How to Seek Medical Treatment in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s medical system is unique. The healthcare providers who are a part of this industry go to all extents when it comes to offering the best service to the patient. This is exactly why Saudi Arabia sits on the 32nd position when it comes to medical advances.
As a result, more and more individuals feel motivated to come to this country with a Saudi medical visa to treat their health issues. However, the process of getting a visa of this kind might seem easy, but in reality it involves a lot of things that one should understand.
Other than that, you will also be required to understand the basics of the healthcare sector before you plan to get treated from there.
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare System
It is a must to understand the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia before you plan to seek treatment from there. This way you are capable of accessing the best treatment. For instance, healthcare in Saudi Arabia experienced a growth after the implementation of the first five-year development plan by King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in the 1970s. Whatever growth that we see today wasn’t even possible if it wasn’t for this plan.
Public vs. Private Healthcare
The healthcare system that you will be able to get treated from after getting a Saudi medical visa is divided into two categories. One of them is the public sector and the other is private.
The public healthcare system is directly controlled by the government. This is designed in a way that it aims to offer free medical treatment to the citizens of the country without adding much pressure on them. Other than that, it also helps professionals working in the public sector.
On the other hand, the private medical facilities are mostly designed to cater to the expatriates and for anyone who wants to seek some additional medical help. As someone who is entering the country with a Saudi medical visa, you will be required to get treated from the private sector.
Although there are a few differences between the two, both of them are capable of offering you the help that you seek. The difference lies in the prices and other things. For instance, getting treatment from the public healthcare sector does not cost you any money. On the other hand, treatments from the private healthcare system involve you paying some money. Other than that, the waiting time also varies, like the public sector is more crowded, so it might take some time till your turn comes. On the other hand, the private system has comparatively lesser crowds and waiting times, meaning you can get prompt service.
Specialties and Medical Excellence in Saudi Arabia
The healthcare system of Saudi Arabia has created a big name in specialized treatments. Many individuals come to the country every year with a Saudi medical visa and visit the leading hospitals for treatments related to oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and others.
The special use of technological advancements is something that is helping medical experts offer the best treatments to the patients. The industry is filled with world-class healthcare facilities that are all directed towards precision and efficient service. The KSA also plans to invest around US$66.67 Billion in healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, this is expected to involve the privatisation of around 290 hospitals and 2300 primary health care centres.
Visa Requirements for Medical Treatment in Saudi Arabia
Getting effective treatment from the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia will involve you to first enter the country. For that, you will be required to get a travel permit. You will be required to get a Saudi medical visa which is designed specifically for the purpose.
Entry and Validity
The Saudi medical visa comes with a validity of 1 year. You will be allowed multiple entries. However, the visa only has a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Required Documents for a Medical Visa
Applying for a medical visa for Saudi Arabia involves using a few documents. These are critical; without these, your visa will get cancelled. Some of the documents are:
- Valid passport, one that comes with at least two blank pages and a minimum of 6 months validity starting from the end of your stay.
- Recent passport-sized photographs (check the requirements for it).
- A complete application form that has all details about yourself, your visit purpose, and your medical details.
- Flight tickets, both inward and outward.
- Bank statements to prove that you are capable of funding your trip.
- Medical reports that clearly describe your medical condition and why you need treatment.
- Recommendation from a certified hospital in your home country.
- Letter of invitation from a Saudi hospital.
How to Apply for a Medical Visa
The application process for a medical visa involves a few simple steps.
- Visit the embassy near you after checking the eligibility of your country.
- Fill out the application for the visa.
- Add the necessary documents that we listed out in the previous section.
- Pay the fee for the Saudi medical visa.
- Wait for a few days for approval. After it gets approved, collect your passport from the embassy.
It generally takes around 5 to 10 working days for processing. However, it can sometimes get delayed depending on the situation.
Choosing the Right Hospital in Saudi Arabia
The quality of your treatment majorly depends on the hospital that you are choosing. This is why all need to consider a few things before they apply for a Saudi medical visa.
Top Hospitals for International Patients
There are many hospitals in the country, which are great at offering effective treatment. However, there are a few that are more in dealing with international patients. Some of these include:
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
Situated in Riyadh and Jeddah, this is one of the best medical facilities in the country. Its centre in Riyadh was established in the 1970s by King Faisal himself. The medical facility is best known for its specialized treatments of oncology, neuroscience, cardiology, organ transplant, and others. Many individuals get a Saudi medical visa just to get treated at this medical facility.
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group
This medical centre was founded by Dr. Sulaiman Abdulaziz Al Habib in 1995. Ever since then, this centre has been an important part of Saudi Arabia’s medical industry. The company operates many medical facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, medical diagnostics, and others.
King Saud Medical City
This medical facility has been offering effective medical help to patients since 1956. The King Saud Medical City, situated in Riyadh, has a team of medical experts who use advanced skills and techniques in offering the best assistance to the patients.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Choosing the most suitable medical facility isn’t tough if you are aware of the considerations that you should consider. Some of the things that should be considered by you include:
- Specialization and expertise of the medical facility, and checking if it matches with your requirements.
- The ability of the medical centre to deal with international patients and offering them effective support.
- Location of the medical facility and how accessible it is from the accommodation hubs, airports, and other public places.
Feeling confident to get treated after applying for a Saudi medical visa?
Visiting Saudi Arabia to treat your health issues will be best if you are looking for effective treatments. The country has many medical facilities as a part of its medical system, all of which are excellent at treating medical issues of all kinds. For this, you will just be required to fill out the Saudi medical visa application and arrange all the documents required for the visit. This will be enough to guarantee your entry into the country.
However, if you still end up facing any confusions, then you will be required to check that with the Helpdesk.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, Turkish citizens, French citizens and Tajikistan Citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.