Residents » Documents » Health Card

Prior to a residence permit being issued or renewed, every expat is obliged to pay a government health insurance premium in return for a health card (the sponsoring company will usually complete this process). The cost of KD 50 (KD 40 for a spouse and KD 30 per child) is met by the sponsoring company, which is obliged to pay by law. Possession of this health card will ensure that you are able to receive medical treatment at any government hospital or clinic, on payment of KD 2 per visit, and be exempt from paying the daily in-patient charges. Free treatment includes x-rays, operations, laboratory tests and medicines; however, payment is required for specialised tests including MRI and CT scans. Nevertheless the costs are still heavily subsidised.

On receipt of a Civil ID card an expat must visit the governorate (municipality) building in their area, or an immigration office, to obtain a health card. These cards, which are issued on the spot, contain a person’s medical history. Application requirements are:

• Two 30 x 40mm colour photographs

• Original Civil ID

• KD 1