Saudi Arabia's business visa requires mandatory health insurance for all applicants, a rule strictly enforced since 2024 to ensure visitor safety amid the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic push. For B2B HR professionals sponsoring international talent, understanding these insurance specifics streamlines compliance and relocation processes. This guide breaks down requirements, helping HR teams select compliant policies efficiently.

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.

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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.

Minimum Policy Limits

Business visa insurance must meet these thresholds, though supplemental coverage is advised for comprehensive protection:

Coverage Type	Minimum Limit (SAR)	Notes for HR Sponsors
Medical Expenses	100,000	Includes diagnostics, consultations, hospital stays, and treatments.
Evacuation	Varies by policy	Critical for employees working at remote or industrial business locations.
Repatriation	10,000	Covers the cost of returning remains to the home country if required.

Approved Providers and Options

Use Enjaz-listed insurers or those tied to your visa sponsor; eVisa applicants get basic coverage bundled in the fee, but upgrade for business travelers. Jobbatical can integrate CCHI-verified options, ensuring bulk compliance for teams.

Application Tips for HR Teams

Secure insurance before submission via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or accredited agents. Verify policy validity in Saudi Arabia through your provider's HR portal, and retain digital copies for audits. For multiple employees, negotiate group rates to cut costs on relocations.

How Employers Can Meet Saudi Insurance Requirements—Step by Step

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.

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 these are 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. Once approved, 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 layer 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.

Handled proactively, insurance requirements become a checkbox—not a blocker—allowing employers to focus on business outcomes rather than compliance firefighting.

Ready to Streamline Your Saudi Visa Processes?

Navigating Saudi business visas shouldn't be a headache. At Jobbatical, our proprietary tech platform simplifies eVisa applications for global teams, with built-in insurance verification, real-time tracking, and B2B dashboards tailored for HR. Serving clients in 50+ countries, we've helped 10,000+ professionals enter the Kingdom hassle-free.

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