SEHATI Bahrain Health Insurance: What Expats & Employers Must Know
19 September, 2025
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4 mins
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SEHATI Bahrain: What Expats and Employers Need to Know About the New Health Insurance Mandate
Bahrain has introduced a significant shift in the provision of healthcare. The SEHATI health insurance scheme is up and running. It is designed to deliver superior and more equitable healthcare for all residents of the Kingdom. If you are an expat or an employer, you need to know how the new health insurance in Bahrain operates. The law applies to all, from citizens and residents to foreign laborers. Let's outline what this will mean for you.
What Is SEHATI and Why Does It Matter
SEHATI is Bahrain's national health insurance system. The establishment was pursuant to Law No. 23 of 2018. The law was sanctioned by His Majesty King Hamad and seeks to make healthcare services equitable and sustainable. SEHATI is designed to provide individuals with the liberty of choosing their healthcare provider. It consolidates both public and private service providers into one umbrella. The new system will improve service quality, minimize waste, and establish equitable access to health coverage.
SEHATI is Bahrain's national health insurance system. The establishment was pursuant to Law No. 23 of 2018. The law was sanctioned by His Majesty King Hamad and seeks to make healthcare services equitable and sustainable. SEHATI is designed to provide individuals with the liberty of choosing their healthcare provider. It consolidates both public and private service providers into one umbrella. The new system will improve service quality, minimize waste, and establish equitable access to health coverage.
What Expats Should Know
If you're an expat employee in Bahrain, your employer is now required to pay for your health insurance. This is included in the cost of work permit and renewal fees. Under SEHATI, expatriates will receive state medical coverage, but only in case of emergencies and primary care. For more, private health insurance is needed.
If you're an expat employee in Bahrain, your employer is now required to pay for your health insurance. This is included in the cost of work permit and renewal fees. Under SEHATI, expatriates will receive state medical coverage, but only in case of emergencies and primary care. For more, private health insurance is needed.
This is where health insurance in Bahrain becomes very important for expats. Not having proper coverage could mean paying high medical bills out of pocket. With the new rules in place, your health insurance is not just an option, it's a must.
The employers have to make sure that all foreign employees are registered. Otherwise, they may be penalized up to BHD 50,000. This is a strict regulation and indicates how significant the new system is.
What Employers Must Do
The employers are more burdened now. They must contribute to their foreign workers. It may also involve family members if the contract specifies it. This increases the price of work permits, but is required for legal and ethical recruitment.
The employers are more burdened now. They must contribute to their foreign workers. It may also involve family members if the contract specifies it. This increases the price of work permits, but is required for legal and ethical recruitment.
Obtaining the right Bahrain health insurance for your workers is now an essential aspect of having a business. It demonstrates concern for your employees and satisfies the new regulations. Employers need to move quickly to prevent fines and remain compliant.
Coverage for Bahraini Nationals
The government will finance the health coverage of nationals. If the citizen prefers private service, they will have to finance up to 40% of the costs. The government will fund the remaining amount. This provides an option for individuals to select between the public and private providers. It also minimizes the strain on public healthcare services.
The government will finance the health coverage of nationals. If the citizen prefers private service, they will have to finance up to 40% of the costs. The government will fund the remaining amount. This provides an option for individuals to select between the public and private providers. It also minimizes the strain on public healthcare services.
Who Regulates SEHATI?
The Supreme Council of Health will oversee the overall health insurance system. Two new institutions will have significant roles:
The Supreme Council of Health will oversee the overall health insurance system. Two new institutions will have significant roles:
- The Health Insurance Fund: It will register, collect payment, and administer service contracts.
- The Health Information and Knowledge Management Center: Also referred to as Wisdom, it will monitor health information, determine national goals, and screen the quality of services.
Most Important Advantages of the New Program
- Freedom to Choose: Everyone can select his or her healthcare practitioner.
- More Private Options: Stimulates the development of private hospitals and clinics.
- Improved Quality of Service: Increased competition means improved care.
- Safe Medical Records: Your medical record will be safely kept in a centralized system.
- Less Out-of-Pocket Cost: With appropriate family health insurance, you pay less yourself.
A New Healthcare Era for Bahrain
The Ministry of Health will no longer be in charge of offering health services directly. It will concentrate on public health, policy setting, and regulation of providers. Public hospitals and clinics will be autonomous. This enables them to function more effectively and respond effectively to patient needs.
The Ministry of Health will no longer be in charge of offering health services directly. It will concentrate on public health, policy setting, and regulation of providers. Public hospitals and clinics will be autonomous. This enables them to function more effectively and respond effectively to patient needs.
This transition alters the management of healthcare in the nation. It brings in a more prominent position for private service providers. It also enhances access to international health insurance plans that meet global expectations.
Why Health Insurance in Bahrain Is Essential Now
In the past, many residents didn't think much about health insurance. Now, it's a legal and financial priority. Medical care can be costly, especially if you're not covered. The new system ensures that every resident has access to basic services. But for extra services, having health insurance in Bahrain becomes essential.
In the past, many residents didn't think much about health insurance. Now, it's a legal and financial priority. Medical care can be costly, especially if you're not covered. The new system ensures that every resident has access to basic services. But for extra services, having health insurance in Bahrain becomes essential.
Regardless of whether you are a new immigrant or have spent years in the country, review your policy. Ensure your policy covers outpatient care, specialist services, and long-term illnesses. If you have family dependents, consider family health insurance coverage. It offers ample insurance coverage for your loved ones.
What to Expect from a Quality Insurance Plan
When selecting a provider, ensure the plan has:
When selecting a provider, ensure the plan has:
- Emergency treatment
- Consultations with doctors
- Diagnostic procedures
- Obstetrics coverage
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Treatment for chronic diseases
- Access to local and global networks
How GIG Gulf Can Help
GIG Gulf provides the most trustworthy health insurance options available in Bahrain. Our policies are tailored to suit every individual and budget. From singles to families, GIG Gulf has transparent, understandable policies.
GIG Gulf provides the most trustworthy health insurance options available in Bahrain. Our policies are tailored to suit every individual and budget. From singles to families, GIG Gulf has transparent, understandable policies.
No matter if you need family health insurance in Bahrain or an extended International health insurance policy, GIG Gulf has got you covered. From 24/7 customer assistance to a vast network of hospitals and clinics, you can rest assured and be supported at every turn.
GIG Gulf provides reliable and flexible Bahrain health insurance solutions for individuals and families as well. With international access to hospitals, coverage for chronic illnesses, and benefits like dental and wellness care, our plans are built for real life.
You also get round-the-clock emergency support and fast claims processing. Whether you're a new expat or a long-time resident, GIG Gulf makes it easy to protect what matters most. Reach out today to explore your options.
Conclusion
SEHATI represents a big change in Bahrain's healthcare system. It provides improved access to services, promotes private providers, and prioritizes the patient. For expatriates and employers, it is imperative to adapt to the new regulations that is imperative. Knowing how health insurance in Bahrain works will ensure you remain covered and penalty-free.
SEHATI represents a big change in Bahrain's healthcare system. It provides improved access to services, promotes private providers, and prioritizes the patient. For expatriates and employers, it is imperative to adapt to the new regulations that is imperative. Knowing how health insurance in Bahrain works will ensure you remain covered and penalty-free.
Act now. Check out your existing plan or review new ones with improved benefits. With reliable providers such as GIG Gulf, obtaining the appropriate Bahrain health insurance is easy and hassle-free.
Don't act too late. Get covered and remain secure under Bahrain's new healthcare network.