Best Saudi Arabia Travel Insurance Plans & Coverage (2026)
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Key Takeaways
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Our analysis of policy sales from the past 12 months reveals that the top travel insurance plans for Saudi Arabia are offered by Tin Leg, IMG, and Travel Insured International.
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All travelers visiting Saudi Arabia are required to get an eVisa prior to entry, which includes a ~$48 medical insurance fee. The insurance included is limited to medical emergencies and provides less than $30,000 in coverage, which is less than recommended for international travel.
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The U.S. Department of State recommends reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia (Level 3 Travel Advisory) due to regional tension, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity.
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Due to ongoing conflict and the current unpredictable nature of travel in the Middle East, we recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes Cancel For Any Reason coverage and strong coverage against terrorism-related disruptions.
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Travelers generally spend $200-$250 on travel insurance when visiting Saudi Arabia. Policy options may be limited due to some providers temporarily suspending coverage to the destination.
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Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once for Saudi Arabia. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369.
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Saudi Arabia?
Travelers heading to Saudi Arabia must apply for a Tourist Visa to enter the country. Part of the application process involves securing mandatory health coverage that lasts for the duration of your stay.
The health insurance policy, which was approved by the Saudi Council of Health Insurance, covers medical emergencies up to SAR 100,000, roughly $27,000. The policy may cover expenses such as hospital bills, diagnostic services, and medications.
While this coverage is mandatory, we strongly recommend obtaining additional protection for your Saudi Arabia trip that includes further medical coverage, as well as protection from cancellations, delays, terrorism, baggage delays, and more.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Saudi Arabia | Squaremouth
Saudi Arabia is becoming a popular destination for tourists, religious pilgrims, and luxury travelers. However, trips to Saudi Arabia also come with unique challenges.
Here are some of the most common travel concerns visitors may face and how travel insurance can help.
Extreme Heat & Dehydration Risks
Saudi Arabia’s climate is known for intense heat, particularly during the summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Travelers sightseeing outdoors, visiting religious sites, or participating in desert excursions can face increased risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses.
✅ Travel Medical coverage can help pay for emergency medical treatment, hospital visits, and other covered healthcare expenses if you need medical treatment for heat-related illnesses.
Medical Care & Emergency Evacuations in Remote Areas
While Saudi Arabia has modern hospitals and medical facilities in major cities, access to care can be more limited in remote desert regions and smaller villages. Travelers participating in guided desert tours, camping excursions, or adventure travel may be far from advanced medical facilities.
Medical emergencies may require emergency transportation or medical evacuation to a larger hospital for treatment. These services can become extremely expensive, particularly in remote areas.
✅ Travel Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage can help pay for emergency treatment and transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility if needed.
Strict Local Laws & Cultural Regulations
Saudi Arabia has strict laws and cultural expectations that may be unfamiliar to international travelers. Violating local regulations can lead to fines, denied entry, or interrupted travel plans.
While travel insurance does not cover illegal activity, some policies may help reimburse covered expenses if your trip is unexpectedly interrupted due to certain unforeseen events, including travel delays or emergencies that require itinerary changes.
✅ Trip Interruption coverage may help reimburse unused prepaid travel expenses if your trip is unexpectedly cut short for a covered reason.
High Prepaid Costs for Guided Tours & Luxury Travel
Trips to Saudi Arabia can become expensive quickly, especially for travelers booking guided tours, luxury hotels, Red Sea resorts, or pilgrimage packages. Many travel arrangements also require large prepaid, non-refundable deposits.
If you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly due to illness, injury, family emergencies, or other covered reasons, you could lose a significant amount of money in prepaid expenses.
✅ Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.
Lost Passports & Petty Theft
While Saudi Arabia is frequently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, there is always a chance of lost passports, misplaced valuables, and petty theft.
Losing important travel documents or personal belongings while abroad can create major disruptions, especially during international travel with strict visa requirements.
✅ Travel insurance with Personal Item & Baggage Loss coverage can help reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings during your trip.
