Health insurance is part of the entry-visa process for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. It provides emergency medical cover inside the Kingdom, but it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
Is Umrah Insurance Mandatory?
For travellers applying for an Umrah entry visa, the Council of Health Insurance says health insurance is mandatory and forms part of the visa. The cover is issued through a qualified Saudi insurer and uses a network of CHI-accredited healthcare providers.
The insurer is not always Tawuniya. Use the CHI insurance inquiry with your passport or visa number to check the issuing company, policy status and validity.
Booking online: Wego’s Umrah flow combines the Saudi eVisa application with flights, your hotel stay and optional transport. Packages are managed by licensed Umrah operators, and the visa remains subject to approval.
What the Mandatory Cover Includes
The current CHI Umrah policy is for emergency cases and has a maximum benefit limit of SAR 100,000. Coverage is subject to the policy schedule, conditions and approved provider network.
The published benefits include:
- Emergency examination, diagnosis, treatment and medicines
- Hospitalisation for covered emergency cases
- Emergency pregnancy and delivery care, subject to the policy limit
- Emergency dental treatment, subject to the policy limit
- Urgent renal dialysis and medical evacuation
- Treatment for traffic-accident injuries
- Repatriation of mortal remains, subject to the policy limit
The policy’s geographic scope is Saudi Arabia. Check the policy record and schedule for the exact start and end dates, rather than assuming the cover always lasts 90 days.
What the Policy Does Not Replace
The mandatory plan is emergency health cover. Its benefits schedule does not list broad trip cancellation, baggage, missed-connection or personal-liability benefits.
Do not assume routine treatment or care outside Saudi Arabia is covered. Ask the issuing insurer how the policy handles a pre-existing condition, medication, an out-of-network hospital or an ongoing treatment need.
Should You Buy Extra Travel Insurance?
Consider separate travel insurance if you need benefits beyond the mandatory Saudi policy. This may include cancellation, baggage, transit medical care or higher limits.
Before buying, read the full policy wording and check:
- Destination and activity: Saudi Arabia and Umrah or pilgrimage are covered
- Travel dates: transit days and any travel before or after Umrah are included
- Medical conditions: disclosed conditions and regular medicines are handled as expected
- Limits and excess: emergency medical, evacuation and cancellation limits suit your needs
- Assistance: the insurer provides a usable emergency contact number
Buy only from an insurer authorised in your home market. Hajj pilgrims should check the policy issued for their Hajj journey because its terms may differ.
How to Use the Cover
Check your insurer before travel through CHI’s online inquiry and save its contact details. Also keep your passport, visa and policy information available offline.
For a medical emergency, use the insurer’s approved provider network when possible. If immediate care is required, seek help first and contact the insurer as soon as practical. Claims, approvals and reimbursement depend on the policy terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Umrah visa without insurance?
The mandatory CHI health policy forms part of the Umrah entry visa, so applicants do not replace it with a separate policy from home.
How long does the mandatory cover last?
Use CHI’s insurance inquiry to check the dates attached to your own policy. The published Umrah policy does not support assuming that every traveller receives exactly 90 days of cover.
How do I find my insurer?
Enter the passport or visa number used for the policy in CHI’s visitor, tourist and Umrah insurance inquiry. The result shows the issuing insurer and policy details.
Sources
- Council of Health Insurance: Mandatory Health Insurance Policies
- Council of Health Insurance: Umrah Pilgrims’ Health Insurance Policy
- Council of Health Insurance: Visitor, Tourist and Umrah Insurance Inquiry
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
