In Saudi Arabia, caring for elderly parents at home is a deeply respected cultural value. Unlike Western countries where nursing homes are common, families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam strongly prefer solutions that allow seniors to remain in their own villa or expatriate compound, surrounded by family, dignity, and privacy.
Because of this, traditional nursing homes are rare in the Kingdom. Instead, senior care is delivered through Home Healthcare Services and Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Hospitals operating within licensed Medical Cities. The key challenge for many families—especially expatriates—is understanding how to access these services with insurance coverage rather than paying fully out of pocket.
Understanding Senior Care Options in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is structured differently from the US or Europe. There is no Medicare or Medicaid. Instead, care is financed through a combination of Private Health Insurance and Ministry of Health (MOH) Services.
Senior care generally falls into two insurance-relevant categories:
- Home Healthcare Services – Medical and nursing care delivered at home, including private live-in nurses.
- Rehabilitation Hospitals & Extended Care Centres – Short- to medium-term inpatient facilities focused on recovery and stabilisation.
Both must be licensed by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and high-quality providers are often accredited by CBAHI (Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions).
What Types of Home Care Are Usually Insurance Covered?
Insurance coverage in Saudi Arabia depends on your policy class and provider. Major insurers such as Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, and MedGulf generally cover medically necessary services rather than lifestyle-based care.
Home Nursing Visits
Most comprehensive policies cover scheduled nursing visits ordered by a physician. These visits may include:
- Medication administration and injections
- Wound care and post-surgical dressing
- Vital sign monitoring
- Catheter or IV care
Coverage is usually time-limited and requires pre-authorisation. Costs without insurance typically range from SAR 300–800 per visit.
Post-Hospital Discharge Home Care
After discharge from a Rehabilitation Hospital or Medical City, insurers often approve short-term home care to reduce readmission risk. This is one of the easiest pathways to insurance-covered home healthcare.
Coverage may include nursing visits and physiotherapy for a defined recovery period.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation at Home
Physiotherapy is commonly covered when prescribed for recovery from surgery, stroke, or injury. Sessions are typically approved in blocks (for example, 6–12 visits).
Without insurance, private sessions usually cost SAR 250–500 per visit.
What Is Usually NOT Fully Covered by Insurance?
Understanding exclusions is critical to avoiding unexpected bills.
Private Live-in Nurse
A private live-in nurse offers round-the-clock care in the home and is highly valued by families in Saudi Arabia. However, this service is usually considered custodial rather than medical.
Most insurers do not fully cover live-in care. Monthly costs typically range from SAR 18,000–30,000. Some premium plans may partially reimburse costs if the nurse performs documented medical duties.
Long-Term Non-Medical Care
Ongoing assistance with bathing, dressing, or companionship alone is rarely covered unless tied to a medical diagnosis and physician order.
Insurance Coverage for Rehabilitation Hospitals
Rehabilitation Hospitals and Extended Care Centres within Medical Cities are more likely to be covered than long-term home care.
Insurance often covers:
- Post-stroke rehabilitation
- Orthopaedic recovery after surgery
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Short-term inpatient stays
Length of stay is usually capped and reviewed regularly. Once the patient stabilises, insurers often recommend transition to home healthcare.
How MOH Services Fit In
For Saudi nationals, Ministry of Health (MOH) Services provide access to rehabilitation hospitals and some home healthcare programmes, particularly for complex or long-term conditions.
Expatriates generally rely on private insurance, but MOH facilities may still play a role in referrals and emergency care.
Step-by-Step: How to Secure Insurance-Covered Home Care
Step 1: Obtain a Physician Referral
Insurance coverage almost always requires a physician’s report. This report should clearly state:
- Medical diagnosis
- Justification for home care or rehabilitation
- Expected duration of treatment
Step 2: Confirm Provider Licensing
Ensure the home healthcare agency or rehabilitation hospital is licensed by the MOH and ideally accredited by CBAHI. Insurers may reject claims from unlicensed providers.
Step 3: Pre-Authorisation with Your Insurer
Submit the referral and treatment plan to your insurer (Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, or MedGulf). Pre-authorisation is essential before services begin.
Step 4: Review Co-Payments and Limits
Even when approved, policies may include co-payments or annual limits. Clarify:
- Number of covered visits
- Daily or per-visit caps
- Out-of-pocket responsibilities
Costs Without Insurance: What to Expect
When insurance does not apply, families should plan carefully. Typical private costs include:
- Home nursing visit: SAR 300–800
- Physiotherapy session: SAR 250–500
- Private live-in nurse: SAR 18,000–30,000 per month
- VIP rehabilitation programmes: Custom pricing based on duration and care intensity
Retirement income for Saudi nationals may come from GOSI Pension, while financial compliance and taxation matters fall under ZATCA.
Choosing the Right Provider in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam
When selecting a provider, families should prioritise:
- Experience working with your insurer
- Arabic and English-speaking clinical staff
- Clear emergency escalation pathways
- Proximity to Medical Cities and major hospitals
Request written care plans, cost estimates, and insurance coordination support before starting services.
Conclusion
Finding insurance-covered home care and rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia requires understanding both cultural norms and insurance rules. While long-term custodial care is often private pay, many medically necessary services—especially post-hospital care and rehabilitation—can be covered through insurers such as Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, and MedGulf.
By working with MOH-licensed providers, securing proper referrals, and confirming coverage in advance, families can ensure elderly loved ones receive professional care while remaining at home with dignity and family support.
FAQ
Is home healthcare commonly covered by insurance in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, when medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. Coverage depends on your policy level and insurer.
Are live-in nurses covered by Bupa or Tawuniya?
Usually not fully. Live-in care is often considered custodial, though partial reimbursement may apply in specific medical cases.
Can expatriates access MOH rehabilitation services?
Expatriates typically rely on private insurance, but MOH facilities may be involved through referrals or emergency care pathways.