Mandatory Health Insurance (CCHI) in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi Arabia requires health insurance for all private-sector workers and their dependents — and your Iqama renewal is blocked without valid coverage:
- Employer obligation: Private-sector employers must provide health insurance for all employees and their dependents. The employer pays the full premium — deducting it from wages is illegal.
- Minimum coverage: The CCHI Unified Health Insurance Policy mandates minimum benefits including outpatient care, hospitalisation, maternity, dental, optical coverage, and mental health services.
- CCHI oversight: The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) regulates all health insurance providers, approves policy terms, and handles complaints.
- Iqama link: A valid health insurance policy is required to issue or renew an Iqama. This is checked automatically through the NPHIES system — if your employer's policy lapses, your Iqama renewal will be blocked.
- Saudi citizens: Saudi nationals access free government hospitals. Private insurance is optional for personal use but mandatory if they work in the private sector.
Employers who fail to provide insurance face fines starting at SAR 500 per uninsured worker per month and can have their MHRSD services suspended.
When does it apply?
- You are a private-sector employee (Saudi or expatriate) and your employer has not provided health insurance.
- Your insurance does not cover treatments mandated by the Unified Policy.
- You need to verify your insurance status for Iqama renewal.
What to Do If Your Employer Has Not Provided Mandatory Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
- Check your insurance status through the CCHI website (cchi.gov.sa) using your Iqama number — this shows your active policy, insurer, and coverage level.
- Get a copy of your policy schedule from your employer and review what is covered against the Unified Policy minimums.
- If your employer has not provided insurance, file a complaint with CCHI through their portal or call 920001177.
- If your insurer denies a treatment covered under the Unified Policy, file a complaint with CCHI — they have an online dispute resolution process through NPHIES.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept working without health insurance — it is legally required, and without it your Iqama cannot be renewed.
- Do not pay insurance premiums from your salary — the full cost is the employer's legal responsibility.
- Do not assume all treatments are free — check your policy for co-payments, network restrictions, annual limits, and pre-approval requirements.
Common Questions
When does it apply — mandatory health insurance (cchi)?
You are a private-sector employee (Saudi or expatriate) and your employer has not provided health insurance.Your insurance does not cover treatments mandated by the Unified Policy.You need to verify your insurance status for Iqama renewal.
What should I do if my employer in Saudi Arabia has not given me health insurance as required by the CCHI rules?
Check your insurance status through the CCHI website (cchi.gov.sa) using your Iqama number — this shows your active policy, insurer, and coverage level.Get a copy of your policy schedule from your employer and review what is covered against the Unified Policy minimums.If your employer has not provided insurance, file a complaint with CCHI through their portal or call 920001177.If your insurer denies a treatment covered under the Unified Policy, file a complaint with CCHI — they have an online dispute resolution process through NPHIES.
What should you NOT do — mandatory health insurance (cchi)?
Do not accept working without health insurance — it is legally required, and without it your Iqama cannot be renewed.Do not pay insurance premiums from your salary — the full cost is the employer's legal responsibility.Do not assume all treatments are free — check your policy for co-payments, network restrictions, annual limits, and pre-approval requirements.