Adventure Tourism & Water Activities
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, with more travelers participating in activities like desert safaris, dune bashing, hiking, camel trekking, and scuba diving in the Red Sea.
While these activities can be unforgettable experiences, they also carry risks of injury, accidents, and emergency medical situations. Some travel insurance plans exclude higher-risk adventure activities unless additional coverage is purchased.
✅ Look for a travel insurance plan with Sports & Activities coverage that specifically includes the excursions and adventure activities you plan to participate in during your trip.
Squaremouth’s Saudi Arabia Travel Insurance Recommendations
Over the last 12 months, the top three travel insurance plans purchased by travelers with upcoming trips to Saudi Arabia on Squaremouth were:
How Much Does Saudi Arabian Travel Insurance Cost?
According to Visit Saudi, the cost of a tourist eVisa, which includes the mandatory health insurance policy, will cost SAR 535. This equates to roughly $142.
For further protection, many travelers heading to Saudi Arabia opt to purchase additional coverage through a third-party travel insurance provider. The cost of a comprehensive travel insurance policy is determined by a wide range of factors, including your total insured trip costs, the length of your trip, your age, and the extent of your coverage.
On average, Squaremouth customers who travel to Saudi Arabia typically spend between $350-$400 on a comprehensive travel insurance plan, with an average trip cost of around $6.500.
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Saudi Arabia?
Because Saudi Arabia travel can require expensive international flights, guided tours, and travel through remote desert regions, having the right travel insurance coverage is especially important. Here are the most important travel insurance benefits to consider before your trip.
Travel Medical Coverage
Travel medical coverage is required for tourists who want to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Emergency Medical coverage can help pay for emergency medical expenses if you become sick or injured during your trip, including costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency treatment, prescription medication, and diagnostic tests.
Even relatively minor medical issues can become expensive without insurance. For travel to Saudi Arabia, we recommend choosing a policy with at least $50,000 to $100,000 in Emergency
Medical coverage.
Medical Evacuation Coverage
Medical Evacuation coverage can pay to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if local care is unavailable. In more serious situations, it can also help arrange transportation back to your home country for continued treatment.
This is one of the most important types of coverage for Saudi Arabia because travelers may participate in desert excursions, long-distance road trips, or guided tours far from major hospitals. Emergency evacuation services can be extremely expensive, especially in remote areas, so it’s smart to have at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance
Trips to Saudi Arabia are often expensive and heavily prepaid, particularly for travelers booking guided tours, luxury accommodations, Red Sea resorts, or Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage packages.
Trip Cancellation coverage can reimburse 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel for a covered reason, such as illness, injury, severe weather, or a family emergency. Trip Interruption coverage can help reimburse unused travel expenses, plus additional transportation costs if your trip is cut short after departure.
Travel Delay & Missed Connection Coverage
Travel to Saudi Arabia can involve long international flights, layovers, and carefully scheduled transportation arrangements. During busy Hajj and Umrah travel seasons, airports and transportation systems can become especially crowded, increasing the likelihood of delays and missed connections.
Trip Delay coverage can reimburse expenses like hotel stays, meals, and local transportation if your trip is delayed for a covered reason, such as severe weather or airline disruptions. Missed Connection coverage may also help pay for additional transportation expenses if delays cause you to miss a connecting flight.
Adventure Sports Coverage
Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly popular destination for adventure tourism, including desert safaris, dune bashing, ATV tours, hiking, camel trekking, and scuba diving in the Red Sea. However, many travel insurance policies exclude higher-risk activities unless you purchase additional coverage. Injuries during excluded activities are not covered under standard plans.
If you plan to participate in adventure activities during your trip, make sure your policy specifically includes Sports & Activities coverage for the activities you plan to do.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage
Cancel For Any Reason is an optional upgrade that partially reimburses you to cancel your trip for reasons that are not normally covered by standard travel insurance policies, including if you just decide not to go.
