Kuwait will make health insurance compulsory for all foreign residents and visitors starting December 23, 2025, marking a major shift in how healthcare coverage is managed for non citizens. The decision follows new executive regulations issued by the Ministry of Health under Law No. 1 of 1999 and applies to both residency permits and visit visas. Authorities say the move will strengthen healthcare financing, improve transparency, and reduce pressure on public hospitals.
The mandatory insurance requirement applies to all expatriates living in Kuwait as well as foreign visitors entering the country. This includes government and private sector employees, investors, students, property owners, self sponsored residents, family dependents, and short term visitors. Health insurance will now be directly linked to visa issuance and renewal. Without valid coverage, visas will not be approved or extended.
The Ministry of Health clarified that insurance validity will correspond to the duration of the visa, not the passport expiry date. This ensures continuous coverage throughout a person’s legal stay in Kuwait.
Under the revised framework, most foreign residents will pay a standard health insurance fee of 100 Kuwaiti dinars per year. This unified rate replaces earlier variable fees that depended on age, relationship status, or sponsorship type.
Certain occupational groups including workers in agriculture, fishing, shepherding, and dairy related activities will pay a reduced annual fee of 10 dinars.
For visitors and entry visa holders, a five dinar fee applies under the public health insurance system. In addition, visitors must obtain coverage from approved private insurance providers. This combined public private model aims to ensure basic access while managing short term healthcare costs.
Officials estimate that the revised fee structure could generate over 200 million dinars annually, helping support Kuwait’s healthcare infrastructure and expanding the role of private insurers.
The government has outlined several exemptions to protect vulnerable and special groups. These include foreign spouses and children of Kuwaiti citizens, parents of Kuwaitis, widowed or divorced Kuwaiti women with children, and up to three domestic workers sponsored by Kuwaiti households.
Diplomatic missions and official delegations are also exempt. Certain Bedoun groups and newborns receive temporary exemptions, with infants covered for up to four months while residency documentation is completed.
Health officials say the policy aims to ensure that every foreign national has financial coverage for medical care, reducing unpaid treatment costs and overcrowding in public hospitals. By tying insurance directly to visas, the government expects higher compliance and clearer accountability during medical emergencies.
Authorities also view the move as part of a broader reform agenda focused on sustainability, cost control, and equitable access to healthcare services.
As the December 23 implementation date approaches, foreign residents and travelers are urged to understand the new requirements and factor health insurance costs into their relocation or travel plans.
(Rh/ARC)
