Saudi Arabia requires all visitors entering on an eVisa to carry mandatory health insurance with a minimum coverage of SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,600). This insurance is automatically included in the eVisa fee at no extra cost. However, the bundled coverage only handles emergency medical treatment — it does not cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight delays, or medical evacuation. Many travelers choose to purchase additional travel insurance for broader protection during their trip to Saudi Arabia.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all Saudi eVisa holders. Since the eVisa program launched in September 2019, the Saudi government has required every visitor to have valid health insurance covering their stay. This requirement is enforced at the visa issuance stage — you cannot receive an eVisa without it.
The mandatory insurance is bundled into the eVisa fee (SAR 395, approximately USD 105). When your eVisa is approved, the insurance activates automatically and covers your entire stay in Saudi Arabia. You do not need to purchase a separate policy or provide proof of insurance during the application.
However, the mandatory health insurance has a narrow scope. It covers only emergency medical treatment, including:
- Emergency hospitalization
- Emergency surgical procedures
- Ambulance services
- Emergency dental treatment (pain relief only)
- Repatriation of remains in case of death
It does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine checkups, elective procedures, or non-medical travel disruptions. For comprehensive protection, you should consider purchasing additional travel insurance.
For full details on eVisa costs and what is included, see our Saudi eVisa fees guide.
What Does the Mandatory Saudi eVisa Insurance Cover?
The health insurance included in the Saudi eVisa fee provides a baseline level of emergency medical coverage. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Coverage Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage Amount | SAR 100,000 (~USD 26,600) |
| Emergency Hospitalization | Covered up to policy limit |
| Emergency Surgery | Covered up to policy limit |
| Ambulance Services | Covered |
| Emergency Dental | Pain relief only |
| Repatriation of Remains | Covered |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Not covered |
| Routine Medical Care | Not covered |
| Elective Procedures | Not covered |
| Trip Cancellation | Not covered |
| Lost or Delayed Baggage | Not covered |
| Flight Delay Compensation | Not covered |
| Medical Evacuation | Not covered |
The SAR 100,000 coverage amount is the minimum required by Saudi law. In practice, this amount is sufficient for most emergency medical situations in Saudi Arabia, where healthcare costs are generally lower than in Western countries. However, for serious medical emergencies requiring extended hospitalization or specialized treatment, costs can exceed this threshold.
The insurance is issued by a Saudi-licensed insurance company and is valid for the duration of your eVisa. If your eVisa allows multiple entries over one year, the insurance covers each individual trip — but the coverage period resets with each entry.
Do You Need Additional Travel Insurance for Saudi Arabia?
While the mandatory health insurance meets the legal requirement, most experienced travelers recommend purchasing additional travel insurance for Saudi Arabia. The mandatory coverage has significant gaps that could leave you financially exposed.
Situations Where Additional Insurance Helps
Medical Evacuation: If you suffer a serious injury or illness in a remote area of Saudi Arabia, medical evacuation to a major hospital or back to your home country can cost USD 50,000 to USD 200,000 or more. The mandatory insurance does not cover this.
Trip Cancellation: If you need to cancel your trip due to illness, family emergency, or other covered reasons, you could lose thousands of dollars in non-refundable flights and hotel bookings. The mandatory insurance provides no coverage for this.
Lost or Delayed Baggage: Airlines occasionally lose or delay luggage. Travel insurance can reimburse you for essential purchases while waiting for your bags and for the value of permanently lost items.
Flight Delays and Missed Connections: If your flight is significantly delayed, travel insurance can cover accommodation, meals, and rebooking costs.
Higher Medical Coverage Limits: For travelers with pre-existing conditions or those planning adventure activities (such as dune bashing, diving, or desert trekking), a higher medical coverage limit provides peace of mind.
When the Mandatory Insurance Is Enough
If your trip is short (a few days), your flights and hotels are fully refundable, and you are in good health, the mandatory insurance may be sufficient. Business travelers on quick trips and transit visitors often do not need additional coverage.
Types of Travel Insurance for Saudi Arabia
When purchasing additional travel insurance for Saudi Arabia, you can choose from several policy types:
Single-Trip Travel Insurance
Covers one specific trip to Saudi Arabia. This is the most affordable option if you are visiting once. Typical coverage includes medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and flight delays. Prices range from USD 20 to USD 80 for a one-week trip, depending on coverage limits and your age.
Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. If you plan to visit Saudi Arabia more than once — for example, for Umrah and then again for tourism — an annual policy is more cost-effective than buying separate single-trip policies. Annual policies typically cost USD 100 to USD 300 per year.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
A premium policy that covers all standard risks plus extras such as adventure sports, higher medical limits (USD 500,000 to USD 1,000,000), cancel-for-any-reason coverage, and rental car damage. This is the best option for longer stays or travelers who want maximum protection.
Group or Family Travel Insurance
Covers multiple travelers under one policy at a reduced per-person rate. Families traveling together to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or tourism can save 20-40% compared to individual policies.
