Job Discussion Forums

[mariowski]

Now that I've got the visa in my passport I can start packing for Saudi after a long period of waiting, waiting and waiting ( for about 4 months). I wonder if they make you wait even more after you have obtained your visa and waiting for your airline ticket to be sent.

Another question: How are the dentists in Saudi? Are they expensive when compared to the ones in the States? Should I see a dentists before I move to saudi or wait?

Thanks...

[sheikher]

Dental treatment is prohibitively expensive and most insurance companies do not cover certain treatments such as bridges, crowns, etc., as they are considered as cosmetic. It is quite difficult to get immediate appointments from dentists and there is always a long queue of people waiting in all dental clinics. Top class equipments are available, but things could get complicated if the patient has a history of diabetes / blood pressure. Again, I would advise expatriates to postpone visits to the dentist and get themselves treated back home if practically possible.


A very important aspect which an expatriate has to take care in his contract before arriving in the Kingdom is regarding health care. In big cities, there are good hospitals, but the same cannot be said of smaller towns #-o It is rather difficult to generalize, and probably the only way to find out whether your doctor is good or not, is only by word of mouth from other expatriates. There are hospitals which do not have the best of facilities but excellent doctors. There are also hospitals which have top of the range facilities in terms of patient care, but unfortunately not so good doctors >:P You have to make a judicious decision.

Whatever be your hospital or dispensary, health care in Saudi Arabia is an expensive affair and I would advise you to immediately take an insurance card, otherwise it would cost you a fortune. In most of the cases, atleast with good sponsors, the company takes care of your medical AND dental requirements. Please ensure that this is clearly mentioned in your contract. Note that "Medical" does NOT cover "Dental", that's why I have mentioned the two separately.

Another important aspect is the type of insurance which your sponsor has taken. Not all insurance companies give 100% coverage, in the true sense. For example, your contract may actually mention that you are covered 100%, but you may actually end up paying a nominal amount (usually SR20) for every visit to your neighbourhood doctor, even though you have an insurance card with you.

Theoretically, for a family of four, if you visit the doctor or dentist once every month, this itself amounts to 960 riyals a year - not a small sum indeed! This downpayment of SR20 (or sometimes SR30) may be quite baffling, because you may think you are covered 100% and do not need to pay anything, but that's how the system is. However, for bigger insurance companies where the premium is more, the company takes care of this initial payment also, so you have to put it in black and white in your contract, whether you are REALLY covered 100% or not.

Usually, for dental coverage, insurance companies pay only for extraction / filling or surgery. Cosmetic surgeries and the like (including artificial teeth / bridges) are NOT covered :-w Also, it is normal practice that reading and power glasses are not covered by insurance, i.e., the doctor's consultation would be covered, but not your frame / lens. The only exception would be safety glasses provided by your company, if you are working in a factory.


http://workinginsaudiarabia.blogspot.com/search?q=dentist

[veiledsentiments]