The Saudi Health Insurance Council is taking steps to expand the insurance coverage of individual workers. It is considering contracting with a specialised consulting firm to evaluate the current package of insurance benefits for this group of employees.
The study seeks to examine the impact of implementing mandatory health insurance for all workers registered with a single employer who has more than four workers. The study, to be extended in phases, will eventually offer insights into workers of employers who have three or more employees, or even two or more employees, according to local media reports.
At the same time, the review will look into the appropriateness of raising insurance coverage limits to align with the Unified Health Insurance Policy, which the Health Insurance Council has adopted as the primary reference for determining the rights of insured persons and the responsibilities of service providers.
Roadmap
The study is expected to contribute to formulating a comprehensive strategy for expanding insurance coverage, in line with the national trend toward improving the quality of life and achieving equity in access to healthcare services.
A report, based on the study’s findings, will be issued that is expected to outline a clear roadmap for the gradual implementation of health insurance for new groups of individual workers, and the legislative and regulatory support required to ensure success.
Qualitative leap in 2024
The new move builds on the progress made in July 2024, when health insurance was made mandatory for domestic workers whose employers employ more than four workers. This 2024 requirement was considered a qualitative leap in protecting this category of workers.
The domestic workers' insurance policy, which came into effect at that time, included comprehensive coverage for primary care and public health, in addition to emergency cases, including hospitalisation, without the insured bearing any percentage of the costs. The insurance coverage in this policy also extends to preventive care, a key component of the public health system.