Top Travel Insurance Providers for Saudi Arabia
Several international insurance companies offer policies that cover travel to Saudi Arabia. When choosing a provider, verify that Saudi Arabia is not excluded from their coverage area and that the policy meets your specific needs.
| Provider | Single-Trip Starting From | Medical Coverage | Trip Cancellation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Nomads | USD 30 | Up to USD 100,000 | Up to USD 2,500 | Adventure travelers |
| Allianz Travel | USD 25 | Up to USD 500,000 | Up to 100% of trip cost | Comprehensive coverage |
| AXA Travel Insurance | USD 20 | Up to EUR 100,000 | Up to EUR 5,000 | European travelers |
| SafetyWing | USD 45/month | Up to USD 250,000 | Not included | Long-term/digital nomads |
| IMG Global | USD 35 | Up to USD 1,000,000 | Up to 100% of trip cost | High medical limits |
When comparing policies, pay attention to:
- Exclusions for Saudi Arabia: Some policies exclude Middle Eastern countries or have specific limitations for Saudi Arabia
- Adventure activity coverage: Standard policies may not cover desert activities, diving, or other adventure sports popular in Saudi Arabia
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Most basic policies exclude pre-existing conditions, but some offer waivers if you purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit
- Deductible amount: Lower deductibles mean the insurer pays more, but premiums are higher
How to File a Travel Insurance Claim for Saudi Arabia
If you need to use your travel insurance while in Saudi Arabia, follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider Immediately. Most insurers have 24/7 emergency hotlines. Call them as soon as possible after the incident. They can direct you to approved hospitals and authorize treatment.
Step 2: Keep All Documentation. Collect receipts, medical reports, police reports (if applicable), airline correspondence, and any other relevant paperwork. Photographs of damaged items or delayed baggage tags are also useful.
Step 3: Get a Medical Report. If you received medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, request a detailed medical report from the hospital or clinic. This should include your diagnosis, treatment received, and costs. The report should be in English or Arabic.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim. File your claim through your insurer’s online portal or by email. Include all documentation, receipts, and the completed claim form. Most insurers require claims to be filed within 30-60 days of the incident.
Step 5: Follow Up. Insurance claims can take 2-8 weeks to process. Follow up regularly and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Important Notes for Claims in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi hospitals typically require payment at the time of service. If you have a serious emergency, your insurer may arrange direct payment with the hospital, but this is not guaranteed.
- Keep digital copies of all documents in addition to paper copies. Store them in cloud storage so you can access them from anywhere.
- If language is a barrier, many major hospitals in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have English-speaking staff.
Saudi Arabia Travel Insurance for Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims
Pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj have specific insurance considerations beyond standard tourism.
Umrah Travel Insurance
The mandatory eVisa health insurance covers Umrah pilgrims performing the minor pilgrimage. Since Umrah can now be performed on a tourist eVisa (outside Hajj season), the standard SAR 100,000 coverage applies.
However, Umrah pilgrims should consider additional coverage for:
- Trip cancellation or interruption — Umrah packages can cost USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 or more, and many are non-refundable
- Lost luggage — essential items like Ihram clothing and religious materials
- Medical evacuation — pilgrims may be in crowded conditions where medical access is limited
- Personal liability — in case of accidental injury to others during the pilgrimage
Some specialized insurers offer Umrah-specific policies that include higher medical limits and coverage for pilgrimage-related risks. These policies typically cost USD 30 to USD 100.
Hajj Travel Insurance
Hajj pilgrims require a separate Hajj visa, not a tourist eVisa. Hajj visa insurance is typically arranged through your Hajj tour operator and has different requirements. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj mandates specific insurance coverage for all Hajj pilgrims, which is usually included in the Hajj package.
Hajj insurance typically covers:
- Emergency medical treatment during the Hajj period
- Medical evacuation from Makkah, Madinah, or the Hajj sites
- Repatriation of remains
- Personal accident coverage
For details on the different visa types available, see our Saudi Arabia visa types guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance required for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Health insurance with a minimum coverage of SAR 100,000 is mandatory for all eVisa holders. This insurance is automatically included in the eVisa fee (SAR 395) and activates when your visa is approved.
Does the Saudi eVisa fee include insurance?
Yes. The SAR 395 eVisa fee includes government processing charges and mandatory health insurance. You do not need to purchase a separate policy to meet the visa requirement.
What is the minimum insurance coverage for Saudi Arabia?
The minimum required coverage is SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,600). This covers emergency medical treatment only and does not include trip cancellation, baggage loss, or medical evacuation.
Can I buy additional travel insurance for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, and it is recommended. Additional travel insurance covers gaps in the mandatory health insurance, including trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays, and medical evacuation. International providers like World Nomads, Allianz, and AXA offer policies that cover Saudi Arabia.
Does my regular health insurance cover me in Saudi Arabia?
Most domestic health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside your home country. Even if your plan includes international coverage, it may not meet Saudi Arabia’s mandatory insurance requirements. Always verify with your insurer and purchase additional coverage if needed.
Do GCC residents need travel insurance for Saudi Arabia?
GCC citizens (from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE) do not need a visa or insurance to enter Saudi Arabia. However, GCC residents of other nationalities who apply for an eVisa are subject to the same mandatory insurance requirement as all other eVisa holders.
What happens if I do not have insurance when entering Saudi Arabia?
You cannot enter Saudi Arabia on an eVisa without insurance — it is built into the visa approval process. If you somehow arrive without valid insurance, you may be required to purchase coverage at the port of entry or face denial of entry.
Does Saudi Arabia travel insurance cover COVID-19?
The mandatory eVisa insurance covers emergency medical treatment for COVID-19, including hospitalization. Additional travel insurance policies from major providers also typically cover COVID-19 as a standard medical event. Check your specific policy for details on quarantine accommodation and trip interruption coverage.
Can I extend my travel insurance while in Saudi Arabia?
The mandatory eVisa insurance is valid for the duration of your eVisa and cannot be extended separately. If your eVisa allows multiple entries over one year, insurance coverage resets with each entry. For additional travel insurance, contact your provider to discuss extension options. Note that the Saudi eVisa itself cannot be extended beyond 90 total days — for longer stays, you need a different visa type. See our Saudi Arabia visa extension guide for details.
