Saudi Business Visa Insurance Guide: Compare KSA Travel Coverage

Bundled Fees: Insurance is automatically included in the eVisa/MoFA fee; do not try to buy it separately for the initial application.

Strict Compliance: Only CCHI-approved insurers are recognized. Non-Saudi policies will be rejected at the consular level.

Limited Scope: Mandatory coverage is for emergencies only. It does not cover lost luggage, trip delays, or high-cost chronic care.

Age Matters: Premium costs for the mandatory insurance increase significantly for employees over the age of 50.

For Global Mobility teams and HR managers, relocating or sending employees to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) involves more than just securing an invitation letter. Since 2024, and continuing into 2026, the Saudi government has strictly integrated mandatory health insurance into the visa issuance process.

Understanding the nuances between the mandatory CCHI-approved insurance (automatically bundled with the visa) and supplemental business travel insurance is critical for risk management. This guide compares coverage levels, costs, and compliance requirements to help you safeguard your workforce.

1. Understanding the KSA Health Insurance Mandate

In Saudi Arabia, health insurance is not an optional extra it is a legal prerequisite for the issuance of any business or visit visa. This system is governed by the Council of Health Insurance (CHI), formerly known as CCHI.

The Role of CCHI

The CHI regulates which insurance companies are authorized to provide coverage within the Kingdom. When an HR team applies for a Saudi Business Visit Visa via the MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) portal, the system automatically assigns a policy from a pool of accredited providers.

HR Note: You cannot "opt out" of the mandatory insurance bundled with the eVisa or commercial visit visa. However, the basic limits may not meet your corporate duty-of-care standards.

2. Mandatory vs. Supplemental Insurance: A Direct Comparison

While the government-mandated insurance allows entry into the country, it is often a "bare-bones" medical policy. Most multinational firms opt for supplemental coverage to bridge the gaps.

Comparison Table: Coverage Benchmarks

Feature	Mandatory CCHI Insurance (Bundled)	Supplemental Private Business Insurance
Medical Limit	SAR 100,000 (approx. $26,600)	$500,000 – $1,000,000+
Emergency Room	Covered (life-threatening only)	Full outpatient and inpatient coverage
Evacuation	Limited to nearest facility	Global repatriation and air ambulance
Trip Cancellation	No coverage	Included (up to $10,000+)
Business Equipment	No coverage	Reimbursed (laptops, phones, etc.)
Pre-existing Conditions	Usually excluded	Often covered (with specific riders)

KSA eVisa Health Insurance Requirements (2026)

As of early 2026, the KSA eVisa health insurance requirements stipulate that the policy must cover:

Emergency medical treatment up to SAR 100,000.
Repatriation of remains up to SAR 10,000.
COVID-19 related care (including quarantine costs if required).

3. Top CCHI-Approved Insurance Providers

When extending a visa or handling a commercial visit visa that isn't an eVisa, you may need to choose a provider. The following are major CCHI-approved insurance providers for Saudi business visas:

Tawuniya: One of the largest and most reliable networks in the Kingdom.
Bupa Arabia: Known for high-tier service and extensive hospital coverage in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Medgulf: Frequently used for visit visa extensions and temporary work permits.
AXA (GIG Gulf): A popular choice for international companies due to their global presence.

4. Cost Analysis for HR Budgeting

Budgeting for a relocation or business trip requires an understanding of the total "landed cost" of a visa.

Mandatory Insurance Fee: Usually ranges from SAR 180 to SAR 500 ($48 – $133 USD), depending on the traveler's age and the duration of the visa. This is paid during the MoFA application.
Total Business Visa Cost: Including insurance, MoFA fees, and service fees, expect to budget SAR 800 to SAR 2,000 per employee for a standard 1-year multiple-entry business visa.

5. Risk Management: Why "Mandatory" Isn't Always "Enough"

For an HR manager, the business visit visa Saudi Arabia coverage provided by the government has several blind spots:

The Remote Project Risk

If your employees are visiting giga-projects like NEOM or The Red Sea, they are in remote locations. The mandatory SAR 100,000 limit can be exhausted in a single day of intensive care or a long-distance medevac flight.

The Liability Gap

Mandatory insurance does not cover Personal Liability or Legal Assistance. If an employee is involved in a traffic accident—a common occurrence in KSA supplemental business travel insurance provides the legal defense and liability coverage that the CCHI policy lacks.

Conclusion

Managing Saudi business visa travel insurance is about balancing compliance with duty of care. While the mandatory CCHI-approved insurance satisfies the legal requirements for entry, it often leaves significant gaps in medical limits and travel-related risks.

For Global Mobility teams, the "Gold Standard" is to allow the visa system to issue the mandatory policy for compliance purposes, while maintaining a comprehensive global business travel policy to protect the employee and the organization's assets.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi business visa?

Yes, travel health insurance is mandatory for all Saudi business visas, whether single or multiple entry. A visa cannot be issued without a valid policy from a provider accredited by the Council of Health Insurance (CHI).

Can I use my company’s global health insurance for the visa application?

In most cases, no. The Saudi MoFA application system requires applicants to purchase a local CHI-accredited insurance policy as part of the visa process. A company’s global health insurance may be used only as secondary or supplemental coverage after the traveler has entered Saudi Arabia.

How do I verify if a policy is CHI-approved?

The approval status of an insurance provider or specific policy can be verified through the official portal of the Council of Health Insurance (CHI). Only policies listed as approved on this platform are accepted for Saudi visa issuance.

Does the insurance cover dental or vision?

The mandatory business visit visa insurance provides only limited emergency dental coverage, typically restricted to pain relief or treatment of accidental trauma. Routine dental care, eye examinations, and vision treatment are not included under the standard policy.

What happens if an employee's visa is extended?

When a Saudi business visit visa is extended, a new CHI-accredited health insurance policy must also be purchased to cover the entire extension period. The extension cannot be completed without valid insurance matching the updated visa duration.

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