Fully funded and invested in by the government, Kuwait's healthcare system is advanced and well-developed. There are many options for healthcare in Kuwait, ranging from public to private institutions. Kuwait also boasts a number of specialised facilities, most of which are deemed the leading in their respective fields in the MENA region.
Healthcare is accessible to all locals and residents in the country, with varying benefits between the two. Overall, though, everyone in Kuwait is eligible to receive the best in healthcare and medical services.
Health infrastructure in Kuwait
Kuwait's health infrastructure includes both public and private medical facilities. The public health sector is overseen by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and consists of a number of hospitals, polyclinics, and specialised centres. These public facilities offer a wide range of medical services, from general medicine to specialized treatments in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Polyclinics are detached from hospitals, but will still provide basic medical care, such as internal medicine and other consultations. You would not be able to receive major treatment or surgery at a polyclinic, and would likely be referred to a hospital in this case.
Hospitals in Kuwait
Al-Amiri Hospital
Al-Amiri Hospital was established in 1949 and was the first governmental hospital to open its doors in Kuwait. It is estimated that the hospital serves approximately 400,000 patients on a yearly basis. Al-Amiri Hospital offers a wide range of medical services and specialties, including pediatrics and internal medicine.
Al-Adan Hospital
Al-Adan Hospital was founded in 1983 with an intensive care unit that could only accommodate 10 beds. Today, this unit has expanded to hold 46 beds. The hospital has a wide range of clinical departments such as the surgical department, the dermatology department, and the dialysis centre, among others. Al-Adan Hospital also has several non-clinical departments.
Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital
Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital opened its doors in 1982 to serve the Hawalli Governorate, which consists of approximately 700,000 people. It is also a university hospital where many of the Kuwait University medical students complete their residencies. It is a general hospital that offers a range of services, including a surgery department, a pediatrics department, and a radiology department.
Good to know:
The government provides public healthcare free of charge to Kuwaiti nationals. Expats can also utilise these public health services at a reduced cost of 50 KWD per year through the Ministry of Health's insurance card.
Private hospitals in Kuwait
Private healthcare facilities also play an important role in the Kuwaiti healthcare system. Most people prefer getting treated at private facilities due to their faster service and added comfort and convenience.
Some prominent private hospitals include the New Mowasat Hospital, Dar Al Shifa Hospital, and Al Seef Hospital. The private sector is known for providing high-quality services, often employing expat healthcare professionals.
New Mowasat Hospital
The New Mowasat Hospital is one of Kuwait's first private hospitals, established in 1965. The hospital is one of the leading private medical providers in the country and has a wide range of medical departments, including:
- Critical Care
- Diabetes & Endocrinology Centre
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dar Al Shifa Hospital
Dar Al Shifa Hospital was established in 1963 as the first private hospital in Kuwait. It originally opened its doors as a maternity hospital but has since expanded its medical services to include cardiology, IVF and reproductive medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology, among others.
Al Seef Hospital
Al Seef Hospital is one of the newer private hospitals, opening its doors in 2009. A subsidiary of the United Medical Services Company, a company aimed at investing in the healthcare sector in Kuwait and the region, it continues to grow to provide a wide range of medical and health services. Some of these are dermatology, dentistry, obstetrics and gynecology.
Good to know:
As part of Kuwait Vision 2035, Kuwait has begun implementing expat-only hospitals and clinics, which are available to expats with current health insurance coverage. This has already entered the operating stage and is serving expats in Kuwait.
Specialized healthcare in Kuwait
Kuwait is very well known in the region for making significant strides in developing specialized healthcare services. The country has invested significantly in developing specialized centers and departments within its public and private hospitals to cater to complex medical needs. The Dasman Diabetes Institute is a prime example, focusing on research, prevention, and treatment of diabetes, which is prevalent in the region. The Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) provides comprehensive cancer care, including advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Additionally, there are specialized centers for heart diseases, organ transplantation, and rehabilitation, reflecting the country's commitment to addressing complex health issues.
Additionally, Kuwait collaborates with international medical institutions to ensure the latest advancements and best practices are integrated into its healthcare system. These partnerships enhance the training of local medical professionals and the quality of patient care.
Kuwait Cancer Control Center
Deemed the best and largest cancer treatment center in the MENA region, the Kuwait Cancer Control Center first opened its doors in 1968. It is a governmental center affiliated with the Ministry of Health, and it provides free treatment for locals and significantly reduces costs for expat residents.
The center consists of six buildings: the Hussain Makki Juma Building for specialized surgery, the Sheikha Badriya Al Sabah Medical Oncology Building, the Faisal Sultan Ibn Issa Diagnostic Imaging Building, the Behbehani Building for hematology and stem cell transplantation, the Radiotherapy Building, and the Palliative Care Centre.
