As millions of Muslim believers prepare for pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah, authorities Saudi Arabia Healthcare coverage for pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom is being enhanced. The aim is to ensure that pilgrims can conduct their spiritual journey with confidence, safety and medical protection even if they face emergencies or unexpected health needs during their stay.
- Who is it suitable for: Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia.
- period: Emergency health coverage for up to 90 days.
- What’s covered: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, emergencies, including
ACCIDENT Nursing and basic medical services during your stay. - Why it’s important: Ensuring the safety and security of millions of pilgrims participating in Hajj/Umrah.
What’s new in Saudi Arabia pilgrimage Health Insurance Policy Offers
Overseas Pilgrims’ Health Insurance reportedly provides emergency health coverage for up to 90 days, including:
- Emergency medical care and examinations
- Necessary hospitalization and medication
- Emergency and traffic accident injury protection
- Emergency interventions for situations such as Covid-19 (when needed)
The program is specifically targeted at visitors holding a pilgrimage visa, rather than residents or citizens, providing a basic safety net for emergency medical care while they are in the Kingdom. Such policies typically cover emergency and critical care needs, rather than comprehensive long-term medical care, and are valid for the duration of the pilgrim’s stay, subject to the terms of the visa.
Why Saudi Arabia’s new pilgrim health insurance policy matters: Background on related developments
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen health protections for foreign pilgrims are consistent with its broader healthcare and pilgrimage support strategy:
- Pilgrim Insurance has a long history – Previously, the Saudi authorities implemented a comprehensive insurance package for foreign pilgrims, covering a wide range of medical and emergency services, sometimes with a maximum coverage limit of SAR 100,000, including hospitalization and medical evacuation if necessary.
- Digital and Structural Health Support – Separate initiatives, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) collaboration on digital health tools, aim to improve medical support and safety for pilgrims through digital health certification and information sharing.
- Emergency Medical Services – Saudi Arabia’s 937 unified health call center provides multi-lingual, round-the-clock medical support to pilgrims during large gatherings such as the Hajj, helping them quickly receive care and medical guidance.
- Pre-departure health requirements – In addition to insurance, authorities have also introduced mandatory medical certificates and health checks (for chronic diseases, etc.) as part of the Hajj visa process to safeguard the well-being of pilgrims.
What Saudi Arabia’s new pilgrim health insurance policy means for pilgrims
If you are planning to perform Hajj or Umrah in 2026 or later, please keep the following points in mind –
- Insurance is tied to your visa: Pilgrim Health Insurance is activated once your visa is issued and is valid for the duration of your stay.
- Urgent needs take priority: The policy typically covers acute and emergency care rather than routine checkups or elective care
treat . - 90-day coverage window: Pilgrims enjoy protection for up to 90 days during their stay, which covers most pilgrimage itineraries.
The policy reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under Vision 2030 to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of healthcare services for visitors, especially during large religious gatherings where rapid medical response is critical.
