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.

Why Insurance Matters for Business Visas

Health insurance protects against medical emergencies in Saudi Arabia, where healthcare costs can escalate quickly for expatriates. The policy must cover hospitalization, diagnostics, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, with minimum limits like SAR 100,000 for medical expenses. Non-compliance leads to visa rejection, delaying critical business deals or talent onboarding.

Core Coverage Requirements

Saudi authorities demand insurance valid throughout the visa duration, often provided via the eVisa system or sponsor-approved providers registered with the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI).

Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization up to SAR 100,000.
Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains (minimum SAR 10,000).
Coverage from CCHI-approved providers; company group policies qualify if Saudi-recognized.

What Coverage Is Included in Saudi Business Visa Insurance?

While applying for a Saudi eVisa, health insurance is automatically bundled into the fee (approximately SAR 535, or about $142 USD as of 2026). No separate purchase needed upfront-it's issued digitally alongside the visa approval.

Here's a breakdown of standard coverage for business visit visas:

Coverage Type	Details	Why It Matters for Business Travelers
Emergency Medical Treatment	Up to SAR 100,000–150,000 per incident for hospital stays, consultations, medications, and diagnostics such as X-rays and lab tests.	Ensures quick access to care during high-stakes business trips, such as a sudden illness before a critical meeting.
Medical Evacuation & Repatriation	Full coverage for air or ground ambulance to the nearest medical facility or return to home country if required.	Critical for assignments in remote locations like NEOM or oil fields where advanced medical care may be far away.
COVID-19 Related Care	Testing, quarantine, and treatment are fully covered.	Supports compliance with local health regulations without adding unexpected costs.
Accidental Death & Disability	Lump-sum payout (for example, SAR 100,000) in case of severe injury or fatal incidents.	Offers financial protection and peace of mind for executives and employees on business travel.
Duration	Valid for one year from issuance and covers multiple entries when allowed by the visa.	Ideal for frequent travelers commuting between Saudi Arabia and company headquarters.

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How Employers Can Meet Saudi Insurance Requirements

For employers managing business travel for multiple employees, insurance compliance doesn’t need to be complex. Saudi Arabia has built insurance directly into the visa process, which removes much of the administrative burden-if HR teams know what to expect.

Step	Guidance
Start with a quick eligibility check	Before submitting applications, HR teams should verify visa eligibility through the official Visit Saudi portal. By entering basic traveler details, employers can preview visa fees and confirm that mandatory health insurance is already bundled into the application.
Prepare and upload core documents	At the application stage, HR teams upload passport copies, the Saudi sponsor’s invitation letter, and a short business justification. Once submitted, the system automatically issues the required insurance policy— no separate insurer coordination is needed.
Submit payment and track approval	The visa fee includes insurance coverage, keeping costs predictable for employers. Most applications are approved within 1–3 business days. After approval, HR teams can download the digital insurance certificate, which employees may be asked to present at immigration.
Managing multiple employees at once	For group travel or recurring business visits, employers should use bulk application tools where available. Larger organizations often integrate visa processing into their HRIS or mobility platforms, reducing manual entry and ensuring consistency across applications.
After arrival: set employees up for success	Once employees arrive in Saudi Arabia, HR teams should encourage them to register with the insurer’s mobile app to access in-network hospitals and claim support. A short pre-departure briefing on coverage and emergency procedures can prevent confusion later.
Additional consideration for high-risk roles	Employers in sectors such as construction, energy, or manufacturing may want to add supplemental corporate travel insurance on top of the mandatory coverage. While not required for visa approval, it can offer added protection for trip disruptions or higher-risk assignments.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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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