CFAR usually reimburses 50% to 75% of your prepaid trip costs, depending on the policy. Most plans also require you to purchase coverage shortly after making your initial trip deposit, often within 14 to 21 days.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Saudi Arabia
Best-Selling Saudi Arabia Plan
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$500,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
The most popular travel insurance plan among Squaremouth customers planning trips to Saudi Arabia, accounting for 26% of all policy sales for the destination
Comes with $500,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, which can reimburse you for hospital stays, doctor visits, and other unexpected medical costs while in Saudi Arabia
Provides Trip Cancellation coverage if you’re forced to cancel your trip due to a terrorist attack at your destination, reimbursing up to $30,000 in prepaid, non-refundable trip costs per person
Best Trip Cancellation Coverage
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Covers up to $100,000 in prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses in the event you’re forced to cancel due to terrorism, illness, or other covered reason, making it a great option if your Saudi Arabia involves significant upfront hotel and airfare costs
Offers the option to upgrade your coverage with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on, which can provide up to 75% reimbursement if you choose to cancel your trip due to a fear of travel, act of war, or other uncovered reason
Provides various ‘Upgrade Bundles’ at checkout, which allow you to pay to upgrade coverage limits for popular benefits like Emergency Medical, Medical Evacuation, and Trip Delay
Features $20,000 in Non-Medical Evacuation coverage in the event a terrorist attack or other severe event forces you to evacuate for safety reasons
Other Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for US citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia typically include:
- Visa: US citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia usually need a visa. This could be obtained through the Saudi embassy or consulate before traveling or through the Saudi eVisa system. The eVisa system allows eligible travelers to apply for a visa online.
- Passport: US citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips & General Information
Safety in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is generally considered safe for travelers, including tourists and expatriates. The country has a low crime rate compared to many other countries, and violent crime targeting foreigners is rare.
Saudi Arabia has faced terrorism threats and incidents in the past, although the government has taken significant measures to combat terrorism and enhance security within the country. When in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to remain vigilant and stay informed about local security situations.
Travelers concerned about terrorism should consider travel insurance that includes Trip Cancellation coverage for terrorist events. This coverage provides reimbursement if a terrorist attack forces you to cancel your plans or end your trip early.
Food & Water in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia generally maintains high food and water safety standards, particularly in urban areas and established establishments. The water is generally safe for drinking and cooking, but it’s generally recommended to stick to water bottles when traveling abroad. Bottled water is widely available throughout Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Weather & Natural Disaster Concerns
Saudi Arabia has a predominantly desert climate with high temperatures and low humidity, although it varies depending on the region. Travelers should be prepared for hot conditions and take appropriate precautions, such as staying hydrated and wearing sun protection, especially if traveling during the summer.
Saudi Arabia is relatively safe from natural disasters compared to other countries, but sandstorms and flash flooding have been known to occur in the region. To protect against severe weather events, many travel insurance plans offer Hurricane & Weather coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Americans to Visit?
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in tourism in recent years and many travelers visit the country safely each year. However, travelers should still exercise normal precautions, stay aware of local laws and customs, and monitor official government travel advisories before departure.
Will My U.S. Health Insurance Work in Saudi Arabia?
Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not provide coverage in Saudi Arabia. Travel medical insurance can help cover emergency medical expenses and evacuation costs while traveling abroad.
Are Hospitals Good in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has modern hospitals and healthcare facilities in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. However, access to advanced medical care may be more limited in remote desert regions and smaller towns. Travelers in these areas may require transportation to a larger medical facility. This is one reason Medical Evacuation coverage is especially important for Saudi Arabia.
What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Saudi Arabia?
U.S. citizens visiting Saudi Arabia typically need:
- A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- A tourist visa or eVisa
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Hotel reservations or accommodation information
- Travelers visiting for Hajj or Umrah may face additional requirements depending on the type of visa they are using
Do Women Travelers Have to Follow Special Rules in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has relaxed many tourism-related restrictions in recent years, including rules affecting women. However, visitors are still expected to follow local laws and cultural customs.
Travelers should dress modestly, respect local traditions, and remain aware that cultural expectations may differ from those in the United States and other Western countries.