The center currently treats over 3,000 new cancer patients every year and provides services such as prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. The centers are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Dasman Diabetes Institute
The Dasman Diabetes Institute was established in 2006 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait, and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) to combat the prevalence of diabetes in Kuwait.
Dasman Diabetes Institute offers medical services to prevent and treat diabetes and nutritional services for its management. It also houses a research sector that is directed towards transforming scientific discoveries into clinically applicable models to reduce the incidence and impact of diabetes and its complications.
Health insurance in Kuwait
If you're moving to Kuwait for work, you'll find that most companies provide health insurance as a part of the salary package. This insurance includes access to government healthcare as well as private health insurance, which can be used in private hospitals and practices. If included in your salary package, your employer will provide you with your card and information on which clinics and hospitals are included in your coverage.
If insurance is not part of your package, your employer can provide you with a list of the companies available for you to choose from. There are various health insurance companies in Kuwait, and many of these packages also extend coverage to include the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area.
You can choose from a number of international insurance companies in Kuwait, depending on your needs and budget. Some of the leading international insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and getting a free quote on Expat.com's Expat Health Insurance in Kuwait page.
Standard of healthcare in Kuwait
Healthcare in Kuwait is regarded as being of a high standard. Most healthcare providers in Kuwait are Western-trained, and many physicians are expats themselves who have trained in their home countries. You'll find that all healthcare providers speak English, and some will also speak Arabic. Depending on where the provider is from, they may also speak their own language. Unlike in the United States, most referrals from a primary care doctor are not necessary here. Primary care physicians and family doctors are rare in Kuwait, but some are available. Most private providers are specialized, and you can freely make appointments with a specialist in your desired area as long as they are within your insurance plan.
Medications and prescriptions in Kuwait
Pharmacies are readily available in every area of Kuwait. Medication prices are regulated by the Ministry of Health, so prices should not vary between pharmacies. Most over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and cold medicine, can only be purchased from a pharmacy. You cannot buy them from the grocery store or convenience store. Most medications available in Western countries are available in Kuwait.
Good to know:
Some medicines derived from porcine sources cannot be brought into Kuwait, as all porcine products are illegal. Sleeping pills and certain narcotics are also banned in Kuwait. If needed, these could be purchased outside of Kuwait and brought in with a proper prescription.
Additionally, some drugs are only available from the government hospitals. If your private care physician recommends a drug only available from the government, they will provide you with the necessary paperwork and referral. You will take this to the state hospital, and the information will be reviewed by a physician there. If they agree with the private care physician's assessment, they will issue the medication. You will have to return to the hospital for all necessary refills.
Vaccinations, particularly travel vaccinations, are only available within the government health system. Not all vaccinations available in Western countries are readily available in Kuwait due to difficulty maintaining appropriate temperatures during shipment.
Medical exams required for residency visas in Kuwait
Anyone moving to Kuwait must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are free from infectious diseases and other health conditions that could pose a public health risk. This examination is typically conducted before moving to Kuwait at approved medical centers. Results are submitted as part of the visa application. Tests are conducted for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, filariasis, and chest X-rays for tuberculosis. Applicants may be refused a visa if they are deemed unfit.
Having a baby in Kuwait
One of the most important things to consider when having a baby in Kuwait is that you will need a valid marriage certificate. Without one, you will not be able to obtain a birth certificate for your child and may experience legal difficulties such as imprisonment or deportation.
The cost of giving birth in Kuwait for expats is 100 KWD for a natural birth and 150 KWD for a C-section. This does not include the hospital stay, which is 50 KWD per night for a regular room and 100 KWD per night for a private room. These are generally covered by insurance, but it's always good to check that your plan includes maternity benefits.
Once your child is born, you will need to obtain a birth certificate by submitting the following documents to the Central Record for Birth and Death Department of the Ministry of Health:
- Original passports of the husband and wife and a copy of each;
- Original marriage contract and a copy, in case the contract is a Kuwaiti one;
- If the marriage contract is not issued in Kuwait, it must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy of the state where the contract was issued;
- Copy of the civil IDs of the husband and wife;
- Authorization letter or special power of attorney indicating the child's name in case the father is outside Kuwait.
Dealing with accidents and health emergencies in Kuwait
In case of any accident or health emergency during your stay in Kuwait, you should immediately call 112 for assistance. This number connects you to the police, ambulance, and fire departments.
The country is well equipped to respond to emergency situations, with 24/7 emergency rooms available in almost all the major hospitals (both public and private).
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