Jeddah: The Saudi Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and Insurance Authority (IA) have begun enforcing a new policy mandating compulsory insurance coverage for domestic workers under employers with more than four domestic workers. This regulation has been in effect since July 1.

All domestic workers must first get approval from the health insurance company to get insurance coverage and to get the benefits and coverage limits under the policy. The Saudi Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and the Insurance Authority (IA) have started implementing the decision as part of efforts to ensure comprehensive health coverage for all beneficiaries.

The decision aims to achieve comprehensive health care, ensure sustainability of health care, stimulate health insurance companies and health service providers, provide new services, and increase employment opportunities in insurance companies and health care providers in all medical and non-medical specialties.

CHI spokesperson Iman Al-Tariqi said the domestic worker insurance policy scheme covers health care, public health, and emergencies. This includes hospital admission without co-payment, emergency clinic treatment with unlimited visits, vaccinations, and medical checkups.