The Cooperative Health Insurance Council has authorised seven insurance companies to provide the necessary coverage, as per the medical policy adopted earlier this year. Applicants are responsible for the payment of the insurance premium during the visa application process. The policy mandates that requests for coverages must be addressed by the insurance companies within 60 minutes of submission. If an applicant does not ultimately enter Saudi Arabia, they can obtain a refund of their insurance premiums.

The new rule does not apply to Hajj or Umrah pilgrims, diplomats, and visitors to diplomatic missions, international organisations and the state.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

All visitor visa applicants must ensure they obtain mandatory health insurance coverage through one of the seven companies approved by the Cooperative Health Insurance Council.