Job Discussion Forums

SK2012 · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 15

Hi all,

I am (im) patiently waiting for the Saudi consulate in Ottawa to issue my visa. In the meantime, I am trying to get information about expat medical plans, trying to decide what I should chose re: specifics, and finally, trying to find a reputable company. I will be covered in Saudi through my university but I am interested in something a bit more extensive.

I would really appreciate hearing from those members who have experience working in KSA and whether you feel expat medical insurance is something you would recommend (along with suggestions about good companies).

Thank you!
sk2012
Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

People working as direct hires at government universities are in theory entitled to health care in government hospitals. In the university where I taught that was the case. Dependants often had problems actually accessing care. There was also a group health cover on offer through an Insurance Broker at the univerity. I took out that and it saved my life by paying for bypass surgery.

Out of about 100 westerners teaching English only around ten took out cover. Talk about mean ! And foolish !

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

You need health ins. in Saudi, if only for the high chance of being in a serious automobile accident.

All places I worked at had company provided insurance in the form of an on-compound medical facility.

One company had their own fleet of aircraft and would fly one to the "country with no name" for serious medical problems.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Treatment at Univerity Teaching Hospital in Khobar was okay - and THEORETICALLY teachers at KFUPOM are entitled to treatment there. I just did not fancy a Bessie Smith scenario where I would be bleeding to death on the steps of the hospital while some Saudi administrators checked my eligibility.

The group scheme offred through our brokers was provided by a number of different insurance companies. I think the last I knew was AXA.

SK2012 · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 15

Hi Scot47,

Thank you. I have decided to get extra insurance...now it's deciding which company. I'll see what's available through my university broker, too.

cheers