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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 2: Saudi Arabia has implemented mandatory health insurance for domestic workers employed by households with more than four staff members, according to the Saudi Council of Health Insurance (CHI). This initiative, announced today, is part of efforts by the CHI and the Insurance Authority to ensure comprehensive healthcare access and prevention measures for all beneficiaries. It aims to empower stakeholders and enhance transparency, excellence, and performance within the healthcare sector.
In a statement, the CHI emphasized that the new policy seeks to achieve comprehensive healthcare coverage and ensure its sustainability. It also aims to incentivize health insurance companies and healthcare providers to introduce innovative products and services tailored to domestic workers.
The mandatory health insurance for domestic workers includes coverage for primary care, public health services, emergency cases, hospitalization without cost-sharing, emergency treatments in clinics with unlimited visits, as well as vaccinations and examinations.
With approximately 3.7 million domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, the introduction of mandatory health insurance represents a significant market opportunity for health insurance providers. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), as of the end of 2020, Saudi Arabia employed 3,663,939 domestic workers, the majority of whom are migrants from countries such as the Philippines, East Africa, and East Asia.
The ILO notes that Saudi Arabia has one of the highest proportions of domestic workers in the world, accounting for about 28% of total employment in the country. It ranks fourth globally in terms of absolute numbers of domestic workers.
Given the demanding work conditions, including long hours, health insurance coverage is expected to address the healthcare needs of domestic workers effectively. According to the ILO, domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are restricted to working no more than 15 hours per day, the highest limit among countries in the region.
Iman Al-Tariqi, spokesperson for the Health Insurance Council, emphasized the collaborative effort with the Insurance Authority in implementing mandatory health insurance. She highlighted the comprehensive coverage included in the insurance document, underscoring its significance in providing essential healthcare services to registered domestic workers.
The implementation of mandatory health insurance for domestic workers aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing social welfare and ensuring the well-being of all workers in the country.
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