 3,000–6,000 (~€750–€1,500) | Full outpatient, specialist, and inpatient coverage at CCHI-approved hospitals. |
| GP / Clinic Visit (with insurance) | SAR 20–50 copayment (~€5–€13) | Copayment required at most CCHI-insured clinics. Without insurance: SAR 150–300 (~€38–€75). |
| Specialist Consultation | SAR 150–400 (~€38–€100) | Private clinic specialist fees with insurance copayment. May require GP referral depending on plan class. |
| Emergency Room | SAR 100–300 copayment (~€25–€75) | ER copayments vary by plan. Stabilization is free at all Saudi hospitals regardless of insurance status. |
| Hospital Stay (per night) | SAR 500–2,000 (~€125–€500) | Private hospital room rates. Covered by standard and comprehensive plans after deductible. |
| Prescription Medication | SAR 15–100 per prescription (~€4–€25) | CCHI-covered medications list applies. Branded drugs may have additional copayment. |
Basic CCHI Insurance (annual)
SAR 1,200–2,000 (~€300–€500)
Minimum plan for Iqama compliance. Covers ER and hospitalization.
Standard Insurance (annual)
SAR 3,000–6,000 (~€750–€1,500)
Full outpatient, specialist, and inpatient coverage at CCHI-approved hospitals.
GP / Clinic Visit (with insurance)
SAR 20–50 copayment (~€5–€13)
Copayment required at most CCHI-insured clinics. Without insurance: SAR 150–300 (~€38–€75).
Specialist Consultation
SAR 150–400 (~€38–€100)
Private clinic specialist fees with insurance copayment. May require GP referral depending on plan class.
Emergency Room
SAR 100–300 copayment (~€25–€75)
ER copayments vary by plan. Stabilization is free at all Saudi hospitals regardless of insurance status.
Hospital Stay (per night)
SAR 500–2,000 (~€125–€500)
Private hospital room rates. Covered by standard and comprehensive plans after deductible.
Prescription Medication
SAR 15–100 per prescription (~€4–€25)
CCHI-covered medications list applies. Branded drugs may have additional copayment.
Apply through Saudi universities directly or via the Study in Saudi portal (studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa). KASP and Custodian scholarships include full insurance — confirm with your institution.
Non-scholarship students must purchase a CCHI-approved cooperative insurance plan before applying for the student visa. Compare Class A, B, and C plans from providers like Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, MedGulf, or AXA Cooperative.
Submit your admission letter, insurance certificate, medical clearance, and financial evidence to the Saudi embassy in your country. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
Within 90 days of arrival, your university will help you apply for your Iqama. Keep your insurance active — it is checked during this process.
Use your insurance card at CCHI-approved hospitals and clinics. Show your Iqama as ID. In emergencies, dial 997 (ambulance) or go directly to any hospital A&E.
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major destination for international students, with over 120,000 foreign students enrolled at its universities in 2025. The country offers fully funded scholarship programs, world-class universities, and a rapidly modernizing healthcare system.
Saudi Arabia runs a dual healthcare system: a government-funded public network for Saudi citizens and GCC nationals, and a large private sector serving expats and foreign nationals. All private healthcare is regulated under the CCHI (Council of Cooperative Health Insurance), which mandates a minimum benefit package for all insured residents.
Private hospitals in major cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar — offer excellent facilities with English-speaking medical staff. Many hospitals are internationally accredited (JCI-certified), offering care on par with Western standards.
Saudi Arabia’s insurance model is called “cooperative insurance” (تأمين تعاوني), based on takaful (mutual sharing) principles. This is different from conventional insurance but functions similarly in practice for students:
CCHI-approved insurers for students include: Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya (formerly NCCI), MedGulf, AXA Cooperative Insurance, Al-Ahlia, and Gulf Union.
| Class | Annual Cost | Hospital Access | Copayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | SAR 1,200–2,000 | Selected government-approved hospitals | SAR 50+ |
| Class C | SAR 2,000–4,000 | Most private hospitals | SAR 30–50 |
| Class B | SAR 3,500–6,000 | Wide private hospital network | SAR 20–30 |
| Class A | SAR 5,000–9,000+ | Premium hospitals, dental, optical | SAR 10–20 |
Scholarship students receive Class A or equivalent coverage from their institutions.
King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP): Saudi Arabia’s flagship international scholarship program. Recipients studying abroad receive full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and comprehensive medical + dental insurance.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship: Similar benefits for students at top global universities. Full insurance included.
Study in Saudi Scholarships: International students studying at Saudi universities under government scholarships receive health coverage arranged by the institution.
Compare CCHI-compliant health insurance options for your studies in Saudi Arabia. Find the right plan for your visa, Iqama, and university enrollment.
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