Visiting Saudi for Treatment – What Are the Steps?
Do you want to go for a medical procedure but are unable to find good options? Whether it’s cardiology, oncology, or cosmetic surgery, get a Saudi medical visa to avail treatment.
Often, we are not satisfied with the quality of medical treatment we receive in our country. On top of these, many medical procedures can be very financially taxing and thus inaccessible. However, at times it so happens that the same medical procedures are available at affordable prices in a foreign land. One such destination is Saudi Arabia.
With a medical tourism market that is poised to grow from 0.2 billion USD in 2024 to 0.68 billion USD in 2030, Saudi Arabia has one of the biggest medical tourism markets.
Saudi Arabia as a Medical Tourism Destination
With its multiple medical facilities, Riyadh is the center of Saudi’s medical facilities. Further, the numerous planned medical cities provide excellent options for those looking to get medical attention. These include high quality hospitals, treatment centers, qualified medical personnel, and advanced facilities.
Thus, if you want to opt for quality medical treatment abroad, all you have to do is take a look at the options available, apply for a Saudi medical Visa, and avail the necessary treatment.
Steps to Follow To Visit Saudi for Treatment
If you are looking at treatment options in Saudi Arabia, here is a list of a few simple steps to follow:
Researching Healthcare Facilities in Saudi Arabia
Saudi boasts world-class hospitals and medical cities. Some of these include
- Kingdom Hospital in Riyadh
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital
- Saudi German Hospital
- King Saudi Medical City
- King Fahd Medical City
- King Khalid Medical City
- King Abdullah Medical City
Check the review of the top hospitals and the list of procedures they offer. Some of the departments that many visit include oncology, cosmetic surgery, and cardiology. If the procedure you need is one of those offered, look through the reviews of the particular department for that hospital. Further, check the cost of the procedure requested. Once these align, you need to collect your medical records and go for a Saudi medical visa application.
Understanding Visa Requirements for Medical Treatment
Applying for Saudi visa online can be done for the following visa options:
- Tourist Visa
- Umrah Visa
- Business Visa
- Medical Visa
To apply for the Saudi medical visa, you need to meet the “Checklist for Medical Visa” available online. Then, depending on your country of origin and the passport you hold, you will either have the option to apply online or visit a visa center.
The Saudi Medical Visa requires the below documents:
- A valid passport (valid for an additional 6 months).
- Passport-size photographs.
- All medical reports relevant to the procedure you want to undergo.
- Proof of finances (bank statement and letter confirming employment)
- A valid method of payment
- Travel itinerary
- Travel Medical Insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- A letter of support from the health affairs if you intend to visit a private hospital.
Further, the checklist calls for the following:
- An application form.
- A declaration form.
- Parental authorisation for those under 18.
- A letter from the hospital or clinic you intend to visit.
- Declaration from the family.
Once you have the above in hand, it is time to go ahead with applying for a Saudi medical visa online.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor
With the list of hospitals and clinics that you have, look through the feedback and reviews of the doctors who offer the procedure you require. You may also call the hospital/ clinic to book an online initial consultation. This will help you sort through and land on the best doctor for you.
Once your initial consultation is done, you will know the amount required. Then, schedule an appointment with the hospital and get this in writing. The confirmation letter for your appointment is essential when applying for a Saudi medical visa.
Arranging Travel and Accommodation
After your appointment is confirmed, book your flight and a hotel for your stay.
Flight options are usually booked for the major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, etc. If your hospital is at a location other than these, you will also need to make arrangements for traveling there.
You can look for options to stay near the hospital such as hotels, serviced apartments, paying guest houses, and others. Further, some hospitals offer accommodations to their patients and family members.
Preparing for Medical Treatment
Once your travel and stay arrangements are done, it’s time to start gathering all your medical treatment-related documents. All documents that you provide need to be in Arabic or English. If required, you may have to arrange for translated records of your medical history.
The next step is to arrange a payment plan to cover your expenses. This will include your medical, living, and travel costs in Saudi Arabia. To add, you will also require travel health insurance, for both the patient and the medical attendant visiting with them.
Further, you may also need to hire translator services if you’re not well-versed in Arabic and English.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia and the Hospital Admission Process
Once you touch ground in Saudi Arabia, it is time to visit the hospital. However, first, you will need to check in with the immigration department and validate your Saudi medical visa. For severe medical issues, you can seek help at the airport or arrange a medical transport service to take you to the hospital.
When you reach the hospital, show your medical documents to the hospital authorities. They will check and verify this and then admit the patient. Then, it is time to meet your doctors and get started with the pre-treatment evaluations.
Undergoing Treatment and Recovery
After completing your evaluations, you will be admitted for the procedure. After this, you will be moved to post-treatment care and rehab. This will be prescribed based on your condition.
The doctor will also conduct a thorough health check. Then, you will be prescribed the necessary medications. Further, you may also be asked to take up rehab or therapy at home to aid an early recovery. To add, you may also be given a diet chart to go with your medications.
Exploring Saudi Arabia During Recovery
Saudi Arabia is a hub of history. This influences the country’s culinary landscape and culture. While you cannot travel much with a medical visa, you can certainly take up some relaxation and rejuvenation activities. This includes spas, parks, and retreats. Further, you can also visit some of the more popular restaurants, bazaars, and culinary spots.
But remember to not put any strain on the patient seeking treatment. Thus, while wellness activities come widely recommended, they are only to be taken up if your health permits. Also, one additional thing to ensure is that your visa allows the activities that you want to take up.
Returning Home and Post-Treatment Care
Once your dues with the hospital are clear, it is time to fly back home. However, make sure to get the reports for every test and procedure performed. These will be necessary when you seek medical attention in the future. Also, make sure to book an online appointment for a post-op checkup.
While seeing medical treatment in Saudi is a good idea, it is important to keep up with routine checks. For this, you need to get help from a qualified local doctor.
Saudi Arabia: A Medical Hub
With the help of a Saudi medical visa, opting for world-class medical treatment is now easy. All you need to do is look through the top hospitals, find one that suits your needs, evaluate your finances and get a visa.
By making applying for a Saudi medical visa online simple, the Saudi medical market is now more accessible than ever. So the next time you want to go for premium medical treatment, think Saudi.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa atleast 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.