Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Kuwait
- Mandatory health insurance through AFYA system—KWD 50 ($165) annual fee for public healthcare access.
- Kuwait's MOH public hospitals are excellent—among the best in the Gulf region.
- Private hospitals (Dar Al Shifa, Al Salam, Royale Hayat) cost KWD 25-60 ($80-200) per consultation.
- Work visa is employer-sponsored (kafala)—employers must provide compliant health coverage.
- International plans ($150-350/month) recommended for repatriation coverage and treatment abroad.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Kuwait?
Kuwait mandates health insurance for all expats through the AFYA (formerly DHAMAN) system. The annual fee of KWD 50 ($165) provides access to government health centers and subsidized treatment at public hospitals. Employers are responsible for ensuring work visa holders have compliant coverage. While AFYA covers basic care, many expats supplement with international insurance for faster private hospital access and treatment abroad for complex conditions.
Insurance is required for:
- All expat residents—AFYA registration is mandatory
- Work visa holders—employer must provide compliant coverage under kafala system
- Expats wanting private hospital access without AFYA queues
- Those needing specialist care unavailable locally (organ transplants, rare conditions)
- Families with children—pediatric specialist access is limited in public system
Public vs Private Healthcare in Kuwait
Public Healthcare
Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Access: Kuwaiti citizens free; expats via AFYA system (KWD 50/year)
- Cost: KWD 1-5 ($3-16) per consultation with AFYA card; higher without
Kuwait's public hospitals are modern and well-equipped—Al Sabah, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra Hospital are major facilities. Quality of care is high, but wait times can be long for non-emergency specialist appointments. Expats must register in the AFYA system and obtain a health card. Emergency care is available to everyone regardless of insurance status.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: KWD 25-60 ($80-200)/consultation; KWD 400-1,000 ($1,300-3,300)/night hospitalization
Leading private hospitals include Dar Al Shifa Hospital, Al Salam International Hospital, Royale Hayat Hospital, and Hadi Hospital. These offer shorter waits, English-speaking staff, and modern facilities. For complex procedures (organ transplants, advanced cancer treatment), patients typically travel to Dubai, Germany, the UK, or the US.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Kuwait. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Kuwait
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Kuwait
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Kuwait
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- AFYA registration is mandatory—penalties apply for non-compliance, and it's required for residence permit renewal.
- Summer temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F)—heat-related illnesses are common; ensure your plan covers these.
- Kafala system ties your visa to your employer—changing jobs requires new visa and insurance arrangements.
- Specialist availability is limited for rare conditions—budget for treatment abroad.
- Pre-existing conditions face 12-24 month waiting periods with international insurers; AFYA covers them immediately but with longer waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFYA system in Kuwait?
AFYA is Kuwait's mandatory health insurance system for expats. For KWD 50 ($165) per year, expats gain access to government health centers and subsidized treatment at MOH public hospitals. Registration is required for residence permit issuance and renewal. The card must be presented at healthcare facilities to receive subsidized rates.
How good is Kuwait's public healthcare?
Kuwait's public hospitals are among the best in the Gulf region—well-funded by oil revenues with modern equipment and qualified staff. Major facilities like Al Sabah Hospital, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, and Chest Diseases Hospital provide excellent care. The main drawbacks are wait times for non-emergency specialist appointments and bureaucratic processes for expats.
Do I need private insurance in Kuwait?
The mandatory AFYA system provides basic coverage, but many expats supplement with international insurance. Reasons include: faster access to private hospitals, direct billing (no reimbursement claims), coverage for treatment abroad, medical evacuation, and access to Western-trained specialists at private facilities. Expect to pay $150-350/month for comprehensive international coverage.
What does employer-provided insurance cover in Kuwait?
Under the kafala system, employers must provide health insurance meeting minimum MOH standards. Coverage typically includes AFYA registration, basic medical treatment, and emergency care. Quality varies significantly—some employers provide comprehensive private hospital coverage, while others offer only the mandatory minimum. Review your employment contract carefully.
Can I access healthcare during Kuwait's extreme summer heat?
Yes, but heat-related illnesses are common when temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F). Public and private facilities are well-equipped to handle heat stroke, dehydration, and related conditions. Ensure your insurance explicitly covers heat-related emergencies. Many expats leave Kuwait during June-August; verify your plan covers you in your destination country.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.