Saudi Arabia travel insurance FAQs

Which is the best company to purchase Saudi Arabia trip insurance from?

There are nearly two dozen reputable travel insurance providers. However, using a comparison website is the best way to find the right policy for you. My preferred choice is TravelInsurance.com since they only feature the most trusted companies. I also like that the site has simple-to-use filters and top-notch customer support.

What is “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage?

“Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) is an optional upgrade package that you can add to your travel insurance policy. It allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, including those not covered by your standard plan. Should you use your CFAR protection, the reimbursement rate for all non-refundable trip costs not covered by your policy will most likely be 75%.

How long will my Saudi Arabia trip insurance be valid for?

This all depends on the type of coverage you purchase. Single-trip travel insurance covers you from when you leave for vacation until you return home. That said, some policies do not include trip cancellation benefits and are called International Medical policies. Coverage usually lasts a year but can be renewed for up to 3 years maximum. A purchase of an annual trip insurance plan will provide medical coverage and evacuation benefits for multiple trips within a year.

If I become hospitalized in Saudi Arabia, will my regular health insurance reimburse me for my bills?

Your regular insurance will likely only reimburse you for any medical care you receive in the US. Most policies give no or minimal international coverage, and Medicare benefits do not extend beyond US borders. This is why it’s vital that you buy the best Saudi Arabia travel insurance policy once you’ve booked your trip.

How do travel insurance companies define trip interruption?

Trip Interruption benefits cover you if you must cut your Saudi Arabia vacation short to return home to the US due to unexpected events. Covered reasons include, but are not limited to, job termination, terrorist attacks, inclement weather, injury, death, or illness of any insured travel companions. These benefits become active once you leave home for your travels, making it a post-departure benefit.

Will my trip insurance policy cover me in the event of a relative’s death?

This depends on the policy you choose. For example, cheaper plans tend not to cover a relative’s death if it’s due to suicide or a pre-existing medical condition. However, most policies with higher premiums will offer bereavement benefits, irrespective of the reason for your relative’s passing. Remember to read a policy’s full details before purchasing.

Another aspect of bereavement benefits you must understand is what constitutes a “covered relative”? For example, do siblings, in-laws, cousins, and grandparents qualify as covered relatives? Of course, this differs from one policy to the next, so check with the provider offering the policy for further specifics.

What should I do if I have an emergency during my time in Saudi Arabia?

If you have an emergency in Saudi Arabia, dial 112. It’s a free call from any phone. Should you or any of your insured travel companions experience a medical emergency, someone in your party must contact your travel insurance provider’s customer support hotline. Your insurer will then arrange transport to the nearest hotel that meets US standards.

Will travel insurance reimburse for Covid-related trip cancellations?

Most policies include trip cancellation benefits that will reimburse you if you or anyone insured on your plan comes down with Covid before departure. However, there are some aspects of travel that insurance may not cover. These include negative test requirements, border closures, quarantine requirements, an insured traveler’s fear of travel due to changing global health circumstances, and more.

If you suspect any of these will pose an issue regarding your trip to Saudi Arabia, I suggest adding a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade package to your policy. It will give you peace of mind, knowing that you will recoup a significant portion of your investment in your trip. Regardless of the cancellation reason, the typical reimbursement rate using a CFAR plan is 75% of total non-refundable trip costs.

As the travel insurance industry constantly adapts and adjusts to the always-changing circumstances caused by the pandemic, you can find new policies insurers offer using a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com. I recommend getting a policy with at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and $100,000 in medical evacuation benefits. If you already have a policy in place that does not offer any coverage due to Covid, verify with your insurer whether they have a policy rider you can get to cover trip cancellations due to infectious diseases.

Typical problems tourists may experience while traveling in Saudi Arabia and how to avoid them:

Illnesses

Common health issues, such as the flu, cold or traveler’s diarrhea, are a concern in Saudi Arabia, just as anywhere else. However, a few more serious health concerns exist, particularly heatstroke (sunstroke), dengue fever and malaria.

Heatstroke is a real threat for Saudi Arabian travelers, especially those not used to such high temperatures. The mercury regularly rises above 100 degrees between May and September and stays in the 90s from October through December and April. You may have heatstroke if any or all of these symptoms arise: sweats, high fever, vomiting, delirium, nausea and elevated heart rate. Get to a hospital immediately if you develop any of these.

Since heatstroke can lead to organ failure and become fatal, take extra precautions to avoid it. The first is to stay out of the afternoon sun as much as possible, as this is when it’s strongest. In Saudi Arabia, it’s easy not to notice you’ve been overexposed to the sun because of the dry air. The second is to drink plenty of water and freshly pressed juices to stay hydrated while avoiding dehydrating drinks such as those with high refined sugar and caffeine.

