Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 911 (Riyadh/Mecca/Medina) or 997 (nationwide) for ambulance. Saudi Red Crescent dispatchers speak Arabic primarily — some English. Emergency care is provided to ALL regardless of insurance status (stabilisation). King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh and Jeddah handles complex referral cases. During Hajj/Umrah season: hospitals in Mecca and Medina operate at surge capacity with special Hajj medical facilities — heat stroke and stampede injuries are major concerns. Dr Sulaiman Al Habib hospitals have the best-regarded private ERs. Deposits (often SAR 5,000-20,000) may be required for admission at private hospitals.
Response time: 8-15 minutes in major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina). Saudi Red Crescent Authority (هيئة الهلال الأحمر السعودي) operates the national ambulance service — modern fleet, well-equipped. 15-30+ minutes in smaller cities and rural areas.
Cost: Public hospital ER (Saudi nationals): FREE. Public ER (insured expats): SAR 100-500 ($27-133) co-pay depending on insurance. Uninsured visitors: SAR 500-5,000+ ($133-1,330+). Private ER: SAR 300-3,000 ($80-800). Ambulance (Red Crescent): FREE. Private hospital admission: SAR 1,500-5,000/day ($400-1,330). ICU: SAR 5,000-15,000/day ($1,330-4,000). Surgery (private): SAR 5,000-150,000 ($1,330-40,000).
Healthcare System
Saudi Arabia has invested enormously in healthcare infrastructure — annual health spending exceeds $40 billion. The system operates in three parallel tracks: (1) Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals — 280+ hospitals, primarily for Saudi nationals; (2) Government specialty hospitals — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC — world-class, ranked among top 200 globally), National Guard Hospital (KAMC), Armed Forces hospitals; (3) Private sector — growing rapidly under Vision 2030, includes Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (best private network), Saudi German Hospital Group, Mouwasat Hospital, Al Hammadi Hospital, and Dallah Hospital. Many senior doctors trained in US, UK, and Canada. English is the working language at major private hospitals and specialist centres. The kingdom is actively developing medical tourism and health cities (King Abdullah Medical City in Mecca, King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh).
Designed for: Saudi nationals receive FREE comprehensive public healthcare through MOH hospitals. Expatriates and visitors MUST have insurance (mandatory since 2006 — CCHI-regulated Council of Cooperative Health Insurance). Tourists under the new tourist visa must have travel insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics and polyclinics — walk-in or appointment. Insurance card required at most private facilities. Major hospital groups (Al Habib, Saudi German, Mouwasat) have outpatient clinics with specialists accessible directly. Expat-heavy areas (Riyadh DQ/KAFD, Jeddah Al Hamra, Khobar) have international clinics. Telemedicine growing through Seha (صحة) app (MOH) and private platforms. MOH primary care centres (مراكز الرعاية الصحية الأولية) serve Saudi nationals with health cards.
Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day to next day. Al Habib Medical Group: same-day appointments available. MOH primary care (nationals): same-day to 3 days. Specialist (private): 1-7 days. KFSH&RC specialist (referral only): 2-8 weeks.
Availability: Excellent in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Khobar, and Mecca/Medina — high density of private clinics and hospitals. Good in Tabuk, Abha, Al Khobar, and Jubail (industrial cities). Limited in rural and desert areas. Hajj/Umrah facilities provide seasonal medical care in Mecca and Medina.
GP Visit
Private GP: SAR 150-400 ($40-107)
Private GP
GP: SAR 150-400 ($40-107). Specialist: SAR 250-700 ($67-187). Professor/consultant: SAR 400-1,000 ($107-267). Dental: SAR 100-5,000 ($27-1,330). Blood tests: SAR 100-500 ($27-133). MRI: SAR 1,000-3,000 ($267-800). Health screening package: SAR 500-3,000 ($133-800).
ER Without Insurance
Private ER: SAR 500-5,000+ ($133-1,330+). Admission: SAR 1,500-5,000/day ($400-1,330). ICU: SAR 5,000-15,000/day ($1,330-4,000). Surgery: SAR 5,000-150,000 ($1,330-40,000). Medical evacuation (rare — domestic transfer): SAR 10,000-50,000 ($2,670-13,330).
