Kuwait is implementing a sweeping overhaul of its healthcare access policies for non-citizens, with new executive regulations set to make health insurance a compulsory requirement for all foreigners obtaining or renewing residency and visit visas. This significant policy shift, scheduled to take effect on December 23, 2025, represents a fundamental change in how the nation manages healthcare services for its extensive expatriate population. The regulations, issued by the Minister of Health, introduce a detailed, tiered fee structure that differentiates based on the type of visa and residency status. This move aims to streamline healthcare funding and ensure that all foreign nationals residing in or visiting the country have adequate medical coverage, transitioning from previous models to a more structured and mandatory insurance-based system. The changes will impact nearly every foreigner, from long-term residents and their families to short-term visitors, creating a new standard for living and working in Kuwait.
A Tiered System for Residency and Entry
The cornerstone of the new regulations is the establishment of a standardized 100-dinar health insurance fee for the renewal of residency permits, a measure that will affect a broad spectrum of the expatriate community. This fee applies across ten distinct categories, ensuring wide coverage among foreign nationals. Individuals impacted include employees in both government and private sectors, foreign investors establishing a presence in the country, business partners, and international students pursuing their education. The mandate also extends to self-sponsored residents, property owners, and critically, family members seeking to join their sponsors through the family reunification visa program. For those first entering the country with the intent to reside, the system introduces a more modest 5-dinar fee for several types of entry visas that serve as a precursor to residency, such as those for employment, study, or commercial activities. This same 5-dinar fee is also levied on individuals utilizing transit visas or requiring emergency entry permits, creating a clear financial pathway from initial entry to long-term residency.
Exemptions and Private Sector Involvement
While the new framework is comprehensive, the regulations also incorporated specific exceptions and a distinct role for the private sector. A significantly lower fee of 10 dinars was designated for certain professions within the private sector, specifically targeting roles such as agricultural workers, fishermen, and herders, acknowledging the unique economic conditions of these industries. A notable partial exemption was also created for domestic workers, a vital part of many households. Under this provision, the first three domestic employees in a single household are exempt from the insurance fee; however, a 10-dinar fee will be applied to the fourth and any subsequent workers. In a major structural shift, the regulations stipulated that fees for short-term visit permits—including tourist, business, family, and medical visits—would no longer be a fixed government rate. Instead, the cost for this type of coverage will be determined by the private sector health insurance system, a decision that introduced market dynamics into the pricing for temporary visitors. This multifaceted approach finalized a policy that balanced broad mandates with targeted adjustments.
