The Saudi Insurance Authority (IA) and other stakeholders in the insurance market are conducting a study on whether or not to scrap insurers' requirements for their approval for health insurance services.
IA CEO Naji Al-Tamimi said that delayed approval could harm beneficiaries of health insurance policies, the newspaper Al-Riyadh reported. On the other hand, if approval is scrapped, there are concerns about excessive medical treatments and high healthcare costs that would ultimately affect health insurance premiums.
Stressing that the IA is seeking a balance, he said, "Careful study will help in (our) making the appropriate decision, which will undoubtedly be in the best interests of beneficiaries.”
Bupa Arabia allows medical treatment without requiring pre-approval
Separately, the biggest insurer in the kingdom, Bupa Arabia, has formed partnerships with more than seven hospitals across three regions, allowing members to receive treatment directly, without the need to submit or wait for prior medical approval.
Bupa Arabia says this initiative is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia’s health insurance sector. It has been designed to deliver a seamless, hassle-free healthcare experience, ensuring quicker access to medical care.
This initiative marks a major transformation in healthcare experience by:
Bupa Arabia is committed to expanding the "No Pre-Approvals Network" initiative by increasing the number of participating hospitals and adding specialised services—including medication coverage—to offer a more comprehensive and integrated healthcare experience. The company plans to add 15 to 20 hospitals across various regions in 2025, reinforcing its mission to ensure easy and efficient access to high-quality care without the administrative delays of prior approvals.