When the medical care and insurance package for expatriates launches in 2023, domestic and outbound medical travel from Kuwait is likely to fall.
The project for expatriates is part of Kuwait Vision 2035.
The Health Insurance Hospitals Company (Dhaman) is expected to open at the end of 2022. It has already opened four health centres and the fifth is expected to open in November.
Dhaman is keen on expanding facilities within the first five years, such as increasing the number of health centres from five to 15, as a study has proven that five centres are not enough to serve the expatriates.
The transfer of covered expatriates from the government sector to the company’s centres and hospitals will be done gradually. Healthcare will be paid for by a new compulsory insurance just for expatriates.
In practice, the process of transferring expatriates to Dhaman may take two years. Once fully operational, expatriates will only be allowed to be treated at their health centres and cannot choose private healthcare.
The compulsory health insurance does not cover treatment in state hospitals, private hospitals or oversees.
The introduction of compulsory health insurance and health centres only for the 2 million expats is likely to reduce outbound medical tourism from the country.
©2024 All rights reserved LaingBuisson 
