Healthcare Status In Bahrain: Understanding 'A' Rating

Bahrain has a universal healthcare system, with government-provided healthcare available to all citizens free of charge. Non-Bahrainis can also access subsidised healthcare. However, expats moving to Bahrain for work often have questions about their healthcare status, which is designated as either 'A' or 'B' on their visa. A status of 'A' means that the expat is covered by a new medical insurance plan, while a status of 'B' means that they are not. This affects the fees that expats will have to pay for healthcare services.

'A' status means you are covered by a new medical insurance plan

Understanding Bahrain's Health Care Status

Healthcare in Bahrain is provided by the government and is free for citizens. For non-citizens, it is subsidised, and employers are required to contribute on their behalf.

In Bahrain, there are two categories of Health Care Status: A and B. If your status is 'A', it means you are covered by a new medical insurance plan. This indicates that you have medical insurance with the Ministry of Health.

Bahrain's Health Insurance System

The Health Insurance Law, which came into force in 2018, established the National Health Regulatory Authority, which includes a dedicated health insurance fund. This fund is to be run by an elected Board of Directors, and insurance contributions are collected by healthcare providers.

Benefits of Health Care Status 'A'

With Health Care Status 'A', you are covered by a new medical insurance plan, which offers several benefits. This includes access to a range of healthcare services at public hospitals, with a 60% subsidy if you choose private clinics or hospitals.

Differences in Healthcare for Expats and Nationals

It is important to note that the Bahraini public health insurance system affects expats and nationals differently. While the government takes care of contributions for citizens, employers are mandated to contribute on behalf of their expatriate employees.

Mandatory Health Insurance in Bahrain

The Social Health Insurance Fund Authority (SHIFA) is Bahrain's health insurance system, primarily funded by the government. Under SHIFA, Bahraini nationals are provided free access to specific healthcare services at public hospitals.

Importance of Understanding Your Health Care Status

Understanding your health care status in Bahrain is crucial, especially if you are an expatriate. While the country offers excellent healthcare facilities, both public and private, it is essential to know your coverage and any gaps in your insurance plan.

Additional Health Coverage Options for Expats

As an expat, you have two main options for additional health coverage: expatriate health insurance or local Bahrain private health insurance. While both policies offer similar coverage, local health insurance typically does not cover healthcare costs in other countries, and the chances of medical evacuation and repatriation charges being covered are also low.

In conclusion, Health Care Status 'A' in Bahrain indicates that you are covered by a new medical insurance plan and have access to a range of healthcare services. This status offers several benefits and ensures that your healthcare costs are covered by the government or your employer. Understanding your health care status is essential, especially for expatriates, to ensure you have adequate coverage and are aware of any gaps in your insurance plan.

'B' status means you do not have medical insurance

In Bahrain, a healthcare status of B means that you do not have medical insurance with the Ministry of Health. This means that you will have to pay for your own healthcare costs, which can be expensive.

The healthcare status is indicated on the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) website, and it is important to understand what this status means for your healthcare coverage and costs. If you are an expatriate worker in Bahrain, your employer is required to pay an annual fee of BD72 per expatriate worker for government-provided medical services. This fee is paid during the renewal process of the company's commercial registration. However, if your employer does not provide health insurance, you will be responsible for covering your own medical expenses.

It is important to note that even with health insurance, you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare. Basic healthcare is provided to all residents in Bahrain, but additional or more specialised care may incur extra costs. It is recommended that you clarify with your employer what is covered under your health insurance plan and consider purchasing additional insurance if needed.

Additionally, when visiting a healthcare centre or hospital in Bahrain, you may be charged a consultation fee of BD7 per visit if you do not have medical insurance. This fee is exempted for government employees, their families, and expatriates covered by the workers' primary healthcare scheme.

In summary, a healthcare status of B in Bahrain indicates a lack of medical insurance coverage through the Ministry of Health, which can result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare. It is important to understand your coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if needed to ensure you have access to necessary medical care.

Basic healthcare is provided to all residents

Healthcare for Bahraini Citizens

For Bahraini citizens, the government provides free access to certain healthcare services at public hospitals. If citizens opt for private clinics or hospitals, they receive a 60% subsidy.

Healthcare for Expats in Bahrain

For expats, employers are required to contribute to their healthcare coverage. This mandatory package includes primary and emergency healthcare and is available on a cost-shared basis with a cap on spending. Expats are also required to undergo a health check-up in their home country and another one upon arrival in Bahrain.

Additional Healthcare Coverage

Expats can cover any gaps in their public health insurance with private health insurance. When choosing an insurance policy, it is important to carefully compare the different options and analyze the premiums, as well as the network of hospitals and clinics included.

Benefits of Expat Health Insurance

Expat health insurance is often preferred over local private health insurance as it provides more comprehensive coverage. Expat insurance covers healthcare costs in other countries and is more likely to include medical evacuation and repatriation charges.

Common Health Concerns in Bahrain

Expats in Bahrain should ensure their health insurance covers common ailments such as sunburns, heat strokes, dehydration, and respiratory issues due to the extreme temperatures and dust and sand from the island.

Foreign visitors are covered for emergency healthcare

Foreign visitors to Bahrain are covered for emergency healthcare. This is part of the country's mandatory health insurance policy, which applies to all citizens, residents, and visitors.

The Bahraini government has implemented a universal health insurance policy, which affects expats and nationals differently. While the government takes care of contributions for nationals, employers are required to contribute on behalf of their expat employees. This mandatory package includes primary and emergency healthcare, but it is available on a cost-shared basis and has a cap on spending.

Foreign visitors to Bahrain are required to pay health insurance premiums to cover emergency cases and injuries resulting from accidents. The Supreme Council of Health determines the mandatory health package for visitors, specifying the range of health benefits provided, which are limited to emergency cases and injuries resulting from accidents.

The cost of visas for foreign visitors will increase to cover emergency healthcare. However, it is important to note that the mandatory health insurance policy does not cover all healthcare costs for foreign visitors. It is advised to invest in additional health insurance to cover any potential gaps in coverage.

The Bahraini healthcare system has continuously ranked highly among developed nations, with both public and private healthcare facilities meeting world standards. Compulsory health check-ups are required before entering the country and shortly after arrival to ensure visitors do not bring any infections with them.

Understanding the Bahraini Healthcare System

The Social Health Insurance Fund Authority (SHIFA) is Bahrain's health insurance system, primarily funded by the government. Under SHIFA, Bahraini nationals receive free access to certain healthcare services at public hospitals. If they choose private clinics or hospitals, a 60% subsidy will be offered.

The mandatory health insurance policy for expats and foreign visitors is more limited in its benefits. While primary and emergency healthcare are included, there is a cap on spending, and costs are shared between the employer and the employee.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, it is recommended that expats and foreign visitors invest in additional health insurance to cover any potential gaps. This additional coverage can be in the form of expat health insurance or local private health insurance, although it is important to note that local health insurance typically does not cover healthcare costs in other countries.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Policy

When choosing a health insurance policy in Bahrain, it is important to carefully compare the different options available. While many policies may appear similar at first glance, it is crucial to understand the specific benefits and limitations of each. Analyzing the network of hospitals and clinics attached to each policy provider is essential, as this will determine where you can receive treatment and what facilities are capable of providing.

Additionally, consider the premiums and what they cover. Investing in expatriate health insurance is not a cost-saving technique but rather a provision for future contingencies. While a policy with a lower premium may be attractive, keep in mind that this often translates to lower coverage. Carefully compare different policies to find the one that best suits your needs.

Common Health Concerns in Bahrain

Due to extreme temperatures, sunburns, heat strokes, and dehydration are common ailments among expats in Bahrain. The rapid construction work and dust and sand from the island can also contribute to respiratory ailments. If you have existing asthma or respiratory issues, ensure that your health insurance policy covers these conditions.

No matter which expat health insurance plan you choose, make sure it covers all your potential health risks.

Bahrain has a universal health insurance policy

The universal health coverage scheme gives patients the freedom to select their caregiver of choice. This pragmatic approach to healthcare is funded by a health insurance fund that receives its capital from citizen allocations and annual subscriptions paid by or on behalf of foreigners. Military personnel and diplomats are covered by their respective employers.

The Health Insurance Fund is governed by the Chairman, Ministers of Health, Finance, Labour and five elected members chosen by the Supreme Council for Health. The board members are responsible for financing health benefits for subscribers to the proposed health insurance scheme. The Fund's responsibilities include contracting with health service providers, collecting and analysing data, setting rules and procedures for collecting contributions, and coordinating with the SCH and other authorities.

All nationals, residents, and visitors are required to pay for mandatory health insurance, with employers contributing for their foreign employees and, in some cases, their dependents. Bahraini citizens can access voluntary health insurance packages that cover 60% of the costs of private healthcare facilities. Foreign visitors are covered for emergency healthcare, although the cost of visas will increase.

The Social Health Insurance Fund Authority (SHIFA) is Bahrain's health insurance system, primarily funded by the government. Under SHIFA, Bahraini citizens receive free access to certain healthcare services at public hospitals, with a 60% subsidy for private clinics or hospitals. For expatriates, the policy offers fewer benefits, with employers funding only primary and emergency healthcare on a cost-shared basis and with a spending cap.

The Bahraini government's universal health insurance policy aims to provide comprehensive coverage for its citizens and expatriates, with mandatory health insurance and voluntary packages available.

Frequently asked questions