Kuwait: Cabinet approves set up of health insurer for expatriates
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Oct 2016
Kuwait has approved a scheme to provide medical insurance and healthcare for expatriates, said Minister of Health, Dr Ali Al-Obaidi, The health insurance will be provided by a company established in partnership between the public and private sectors, reported the Kuwait News Agency.
The move follows a decision by the Kuwaiti government to bar foreigners from access to public healthcare services. The restriction is expected to be implemented in two years’ time.
Expats in Kuwait currently pay an annual health insurance fee of KWD50 (US$166) and enjoy partially subsidised charges for certain procedures, while the country provides free medical services to all citizens.
The Kuwaiti Economics Committee in the Supreme Council for Planning and Development last year proposed a two-layered alternative health plan for the three million of expats residing in Kuwait. The council’s plan divides foreigners in Kuwait into two groups – around two million employees of the private sector and one million expatriates who work in the public sector. The first group of foreigners will be treated in expat-only hospitals.
KWD1 = US$3.31