Medication
Moderately priced. Medications regulated by Saudi FDA (SFDA — الهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء). Most medications require prescription from a Saudi-licensed doctor. Common medications: SAR 10-50 ($3-13). Specialist medications: SAR 50-500+ ($13-133+). Nahdi Pharmacy (صيدلية النهدي) and Al Dawaa Pharmacy (الدواء) are the two largest chains — widespread and well-stocked. Hospital pharmacies open 24/7 at major hospitals. Drug prices are regulated — same medication costs the same at any pharmacy (SFDA price controls).
Health insurance is required for visa
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Most pharmacies: 9am-midnight daily. Many 24-hour pharmacies in cities. Nahdi (النهدي) and Al Dawaa (الدواء) are the two dominant chains — found on virtually every major street. Hospital pharmacies: 24/7. Pharmacies close briefly during prayer times (15-20 minutes, 5 times daily). Ramadan hours may differ. Well-stocked with international brands.
OTC: More restricted than many countries — Saudi Arabia requires prescription for many medications available OTC elsewhere. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, basic antacids, and cold remedies available OTC. Antibiotics strictly require prescription (well-enforced). Pharmacists are conservative in dispensing — they follow SFDA guidelines closely.
Controlled substances: EXTREMELY STRICT — Saudi Arabia has among the harshest drug laws in the world. Penalties include imprisonment, flogging, and the DEATH PENALTY for trafficking. Many common medications are banned or strictly controlled: codeine (any amount), tramadol, amphetamines (including Adderall/ADHD medications), most benzodiazepines, some antidepressants (certain SSRIs), pseudoephedrine (in many cold remedies), and any medication containing alcohol. You MUST obtain approval from Saudi FDA (SFDA) BEFORE travelling with any controlled medication — apply online at least 2-3 weeks before travel. Carry: (1) SFDA approval letter, (2) original prescription, (3) detailed doctor's letter listing medication name, dosage, and medical necessity, (4) medications in original packaging. Failure to declare controlled medications at customs can result in arrest and imprisonment. When in doubt, check the SFDA website or contact the Saudi embassy in your country.
Practical Tips
- Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (مجموعة سليمان الحبيب) — best private hospitals. Locations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Qassim. English-speaking. Modern facilities.
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH&RC) — world-class referral hospital for complex cases. Riyadh and Jeddah.
- Get SFDA approval for ALL medications BEFORE travel — apply online at sfda.gov.sa at least 2-3 weeks ahead
- Check EVERY medication against Saudi banned/controlled list — including common cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine
- Plan appointments around prayer times — facilities close 5 times daily (check Azan times via Muslim Pro app)
- Nahdi Pharmacy (green logo) and Al Dawaa (blue logo) — found everywhere, well-stocked, some English-speaking pharmacists
- Download Tawakkalna app (توكلنا) — needed for some government health services and verification
- Seha (صحة) app — MOH telemedicine platform, available in Arabic and English
- During Hajj/Umrah: carry rehydration salts, sunscreen, umbrella, and personal medications. Heat stroke is the #1 health risk.
