Healthcare in Kuwait

Kuwait's healthcare system makes use of the latest technologies in the medical field. The country’s healthcare system has improved dramatically in the years following the oil explorations that brought wealth to its shores.

Kuwait's first attempts to introduce a modern healthcare system date back to the first years of the twentieth century. After the government had begun earning oil revenues, it started devising a free healthcare system offering services to the entire population, from the locals to expatriates and foreign nationals. Improvements in the available healthcare in the country have been dramatic, with life expectancy increasing ten years at the beginning of the 21st century, thus putting Kuwait at a level comparable to most industrialised countries.

Healthcare Coverage for Expats

Kuwaiti nationals are all entitled to free or subsidised health and medical services at all government-funded hospitals. Due to the growing number of expatriates in Kuwait, some local patients expressed their complaints whereas they need to endure a long wait time in public hospitals because of a large number of foreign nationals that also need to be accommodated. The local government has been considering setting a particular schedule for expats and prioritising Kuwaiti nationals over foreign patients.

Resident expats in Kuwait can use all public health facilities with a minimal fee. A payment of KWD$2.00 (USD$6.92) is required when visiting government hospitals for treatment while a visit to the clinic costs KWD$1.00 (USD$3.46). If you have a residency permit, you are eligible for free healthcare that enables you to use the state clinics, but health insurance is mandatory in Kuwait, and many expats still opt to get private health insurance as a contingent.

Visiting a Doctor

Kuwait has no waiting list as there is a high ratio of doctor to the patient due to the country's small population. Kuwait's doctors are high skilled and are mostly received their degrees in Europe, United States, India, Pakistan and Egypt. Expatriates who wish to see a doctor in public hospitals are required to present their medical card which will be issued once they provide their Civil ID card while registering at the nearest medical facility in their area of residence. Appointments to the doctors in the public sector are usually confirmed within 24 to 72 hours after the request has been placed. Those who have private insurance have the flexibility to choose their primary doctors and just simply walk into the clinic or hospital.

Hospitals in Kuwait

State clinics provide free primary health care and are located in all residential areas throughout Kuwait. Services include medical and dental care. These clinics are equipped to handle emergencies, as well as routine medical problems. The clinic has its doctor or general practitioner who will either provide treatment at the clinic or refer you to one of the general hospitals. The smaller clinics are open six days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the larger clinics (polyclinics) are open for emergencies until midnight, seven days a week. Kuwait is on par with the US and Western Europe in terms of healthcare facilities and medical care. Some of the top hospitals in the country are: