How does healthcare work in Kuwait, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of health care in Kuwait?

• Health care in Kuwait is of high quality with modern facilities and well-trained doctors.
• The country has both a comprehensive public healthcare system and a good private sector. 
• The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health (MOH). 
• Health care is free for locals; as an expat, you must pay an annual fee. Also, certain treatments such as X-rays are not free. 
• There are many English-speaking doctors available. 
• Care is available 24/7 in emergencies. 

How does the public healthcare system work in Kuwait?

• Kuwait is divided into five regions, and each region has a public hospital with a 24-hour emergency service. There are also many specialty hospitals. 
• There are also an increasing number of mental health facilities. 
• Queues and waiting times are long.
• Public health care for expats is a sensitive issue; possibly health care for expats and locals will be split in the future. The government prefers expats to use private care. Sometimes locals are also given priority. 

How does the private healthcare system work in Kuwait?

• Private healthcare in Kuwait means better services and shorter waiting times. The private healthcare sector is one of the best in the world. 
• Many expats choose private care. 
• The cost of private care is high! So make sure you are properly insured. 

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Kuwait?

• In Kuwait you can see a family doctor. You will find these especially at private clinics and health centers. 
• You can also go directly to a specialist. 

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Kuwait?

• For the dentist, you can visit both public and private institutions.
• This may change if the government decides that expats can only go to the private sector, so always check the current situation.
• It is recommended to check the following things when looking for a dentist: what accreditations does the clinic have, is English spoken, does it have its own laboratory, how long has the clinic existed, and if it is possible to read references. 

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Kuwait?

• To have a baby, you need a marriage certificate. Without that document, you won't be admitted, you won't get a birth certificate for your child and you run the risk of deportation/imprisonment. 
• Most births take place in the hospital; there are very few home births. 
• Standards are high for both prenatal, birth and postnatal care. 
• In addition to hospitals, there are some specialized clinics that support more natural forms of birth. 
• There are a number of expat doulas and Lamaze specialists working in the country, some of whom run pre-natal classes and yoga sessions, but it is not common practice.
• Breastfeeding is encouraged within the walls of the hospital or clinic, but outside of these, there are still few public locations where it is allowed.
• Keep in mind that your partner is usually not welcome in the hospital once you are admitted there.
• Abortion is strictly prohibited, with no exceptions. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Kuwait?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Kuwait?

• Crime rates are extremely low.
• As a woman, it is best not to walk around alone and especially not at night. 
• The police may sometimes be slower to respond. Also, relatively few officers speak English.
• There are risks of escalation in the region; keep a close eye on the situation.
• There are landmines and other unexploded weapons in Kuwait. Be aware of this. 
• It is a Muslim country, and the rules are strict! Respect local traditions and customs, such as strict gender segregation rules, strict dress code, public affection, and a no-tolerance policy (even the death penalty) for matters surrounding drugs. 

What should you pay attention to in terms of disease in Kuwait?

• In Kuwait, you should be particularly mindful of the extreme heat. So make sure you drink enough and avoid being in the sun too much on the hot days. 
• Sometimes there are dust/sand storms that can cause you to experience respiratory problems. 
• Tap water is desalinated and safe for domestic use, but is not recommended for drinking. 

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Kuwait?

• Roads are good, but driving can be dangerous. Traffic accidents are common. 
• Driving after sunset is generally safe, but be alert for speeders. 
• Traffic robberies are very rare. 

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Kuwait?

• Is the trip to Kuwait and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Kuwait
• Insurance for studying in Kuwait
• Insurance for internships in Kuwait
• Insurance for volunteering in Kuwait
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Kuwait

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Kuwait?

• International health insurance for Kuwait
• International travel insurance for Kuwait
• International life insurance for Kuwait
• International income protection insurance for Kuwait