Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries where medical insurance is built into the tourist visa. That is useful, but it is easy to overestimate. Private healthcare in the big cities is excellent and expensive, and an evacuation from a remote desert or diving site can cost far more than the visa cover pays.
What the eVisa insurance covers
The compulsory policy that comes with the tourist eVisa and visa on arrival is issued by an approved Saudi insurer and starts when you arrive. According to the UK government, it covers medical costs up to SAR 100,000 (around £20,000). In practice it is aimed at emergency treatment: hospital care after an accident or sudden illness.
It does not replace travel insurance. It generally does not cover:
- trip cancellation, delays, missed connections or airport closures;
- lost or stolen luggage, phones, cameras or cash;
- medical repatriation to your home country, or costs above the limit;
- pre-existing conditions (check the terms);
- personal liability, rental car excess or adventure activities.
Note that the Stopover visa includes only very basic cover, and newer options such as the ETA and electronic visa waiver do not include health insurance at all.
What to look for in a policy
- Medical cover of at least several hundred thousand pounds, euros or dollars, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
- Cancellation and curtailment that covers what you have paid for flights, hotels and event tickets.
- Travel disruption cover for delays, missed departures and airspace closures. Check how the policy treats war, terrorism and civil unrest.
- Activities: diving in the Red Sea, desert safaris, dune bashing, quad biking and hiking in Asir often need an add-on. Divers should check depth limits.
- Car hire excess if you plan to drive (see car hire).
- Gadgets and valuables, with limits high enough for a phone or camera.
Compare policies with VisitorsCoverage, which lets you filter by medical limit, adventure cover and the countries you are visiting.
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Khobar have modern private hospitals with English-speaking doctors; smaller towns have government hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are everywhere, many open late, but some common medicines, such as those containing codeine, and some sleeping pills and ADHD drugs, are controlled. Carry prescriptions and a doctor's letter for anything you bring, in its original packaging.
- Emergency numbers: 911 in the main regions, 997 for an ambulance.
- Heat: heatstroke is a real risk from May to September. Drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun.
- Vaccinations: routine vaccinations should be up to date. A yellow fever certificate is needed only if you arrive from a risk country; Umrah pilgrims need the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Keep your visa, insurance documents and emergency numbers on your phone and on paper. More practical advice in travel essentials and on our visa page.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Saudi eVisa include insurance?
Yes. The tourist eVisa and visa on arrival include compulsory medical insurance, which the UK government says covers up to SAR 100,000 for emergency treatment.
Do I still need travel insurance for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The visa cover does not include cancellation, delays, luggage, repatriation or costs above its limit.
Will my travel insurance cover me if my government advises against travel?
Usually not. Most standard policies exclude destinations under such advice or claims linked to conflict. Check the wording before you buy.
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