- Saudi German Hospital and Mouwasat Hospital are good mid-range private options across multiple cities
- Keep insurance card accessible at ALL times — hospitals will check before providing non-emergency care
Who can get care in Saudi Arabia?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Saudi Arabia treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Private clinics and polyclinics — walk-in or appointment. Insurance card required at most private facilities. Major hospital groups (Al Habib, Saudi German, Mouwasat) have outpatient clinics with specialists accessible directly. Expat-heavy areas (Riyadh DQ/KAFD, Jeddah Al Hamra, Khobar) have international clinics. Telemedicine growing through Seha (صحة) app (MOH) and private platforms. MOH primary care centres (مراكز الرعاية الصحية الأولية) serve Saudi nationals with health cards. Typical cost: Private GP: SAR 150-400 ($40-107). Private specialist: SAR 250-700 ($67-187). Dental check-up: SAR 100-300 ($27-80). Blood tests: SAR 100-500 ($27-133). MRI: SAR 1,000-3,000 ($267-800). Full health check-up package: SAR 500-3,000 ($133-800). Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day to next day. Al Habib Medical Group: same-day appointments available. MOH primary care (nationals): same-day to 3 days. Specialist (private): 1-7 days. KFSH&RC specialist (referral only): 2-8 weeks.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Proof of medical insurance is required for entry or for a visa to Saudi Arabia.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Valid health insurance proof (MANDATORY — CCHI-compliant for residents)
- Tourist e-Visa (available for 49+ nationalities)
- Vaccination certificates (Meningococcal ACWY for Hajj/Umrah)
- Prescription medications with ORIGINAL packaging, doctor's letter, and Saudi FDA (SFDA) approval for controlled substances
- SFDA medication approval (apply online 2+ weeks before travel for any controlled medication)
Local contacts in Saudi Arabia
Emergency services
911 (unified — Riyadh, Mecca, Medina) / 997 (ambulance — nationwide) / 999 (police) / 998 (civil defence/fire)
Call 911 (Riyadh/Mecca/Medina) or 997 (nationwide) for ambulance. Saudi Red Crescent dispatchers speak Arabic primarily — some English. Emergency care is provided to ALL regardless of insurance status (stabilisation). King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh and Jeddah handles complex referral cases. During Hajj/Umrah season: hospitals in Mecca and Medina operate at surge capacity with special Hajj medical facilities — heat stroke and stampede injuries are major concerns. Dr Sulaiman Al Habib hospitals have the best-regarded private ERs. Deposits (often SAR 5,000-20,000) may be required for admission at private hospitals.
Pharmacies
Most pharmacies: 9am-midnight daily. Many 24-hour pharmacies in cities. Nahdi (النهدي) and Al Dawaa (الدواء) are the two dominant chains — found on virtually every major street. Hospital pharmacies: 24/7. Pharmacies close briefly during prayer times (15-20 minutes, 5 times daily). Ramadan hours may differ. Well-stocked with international brands.
More restricted than many countries — Saudi Arabia requires prescription for many medications available OTC elsewhere. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, basic antacids, and cold remedies available OTC. Antibiotics strictly require prescription (well-enforced). Pharmacists are conservative in dispensing — they follow SFDA guidelines closely.
What is the emergency number in Saudi Arabia?
911 (unified — Riyadh, Mecca, Medina) or 997 (ambulance — nationwide) or 999 (police) or 998 (civil defence/fire) in Saudi Arabia. Call 911 (Riyadh/Mecca/Medina) or 997 (nationwide) for ambulance. Saudi Red Crescent dispatchers speak Arabic primarily — some English. Emergency care is provided to ALL regardless of insurance status (stabilisation). King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh and Jeddah handles complex referral cases. During Hajj/Umrah season: hospitals in Mecca and Medina operate at surge capacity with special Hajj medical facilities — heat stroke and stampede injuries are major concerns. Dr Sulaiman Al Habib hospitals have the best-regarded private ERs. Deposits (often SAR 5,000-20,000) may be required for admission at private hospitals.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Saudi Arabia?
Private GP: SAR 150-400 ($40-107). Private specialist: SAR 250-700 ($67-187). Dental check-up: SAR 100-300 ($27-80). Blood tests: SAR 100-500 ($27-133). MRI: SAR 1,000-3,000 ($267-800). Full health check-up package: SAR 500-3,000 ($133-800). Private consultations: GP: SAR 150-400 ($40-107). Specialist: SAR 250-700 ($67-187). Professor/consultant: SAR 400-1,000 ($107-267). Dental: SAR 100-5,000 ($27-1,330). Blood tests: SAR 100-500 ($27-133). MRI: SAR 1,000-3,000 ($267-800). Health screening package: SAR 500-3,000 ($133-800)..
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Sources: Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA), Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, WHO Saudi Arabia, CDC Travelers' Health — Saudi Arabia 2024, UK Foreign Office Travel Advice Saudi Arabia, Saudi Red Crescent Authority
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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