Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia scores 68.8 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2024, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 76.5 years. The country runs a Universal (government-funded, near-universal coverage) and spends 6.10% of GDP on health services.

GP / doctor visits in Saudi Arabia are free for residents covered by the public health system (95.0% of the population). Private consultations typically cost more. A hospital stay averages $400 USD per day.

95.0% of the Saudi Arabia population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 6.10% of GDP on healthcare.

Average private health insurance in Saudi Arabia costs approximately $150 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

Saudi Arabia operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily by the government, providing coverage to 95.0% of the population. This is typically financed through taxation or mandatory social insurance contributions.

Saudi Arabia has 2.8 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 2.70 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 76.5 years in 2024, compared to the Middle East average of 78.4 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

The infant mortality rate in Saudi Arabia is 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a moderate rate reflecting ongoing improvements in maternal and newborn care.

Saudi Arabia ranks 4 out of 9 Middle East countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 68.8/100 is +3.7pp above the Middle East average of 65.1/100. Life expectancy is -1.9 years versus the regional average.

Expats who obtain legal residency in Saudi Arabia generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.

Saudi Arabia is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

A hospital stay in Saudi Arabia costs approximately $400 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Saudi Arabia's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 66.3/100 to 68.8/100. Life expectancy also rose from 75.8 to 76.5 years over the same period.

Saudi Arabia has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 2.70 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.