Expatriates in Kuwait must pay KD 100 per person each year for mandatory Ministry of Health public health insurance. The fee, reportedly raised from KD 50 in December 2025, is tied to residence permits, so an unpaid policy can create problems when a visa is issued or renewed. The change, effective December 23, 2025, applies to work residencies, dependents, and several other residence types.
For workers and families, the bigger question is what the mandatory fee actually covers. Public insurance gives access to government clinics and hospitals, but it does not automatically cover private hospitals, routine dental care, or every diagnostic test and procedure.
Who Pays What
But many workers may not realize that private-sector employers are not legally required to provide comprehensive private health insurance for general expat employees. That can leave workers paying out of pocket for private hospitals, dental care, or faster access to specialists.
- The expatriate or sponsor pays the mandatory annual MOH public insurance fee of KD 100 per person.
- Dependents need separate coverage, with each spouse or child billed individually.
- Domestic workers under Article 20 are listed at KD 5 annually
- Private employers are not legally required to buy comprehensive private health insurance for general expat staff.
- Employers must cover work-related injuries, occupational sickness, and basic first aid or medical services arising from work.
The Ministry of Health lists health insurance among its official e-services and provides information and appointments related to expatriate medical services.
What Public Cover Includes
The mandatory MOH plan gives expatriates access to designated public clinics and government hospitals. It does not automatically mean free treatment at every facility or for every service.
- Public coverage applies to government clinics and hospitals.
- Some diagnostic services, including X-rays or radiology, and surgeries may still involve out-of-pocket charges.
- Routine dental care is largely excluded from basic public coverage.
- Private hospitals are not covered unless the worker has separate private insurance.
- Private facilities mentioned in the source include Dar Al Shifa, Royale Hayat, and Al Seef Hospital.
Work Injuries Are Different
A work injury or occupational illness is not treated the same way as ordinary illness. Under the labour-law provisions, the employer must cover the full cost of treatment, including medication, transport, and the treatment plan prescribed by the attending physician.
- Workers receive full pay during treatment for up to six months.
- After six months, they are entitled to 50% of salary until recovery.
- Employers must provide a safe workplace, first aid, and work-related medical services.
- These rights exist separately from any optional private insurance benefit.
Sick Leave Pay
Workers must inform their employer before taking sick leave. Kuwait’s labour law sets a declining pay schedule over 75 days.
- First 15 days: 100% of regular pay.
- Next 10 days: 75%.
- Following 10 days: 50%.
- Next 10 days: 25%.
- Final 30 days: no pay.
- Sick leave cannot be deducted from annual leave.
If Your Employer Refuses Private Cover
Start with the employment contract. If private medical insurance was promised as part of the package, workers can raise the issue with HR or file a formal complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower or the local labour office.
- Confirm the mandatory KD 100 MOH fee has been paid through the official portal, employer, or sponsor to avoid residency-renewal problems.
- For a work injury or occupational illness, rely on the employer’s legal obligation to cover treatment.
- If private insurance was not promised, workers may buy an individual local or international policy.
- Basic private hospitalization coverage may start at about US$1,300 annually, though premiums vary by age, coverage, insurer, and medical history.
Why Private Cover Matters
Public insurance may be enough for basic government care, but it does not guarantee fast appointments, private-hospital access, dental treatment, or broader specialist coverage. Private insurance can fill those gaps, especially for workers with children, chronic conditions, or frequent medical needs.
Before buying a policy, workers should check pre-existing condition rules, deductibles, direct billing, maternity and dental benefits, and whether the plan remains valid if they move to another country.
What Workers Should Do
The KD 100 fee is mandatory, but it is not the same as full private health coverage. Workers should confirm who is paying it, keep the receipt, ensure the policy dates match their residency period, and read their contract before assuming their employer will provide private insurance.
For work-related injuries, the employer’s responsibility is clear. For everyday private care, the cost may fall on the worker.