Saudi Arabia is considering eliminating health insurance approvals to reduce delays for beneficiaries, though concerns about rising healthcare costs remain. The Saudi Insurance Authority reported over 400,000 complaints in 2024, and plans to publish performance indicators to motivate insurers to improve service quality.
Saudi Arabia is considering eliminating insurance approvals for health services, according to Eng. Naji Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Insurance Authority. The authority is conducting a study with various stakeholders to assess this potential change, which aims to alleviate delays in the approval process that affect beneficiaries. However, Al-Tamimi expressed concerns about potential healthcare cost increases and their impact on insurance prices if approvals are removed.
In 2024, the authority received over 400,000 complaints against insurance companies, achieving a closure rate exceeding 99% and a satisfaction rate above 95%. Additionally, more than 2,000 applications for licensing were received, resulting in 220 licensed companies in various insurance sectors, including several tech startups and foreign firms.
To promote service quality and customer satisfaction, the authority plans to publish performance indicators for insurance companies, focusing on complaint rates relative to the number of beneficiaries and specific insurance policies. This initiative aims to encourage companies to enhance their services while ensuring that the best interests of beneficiaries are at the forefront of any decisions made regarding the approval process.