Furthermore, dengue fever and malaria are potential dangers in some of the country. To avoid contracting either, use a strong insect repellent on any exposed skin, including the bottoms of your feet. Bug sprays containing DEET yield the best results. Sleep with a mosquito net over your bed at night, mainly if you left the doors or windows open throughout the day. Also, to keep yourself strong and healthy throughout your trip, always stay hydrated.

Both malaria and dengue fever can become debilitating or fatal. Should you experience a high fever, vomiting, fatigue, extreme bodily aches or a rash, seek medical care immediately.

Accidents

Tourists experience most accidents in Saudia Arabia due to car accidents or outdoor activities like hiking or quad-biking adventures. Driving here can shock the system, as locals are known for driving extremely fast, tailgating, and other aggressive driving habits. To reduce your risk for collision, stay alert at all times and drive defensively.

Muggings

While violent crime rates are low, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching still occur. Such crime usually occurs in busy places that appeal to tourists. So be attentive to your belongings and carry your cash and credit cards in a money belt under your clothes.

Emergency resources for Saudi Arabia

Phone numbers

For general emergencies, dial 112 for free from any phone. The operator will connect you with the appropriate service. If you want more direct numbers, dial 999 or 911 to reach the police, 998 for the fire department and 997 for ambulance services.

US embassy or consulate details

The US has an embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Dhahran and Jeddah. Visit the Embassy’s website for opening hours, location information and citizen services.

The US Department of State has a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through which you can register your trip details for Saudi Arabia. Once you do so, you will receive relevant health and safety notifications. Furthermore, enrolling in the program allows the nearest US embassy to communicate with you or your loved ones back home in an emergency.

Other local knowledge that is helpful for travelers

Accommodations

Until recently, Saudi Arabia only opened its doors to foreign business people, so most accommodations cater to this demographic and the wealthy. Therefore, luxury hotels abound, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah and other larger cities. The great news is that comfortable hotel room prices cost less than their US equivalents. What Saudis call “budget chain hotels” are comfortable and affordable and often come with kitchens. As odd as it may sound, some kitchens do not come stocked with pots and pans, cooking utensils, cutlery and plates. So, if you’re planning an extended stay in Saudi Arabia, you may want to pick up a few things from a marketplace or local shop.

Communication

Staying in touch with friends and family back in the US during your vacation in Saudi Arabia is a relatively straightforward affair. For those who do not need to be connected 24/7, you can rely on WiFi at your hotel or artisan coffee shops to email and use messaging apps.

However, another solution is to purchase a local, prepaid SIM card at the airport upon arrival. For this to work, you must check with your mobile carrier back home to ensure your phone is unlocked. You must show your passport and provide a fingerprint to register and activate the SIM card. The 3 major mobile carriers in Saudi Arabia are STC (the most extensive network), Mobily (the largest data packages) and ZAIN (the cheapest but smallest network). Even though much of the country is remote, you’ll be surprised to discover that 4G reception is quite reliable throughout.

Of course, another option is to see if your mobile carrier in the US has an international roaming package that includes Saudi Arabia. If so, add it to your mobile plan for your trip dates. Fair warning: This will likely be the most expensive choice and the data included will be minimal. The upshot is that your loved ones can contact you on your US phone number.

Currency

The Saudi Arabian currency is the riyal (SAR or Rs for pricing). Each riyal is subdivided into 100 halala. Banknotes (bills) come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 denominations. Coins come in Rs 1 and Rs 2 and Halala 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100.

ATMs are abundant throughout the country, with roadside and drive-thru machines scattered throughout cities, towns, highways, and gas (petrol) stations. You will generally get the most beneficial exchange rates by withdrawing cash using your US debit card instead of trading cash currency exchange desks. And the great news is that Saudi ATMs have no hidden fees.

Many businesses in Saudi Arabian cities accept debit and credit cards, but having cash on hand is always helpful, especially if you travel further afar. Note that smaller local businesses, including Indian cafés, do not accept cards. Additionally, memorize your PINs before leaving home. You must also notify your banks and credit card companies of your travel dates and destination so they don’t block you from using your cards.

Eating Out

Saudi cuisine is flavorful and hearty and rich in spices, such as cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Meat and rice or flatbreads dominate. Expect to be wowed by the Indian, Persian, African and Turkish influences in most dishes.

One of the most popular foods in the Saudi Kingdom is mutabbaq, a Saudi spin on a stuffed paratha made with ground meat and vegetables. A typical combination of ingredients is eggs, minced meat, green onions, tomatoes and spices. A more dessert-style version is made with butter, sugar, cheese, crushed peanuts and sweet toppings.

Another dish that doubles as a snack or main dish is burēk, a pastry filled with minced meat, spinach, cheese, seasonings and creamy egg yogurt, and then baked until the phyllo dough is flaky.

