Overview

New official data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) shows that around 95% of workers in Saudi Arabia have access to basic healthcare services. The findings appear in the 2024 Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics Bulletin and reflect both government-provided healthcare and employer-sponsored insurance schemes that serve citizens and expatriates across the Kingdom.

This update is significant for the large expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, where access to employer-provided health insurance and public health services is a top concern for families and workers in all sectors.

Top figures from the 2024 bulletin

• Basic healthcare coverage: ~95% of workers.
• Occupational injury rate (workers 15+): 245.7 non-fatal injuries and 1.1 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers (road traffic accidents excluded).
• Workplace training: 39% of workers received occupational health and safety training.
• Health & safety infrastructure: 40.4% had access to a dedicated health and safety management office at their workplace.
• Periodic medical checks: 32.2% underwent employer-provided periodic medical examinations.
• Exposure to hazards: 5.4% operate dangerous machinery, 2.1% handle chemicals, and 1% are exposed to heavy metals.
• Common work-related health complaints (past 12 months): stress (2.1%) and eye/vision problems (2%); 79.5% reported no work-related health problems.

What the safety numbers mean

GASTAT’s injury rate combines registry data from national safety authorities with GASTAT population estimates. The headline non-fatal injury figure (245.7 per 100,000) shows that while many workplaces have improved prevention measures, certain high-risk sectors—construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry—still account for the bulk of reported injuries.

For expatriates working in manual or industrial jobs, this underscores the importance of adequate training, enforcement of safety rules, and access to prompt medical care when incidents occur.

Training and workplace health services

Less than half of workers reported receiving formal occupational health and safety training. Similarly, only around 40% of workplaces reported having a dedicated health and safety management office and roughly a third offered periodic medical check-ups. These gaps identify clear opportunities for employers to expand prevention efforts and for regulators to target inspections in higher-risk industries.

What this means for expats and their families

Many expatriate workers depend on employer-provided health insurance. The GASTAT findings are reassuring in that a large majority of workers have basic coverage, but the details matter:

• Confirm whether your employer’s policy covers dependents. Saudi regulations and enforcement by health insurance authorities increasingly emphasize family coverage in many employment categories.
• Check the scope: “basic healthcare coverage” can mean different benefit levels. Verify inpatient, outpatient, emergency and specialist access, and whether pre-existing conditions are covered.
• Keep copies of your insurance card and policy documents, and know the procedure for filing claims and accessing care.

Expats working in higher-risk roles should ensure they receive appropriate safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE). If your workplace lacks training or safety oversight, raise the issue with your employer, union representative (if any), or local labour authorities.

Employer obligations and enforcement

Saudi regulators have strengthened enforcement around health insurance and workplace safety. The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) and labour authorities oversee compliance with insurance rules and minimum standards. Employers who fail to insure employees or meet required standards may face fines and corrective orders.

Useful official resources:

• General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) — full 2024 Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics Bulletin and related releases.
• Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) — rules on employer-provided insurance and approved policy standards.
• Ministry of Health (MOH) — public health services, facility directories and emergency guidance.

Practical checklist for expatriate workers

1. Ask your HR or employer for a written summary of your health insurance coverage and whether dependents are included.
2. Confirm emergency procedures, nearest approved hospitals/clinics and the claims process.
3. Request or document any safety training you receive; keep proof of periodic medical checks if provided by the employer.
4. If you face workplace hazards without adequate protection or training, report this to your employer and, if unresolved, contact labour authorities.
5. Maintain personal health records and a copy of your insurance card on your phone for quick access.

Methodology and limitations

GASTAT clarifies that many coverage and health-issue estimates come from self-reported data collected during the 2024 National Health Survey (household field visits). Occupational injury rates were calculated using registry data from the national occupational safety body and combined with GASTAT population estimates. Self-reported surveys can under- or over-estimate conditions depending on awareness and reporting practices, so the figures should be read alongside registry data and ongoing monitoring.

Bottom line

The 2024 GASTAT bulletin confirms that the majority of workers in Saudi Arabia—nationals and expatriates alike—have basic healthcare coverage. The report also highlights areas where employers and regulators can improve: wider safety training, expanded workplace health services, and targeted interventions in high-risk sectors. For expatriates, the practical takeaways are clear: know your policy, ensure dependents are covered if required, and prioritise workplace safety.