Saudi Arabia: Govt considering comprehensive insurance plans for pilgrims
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Jul 2018
Haj and umrah pilgrims will be offered a comprehensive insurance plan during their visits to Saudi Arabia by next year, minister of haj and umrah Muhammad Saleh Benten has announced.
The coverage will be for baggage loss, medical insurance, travel insurance and any kind of incident afflicting the pilgrim. Mr Benten said, “It will be a comprehensive system of medical and travel insurance.”
He said this is part of the ministry’s plans to enhance the pilgrimage experience to meet international standards under the kingdom’s Vision 2030 development plan, reported Saudi Gazette.
The Saudi government has been considering compulsory insurance for pilgrims going on the haj and umrah to relieve the cost of healthcare for this category of visitors. It is estimated that the kingdom hosts 2.5m pilgrims during the haj period and another 7m visitors performing umrah. M