In Saudi Arabia, caring for elderly parents at home is not only a practical choice but a deeply rooted cultural value. Families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam strongly prefer solutions that allow seniors to remain in their own villa or expatriate compound, surrounded by family, privacy, and dignity.
Unlike Western countries where nursing homes are common, such facilities are rare and culturally less accepted in the Kingdom. As a result, senior care in Saudi Arabia is centred on Home Healthcare Services and Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Hospitals within licensed Medical Cities. Understanding the real costs of these services in 2026 is essential for families planning long-term care.
How Senior Home Care Works in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia does not operate under Medicare or Medicaid systems. Instead, senior care costs are covered through a combination of Private Insurance (such as Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, or MedGulf), Ministry of Health (MOH) Services, and private out-of-pocket payments.
All legitimate providers must be licensed by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and high-quality agencies or rehabilitation hospitals are often accredited by CBAHI (Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions).
Key Factors That Influence Home Nursing Costs
Home nursing costs in Saudi Arabia vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these variables helps families budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
- City & Location – Riyadh and Jeddah generally have higher rates than smaller cities.
- Level of Care Required – Basic nursing visits cost less than skilled or specialised medical care.
- Hours of Care – Hourly, daily, or full-time live-in arrangements.
- Agency vs Private Nurse – Agencies include management and compliance fees.
- Medical Complexity – Dementia, wound care, or post-stroke rehabilitation increases costs.
Average Home Nursing Costs in Saudi Arabia (2026)
Below are realistic cost ranges for home healthcare services in Saudi Arabia in 2026. These figures reflect premium, MOH-licensed providers commonly used by expatriate and high-income Saudi families.
Hourly Home Nursing Visits
Hourly nursing visits are ideal for medication administration, wound care, injections, or post-surgical monitoring.
- Basic nursing visit: SAR 300 – 500 per hour
- Skilled nursing (IV, wound care): SAR 450 – 750 per hour
These services are often partially covered by private insurance when prescribed by a physician.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation at Home
Home physiotherapy is commonly used after orthopaedic surgery or stroke.
- Physiotherapy session: SAR 250 – 500 per visit
Insurance providers such as Bupa Arabia or Tawuniya may approve a limited number of sessions with pre-authorisation.
Private Live-in Nurse (24/7 Care)
A private live-in nurse provides round-the-clock care within the patient’s home. This is one of the most sought-after options in Saudi Arabia because it allows seniors to remain with family.
- Monthly cost: SAR 18,000 – 30,000
Live-in care is usually not fully covered by insurance, as it is often classified as custodial rather than strictly medical.
Agency Fees vs Hiring a Private Nurse
Using a Licensed Home Healthcare Agency
Agencies provide trained, vetted nurses and handle compliance with MOH regulations.
What agency fees typically include:
- Nurse recruitment and credential verification
- MOH licensing compliance
- Scheduling and replacement cover
- Clinical supervision
Agency services usually cost 20–40% more than hiring independently but offer greater reliability and legal protection.
Hiring a Private Nurse Directly
Some families choose to hire a private nurse directly, especially for live-in care.
Important considerations:
- Visa sponsorship and legal compliance
- Verification of nursing credentials
- Backup coverage during leave or illness
While potentially cheaper, this approach carries higher legal and clinical risks if not managed carefully.
Costs of Rehabilitation Hospitals & Extended Care Centres
Rehabilitation Hospitals within Medical Cities are commonly used for short- to medium-term recovery after surgery, stroke, or serious illness.
Insurance coverage is more common for these facilities compared to long-term home care.
- Inpatient rehabilitation: Often covered by private insurance for limited durations
- Length of stay: Typically capped and reviewed regularly
Once the patient stabilises, insurers usually recommend a transition back to home healthcare.
Insurance Coverage: What Is Usually Paid For?
Commonly Covered Services
- Post-hospital discharge home nursing
- Short-term physiotherapy
- Skilled nursing procedures ordered by a physician
Commonly Excluded or Limited Services
- Long-term private live-in nurse care
- Non-medical companionship
- Indefinite daily nursing without medical justification
Saudi nationals may also access certain services through MOH Services. Retirement income may be supported by GOSI Pension, while taxation and compliance matters fall under ZATCA.
Sample Monthly Cost Scenarios (2026)
- 2 nursing visits/day: SAR 18,000 – 25,000
- Daily physiotherapy + nursing: SAR 20,000 – 28,000
- Private live-in nurse: SAR 18,000 – 30,000
- Mixed rehab + home care plan: Custom pricing
How to Budget for Home Nursing in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Assess Medical Needs
Determine whether care is medical (nursing, rehabilitation) or supportive (mobility assistance).
Step 2: Confirm Insurance Coverage
Contact your insurer to clarify coverage limits, co-payments, and pre-authorisation requirements.
Step 3: Choose MOH-Licensed Providers
Always verify MOH licensing and, ideally, CBAHI accreditation.
Step 4: Plan for Long-Term Costs
Families should plan for annual cost increases of 3–6%, particularly for long-term care.
Pros and Cons of Home Nursing in Saudi Arabia
Advantages
- Allows seniors to remain with family
- Personalised one-on-one care
- Lower infection risk than institutional settings
- Flexible care schedules
Disadvantages
- Higher cumulative cost for 24/7 care
- Limited insurance coverage for long-term care
- Requires active family coordination
Conclusion
Home nursing costs in Saudi Arabia in 2026 vary based on care intensity, location, and provider type. While hourly nursing and rehabilitation services may be partially covered by private insurance, long-term private live-in care is usually funded privately.
By choosing MOH-licensed providers, understanding insurance limitations, and planning budgets carefully, families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam can ensure elderly loved ones receive professional, dignified care while remaining at home with family support.
FAQ
How much does home nursing cost in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
Hourly nursing typically ranges from SAR 300–750, while private live-in nurses cost approximately SAR 18,000–30,000 per month.
Is home nursing covered by insurance?
Medically necessary services prescribed by a physician may be covered by private insurance, but long-term live-in care is usually private pay.
Are rehabilitation hospitals cheaper than home care?
Rehabilitation hospitals may be covered by insurance for short stays, but long-term care is usually transitioned back to home healthcare.