The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement is mandatory for all applicants in 2026. Insurance is automatically included (approx. $48/£38), covering emergency treatment up to SAR 100,000, including hospitalisation and repatriation.
The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement is mandatory for all tourist and business visa applicants in 2026. Health insurance is automatically included in the eVisa fee (approximately $48/£38), covering emergency treatment up to SAR 100,000, hospitalisation, and repatriation. No separate policy purchase is needed.
This guide was last verified against Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Council of Health Insurance sources on 1 September 2026. Insurance limits, fee amounts, and vaccination rules were confirmed as accurate as of this date.
Mandatory Health Insurance Included With Your Saudi eVisa
The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement is compulsory, automatically bundled into the ~$48 (≈£38) visa fee and underwritten by CHI-approved providers such as Tawuniya, Bupa Arabia, and Medgulf. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. In our testing of the Saudi eVisa application process in December 2025, the health insurance was automatically attached at checkout with no separate document upload required. UK applicants should screenshot the insurance confirmation page for their records.
What the Mandatory Policy Covers
The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement covers emergency medical treatment up to SAR 100,000 with effectively zero deductible at public hospitals.
| Coverage Item | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical treatment | Up to SAR 100,000 | Includes hospitalisation |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Within policy limit | Repatriation of remains included |
| COVID-19 hospitalisation | Within policy limit | Emergency cases only |
What Is NOT Covered
The mandatory policy excludes pre-existing conditions, routine outpatient care, elective surgery, and non-emergency dental treatment. UK travellers requiring cover for these categories should arrange supplementary private travel insurance before departure.
Vaccination Requirements for Saudi eVisa Holders in 2026
Beyond the Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement, UK travellers must meet vaccination rules set by the Saudi Ministry of Health and WHO IHR. Yellow Fever and Polio certificates are mandatory for arrivals from endemic countries; MenACWY is mandatory for Umrah/Hajj pilgrims and recommended for all tourists. No medical examination is required for a tourist eVisa.
| Vaccine | Traveller group | Certificate format | Validity | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Arrivals from WHO-listed endemic countries | International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) | 10 years | Travellers from non-endemic countries |
| Polio | Arrivals from WHO-listed endemic regions | Vaccination certificate | Per WHO IHR | Travellers from non-endemic regions |
| MenACWY (Meningococcal ACWY) | Umrah/Hajj pilgrims: mandatory; general tourists: recommended | Vaccination certificate | Per Saudi MOH guidelines | General tourists (not pilgrims) |
Countries Requiring Yellow Fever or Polio Certificates
Arrivals from WHO-listed endemic countries need a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card), valid for 10 years. UK travellers without such transit are exempt. For the official list of WHO-listed Yellow Fever endemic countries, see the WHO International Travel and Health page. For current Saudi Ministry of Health vaccination requirements, refer to the Saudi MOH Hajj and Umrah health requirements page and GOV.UK foreign travel advice.
Umrah-Specific Medical Requirements vs. Tourist eVisa
Umrah and Hajj pilgrims must present a mandatory MenACWY vaccination certificate and pass additional health screenings not required for standard tourist eVisa holders. Vaccination certificates may be requested alongside proof of Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement compliance at entry.
Medical Documents, Prescription Medication & Extra Insurance
The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement auto-includes proof of coverage in the visa fee, so no separate medical examination or insurance document is needed. Applicants must present vaccination certificates only if arriving from WHO-listed endemic countries (Yellow Fever/Polio) and an English-language doctor’s letter for prescription medication (excluding banned opioids/psychotropics).
- No medical examination required for the tourist eVisa application.
- eVisa validity: up to 1 year, multiple entries, 90 days per stay with insurance coverage per entry.
- Vaccination certificates required only if arriving from WHO-listed endemic countries.
Bringing Prescription Medication Into Saudi Arabia
UK travellers may bring prescription medication with an English-language doctor’s letter and within quantity limits. Opioids and psychotropics are banned and require prior Saudi customs clearance. The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement does not cover medication importation, so carry all documentation in hand luggage.
Do You Need Extra Travel Insurance?
- Emergency treatment
- Hospitalisation
- Repatriation
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage loss
- Private hospital access
Travellers needing broader protection should purchase separate comprehensive travel insurance before departure.
Medical Emergencies in Saudi Arabia: Treatment Process & Insurance Claims
Under the Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement, dial 911 in a medical emergency, present the eVisa at the hospital for insurance verification, and file a claim with the assigned insurer within 30 days. Repatriation to the UK is triggered for severe cases.
Dial 911 to reach Saudi emergency services
Present your eVisa at the hospital for insurance verification
Receive treatment with a zero deductible at public hospitals
File an insurance claim within 30 days from the treatment date
Repatriation to the UK is triggered for severe cases
Emergency Numbers & Insurer Hotlines
Saudi Emergency Services: 911
Insurer Hotlines: Tawuniya, Bupa Arabia, Medgulf
The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement ensures zero-deductible treatment at public hospitals when the eVisa is presented at admission.
FAQ: Saudi eVisa Health Insurance Requirement, Vaccinations & Medical Documents
Is health insurance mandatory for a Saudi eVisa in 2026?
Yes. The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement is compulsory for all tourist and business eVisa applicants in 2026. Insurance is auto-bundled into the ~$48 (≈£38) fee, covering emergency treatment up to SAR 100,000, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
How much does Saudi eVisa health insurance cost for UK citizens?
Approximately $48 (≈£38), bundled directly into the total Saudi eVisa fee. UK citizens pay no separate insurance premium. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
What does the Saudi eVisa mandatory health insurance cover?
Coverage: SAR 100,000 emergency treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation, repatriation, COVID-19 hospitalisation, zero deductible at public hospitals, 90 days per entry on a 1-year multi-entry eVisa.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by Saudi eVisa insurance?
No. Pre-existing conditions, routine outpatient care, elective surgery, and non-emergency dental treatment are all excluded. UK travellers with chronic conditions should purchase supplementary private travel insurance before departure.
What vaccinations do I need for a Saudi eVisa?
MenACWY is mandatory for Umrah/Hajj pilgrims and recommended for tourists. Yellow Fever certificate (valid 10 years) is mandatory for arrivals from WHO-listed endemic countries. Polio certificate is required for travellers from endemic regions.
Can I bring prescription medication into Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with an English-language doctor’s letter and within reasonable quantity limits. Opioids and psychotropic substances are banned and require prior Saudi customs clearance. Carry medication in original packaging with the prescription label.
Do I need separate travel insurance if I have the Saudi eVisa policy?
The Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement covers medical emergencies only, up to SAR 100,000. It does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, or private hospital access. Comprehensive supplementary travel insurance is recommended.
How do I file an insurance claim after medical treatment in Saudi Arabia?
Dial 911 for Saudi emergency services. Present your eVisa at the hospital for insurance verification. After treatment, file a claim with the assigned insurer (Tawuniya, Bupa Arabia, or Medgulf) within 30 days. Retain all hospital receipts and discharge summaries.
Is Saudi eVisa health insurance valid for the full year on a multiple-entry visa?
Yes. The insurance matches the eVisa validity of up to 1 year with multiple entries. Coverage activates per entry and applies for up to 90 days per stay. If a single stay exceeds 90 days, alternative coverage is required.
Are there any exemptions from the Saudi eVisa health insurance requirement?
Yes. Diplomatic and official visa holders, and visa-free nationalities such as Bahraini and Emirati citizens, are exempt. All standard tourist and business eVisa applicants must comply.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Requirements may change without notice. Always verify current regulations with official Saudi authorities and GOV.UK before travel.
