Job Discussion Forums

[EFLUndercover]

To those who reside in Riyadh:

Is the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre considered the best medical facility in Riyadh? If not, what others would be recommended?

Note: While some may comment that it depends upon the medical concern, I would rather not reveal that in an open forum.

Thanks.

[007]

Well, I have heard from a friend who reside in Riyadh that the best hospitals in the city are:

King Abdul Aziz University Hospital
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
Saudi-German Hospital
Dallah Hospital
Riyadh Medical Complex
Al Mishari Hospital

[EFLUndercover]

Thanks for the list, 007. I'll pull up their websites and research them further.

[Cleopatra]

Before you get your heart set on one particular hospital, make sure that your insurance covers treatment there. Some, if not all, of the above-mentioned hospitals are private, and may not be included in your health insurance arrangements.

[EFLUndercover]

That's an excellent point, Cleopatra. Thanks for bringing that to my attention; which leads to my next questions:

Are the health insurance benefits usually offered with most teaching positions restricted to coverage at government hospitals and clinics? Or does is it depend upon the plan the employer subscribes to?

Can teachers enhance their coverage independently of the package offered if it is not adequate?

[Cleopatra]

Different employers have different insurance arrangements, but I have always had access to at least some private hospitals. Some generous employers will provide 100% coverage, but with other deals you may have to pay 10% or more of the treatment costs. Fortunately, however, unless you're having surgery, the costs don't usually amount to much even then.

Regarding your second question, I really don't know. You would have to negotiate with your employer if you wanted to upgrade your insurance arrangements.

[scot47]

Teaching in a state university, we are currently entitled to treatment free at the government-funded university teaching hospital. An insurance broker offers private health cover through the university. There are various private offers alo open. I am surprised at the number of colleagues who do not takew out health cover. "It won't happen to me," seems to be the outlook.

[Stephen Jones]

I thought the questions about the private health cover scheme were more about whether they actually do cover you or not. A lot of us signed up because they funded your quadruple-bypass with no problem, but there was worrying talk at the end of the semester of somebody covered who was seriously ill but they were refusing to pay.

[scot47]

The secret is to give the correct handshake on admission.

[Imdramayu]

Scot47, why would colleagues wish to take out private health care in KSA if they are covered by government university teaching hospitals? Aren't they that good?

[007]

[Stephen Jones]

Depends on the government hospital. I had a Saudi friend who worked in health care. He was given the job of inspecting the Shamaizi (Central) Hospital in Riyadh. He went around listing all the things that needed putting right. When he got to page 11 of the list he was making he view the notebook on the floor, announced the hospital was a crock of shit, and went back to the Health Ministry to demand a transfer.

[scot47]

We can use the govt teaching hospital but there is often a very long waiting list. There have been cases where dependants have been denied treatment.

When you or your dependants are in need of urgent treatment it is better to have private cover.

[Stephen Jones]

Incidentally the medical facilities if you work for the Royal Commission in Jubail are top class, and also include fairly comprehensive free dental care.