KUWAIT: Kuwaiti authorities announced a significant increase in health insurance fees for expatriates, effective December 23, 2025. The decision by the health ministry amends the executive regulations of law no. 1/1999 on health insurance for foreigners. This move standardizes and raises the annual “health assurance” fee — required for obtaining or renewing residency permits and certain visas — to KD 100 for most categories, up from the previous standard of KD 50.
The hike is part of broader residency and visa fee reforms published in November.
The announcement mandates that no residency or entry visa can be granted without proof of health insurance or a government/private health guarantee, covering basic services like consultations, diagnostics, treatments, and medications.
This applies to over 3 million expatriates in Kuwait, who make up the majority of the population.
Entry visas now require health coverage, with fees of KD 5 for categories like government, private sector, family, study, investment, and temporary work visas. Visit visas (eg, tourism, business, medical) follow private sector health insurance rates.
New fee structure:
KD 100 annually for the health guarantee on residency renewals or issuances for key categories, including:
Government and private sector workers (Articles 17 & 18).
Foreign investors and partners (Article 21).
Self-sponsored expatriates (Article 24).
Foreign students (Article 23).
Dependents joining family (eg, spouses, children under various articles).
Previously undocumented residents granted new permits.
Retired foreign military personnel and dependents of foreign martyrs (Article 30).Domestic workers sponsored by non-Kuwaitis or diplomats.
KD 10 annually for specific lower-tier workers (eg, agricultural laborers, fishermen, herders) and additional domestic workers beyond three per Kuwaiti family.
KD 5 for certain entry visas (eg, transit, emergency) and reduced rates for some domestic helpers.
Exemptions: No fees for:
Foreign wives of Kuwaitis, widows/divorcees with Kuwaiti children, or parents/children of Kuwaiti citizens.
Children of Kuwaiti women married to foreigners.
Up to three domestic workers per Kuwaiti family (KD 10 for fourth and beyond).
Diplomatic missions, official delegations, and foreign newborns (up to four months).
Certain previously undocumented residents, coordinated with authorities.
