Women’s Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
Women’s healthcare in Saudi Arabia is often comparable to what is available in Western countries. In spite of the Kingdom’s stance on women’s rights, expat women should be able to anticipate and tackle most issues – once armed with the right information. This helpful guide outlines the most important information about women’s healthcare in Saudi Arabia for expats looking to live and work there.
The Healthcare System and Access
The Saudi government has invested heavily in its healthcare system, importing high-tech machines and highly skilled expat medical professionals. Although quality of care (and insurance) varies significantly, you can generally access healthcare on par with that in your home country. On the bright side, because Saudi Arabia hires extensively from outside the Kingdom, healthcare professionals mainly speak English; therefore, you shouldn’t have too many communication issues.
Women-focused healthcare services in Saudi Arabia can either be offered within stand-alone clinics or nestled within larger hospitals and centers. Generally, though, bigger public hospitals have larger budgets, and thus often offer some of the best care. However, one challenge facing Saudi Arabia is the chronic shortage of medical staff. With a rising population (which is living longer), Saudi Arabia needs 10,000 more doctors by 2020 to meet demand.
Challenges to Women's Health
The cultural segregation of Saudi Arabia affects health and healthcare in the Kingdom. Most women suffer from vitamin D deficiency because they have to hide their bodies from the sun. Exercise isn’t promoted widely (and it’s blazing hot) so the Kingdom is seeing a rise in diabetes, hypertension, and other inactivity-related illnesses. In addition, unfortunately, sometimes the rigidity of gender segregation can impact the speed of healthcare delivery if, for example, male paramedics can’t quickly access an all-female space.
Insurance and Regulations
Health insurance is now a requirement through expat job contracts. Depending on the insurance, certain aspects may or may not be covered (for example maternity costs), so it’s extremely important that you understand your insurance very well. Although public hospitals are only free for locals, they often have some of the most specialized care; they are available to expats, who need to pay the required fees.
Regarding specialized care, finding a gynecologist that you are comfortable with is important in any new country. In Saudi Arabia, you have to go through your insurance carrier and, because it’s dependent on your job contract, finalization can take weeks.
Life and Safety for Expat Women
Safety is a top concern for any woman relocating to a new country, and Saudi Arabia is generally considered safe for female expatriates, especially within the healthcare system. For many international nurses and expats, living in a residential compound is a highlight of their experience. Compounds are private, gated communities designed for expats, offering a more relaxed and familiar lifestyle compared to the cultural norms outside. Inside the compounds, you’ll find amenities like swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, and social spaces where men and women can interact freely without the restrictions of gender segregation.
Outside of these compounds, modesty is highly valued, and women are generally expected to adhere to conservative attire. Healthcare institutions often require women to wear uniforms that cover the arms and legs, ensuring they maintain a professional appearance. In some hospitals, nurses may also be expected to wear an abaya (a traditional long black robe) when entering or leaving the facility.
Key Healthcare Services for Women
The following table summarizes the scope of healthcare services available for women in the Kingdom:
| Service Category | Key Components |
|---|---|
| Reproductive Health | Gynecologists, Women’s contraception, Birth control, Fertility treatments |
| Maternity & Family | Maternity care services, Breastfeeding support |
| Preventative Screenings | Cancer screenings (Cervical, Breast, Ovarian) |
| Specialized Support | Women’s mental healthcare, Eating disorders services, Menopause care |
| General Wellness | Vitamin D deficiency treatment, Diabetes and Hypertension management |
Furthermore, women moving to Saudi Arabia must adjust to stringent rules governing everything from when they can go to the mall to whether or where they can drive. These rules, which are sometimes vague, can affect the kind, quality, and access that expats have to reproductive and general women’s healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is important to do your research and get some recommendations before choosing a provider.