Many consider kabsa the national dish. It’s a fragrant rice dish made with cloves, cinnamon, black lime, black pepper and saffron and served with meat. Meats vary based on regions and preferences. Expect anything from camel, goat, lamb, chicken or beef to fish or shrimp.

Another filling dish is tharid, a spicy lamb stew. It’s made with vegetables, cardamom, cumin, cloves, onions, garlic ginger and black pepper. Saudis serve it with thick barley flatbread.

Of course, a list of main dishes in Saudi Arabia would not be complete without one of the most famous of all: shawarma. Shawarma is marinated lamb, beef or chicken meat that is slow-cooked on a spit and flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cumin and paprika. It’s cut off into thin pieces and wrapped in a warm pita. Toppings usually include tomatoes, pickles and sauce, but lettuce, onions and garlic sometimes make an appearance.

A delicious but light Saudi dessert is a pudding called muhallebi. It’s made from rice, rice flour, milk, sugar and semolina. Nuts or raisins are normally used as a garnish. More fragrant varieties include jasmine or rose extract or ground cardamom.

Last but never least, it’s important to note that while meat dominates Saudi cuisine, vegans and vegetarians can get by reasonably well in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Khobar, where most veg-friendly restaurants are located. Indian restaurants are usually a great option for those seeking meat-free food. Aside from mutabbaq mentioned above, there are a few traditional dishes to keep your eyes open for in case you need some alternatives: hummus, tamiya and ful wa tameez. We may have hummus in the US, but the flavors can’t compare to those made in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Be sure to eat it with hot pita bread. A tamiya is a fritter made from fava beans or chickpeas. In the US, we refer to them as falafel.

Entry Requirements

US citizens must obtain a tourist visa prior to arriving in Saudi Arabia. Tourist visas allow for stays of up to 90 consecutive days, with a maximum stay of 180 days within a year. You can apply for your e-Visa via the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage website. For your visa, you

Check the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Washington DC’s website for information on additional entry requirements for US citizens.

Getting Around

Saudi Arabia is a massive country in which the most popular cities, Riyadh, Jeddah, Jizan and Al-Ula are extremely far from each other. If your travels will take you beyond one Saudi city, consider catching a domestic flight to reach your next destination, as it will be the most efficient time-wise. Saudia Airlines and Flyadeal (budget airlines) have frequent domestic flights each day.

Another way to move quickly around the country is to hop on one of the inter-city trains. There is a North-South line and an East train, both of which Saudi Arabia Railways runs. Booking your tickets in advance can save you more than 50% compared to same-day purchases.

Once you arrive at each destination, you can use taxis and ride-hailing apps, such as Uber or Careem, or rent a car to get around. The former will likely be the least stressful as Saudi drivers are known for being fast and aggressive. It is important to mention that no Saudi Arabian city is remotely walkable, so don’t expect to do much of it. Also, keep in mind that public transportation in most cities is still relatively new and, therefore, still expanding.

Those who rent a car during their vacation will need their US driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit, available through any AAA location or through the mail. Visitors from the US will be pleased to know that Saudis also drive on the right side of the road; nearly all rental cars come with automatic transmissions and gas is extremely cheap. Remember that rental cars often come with a daily or weekly limit on how many kilometers you can drive, ranging between 250-300 km/day. Visitors on a budget or who wish to travel more slowly move about the country by bus. Buses are a very affordable way to move between cities, yet they offer plenty of comforts. For more timetables and ticket reservations, check out the SAPTCO website.

Some of the larger Saudi cities have public transport that they are continually expanding. SAPTCO, as linked above, also operates some of its buses in Riyadh and other urban areas.

Language

Arabic is the national language, particularly the three following dialects: Gulf, Hejazi and Najdi. It’s worth watching short videos online to learn useful phrases that you can use. However, it’s important to note that most of Saudi Arabia’s service workers and laborers are primarily from the Philippines, Pakistan and India, so Tagalog, Urdu and Hindi are spoken widely among foreigners.

Laws

Saudi Arabia is a traditional, conservative, family-centric Muslim country in which religious beliefs inform the country’s laws, also known as Sharia law. As guests, it behooves us to learn and respect those laws to the fullest. Otherwise, you will likely end up in prison. Below are the most relevant laws concerning you during your trip to Saudi Arabia.

• Non-Muslims cannot practice their religion or worship openly. Additionally, they cannot wear any religious symbols, including jewelry, or share religious materials with others.
• Modest and loose-fitting clothing is required for both men and women, regardless of religion or nationality.
• The sale and consumption of alcohol are illegal, except in some hotels and private clubs (designated areas).
• Non-Muslims are forbidden from visiting Mecca, the Holy City of Islam.
• Public displays of affection (PDA) are illegal.
• It is illegal to criticize the Saudi government, the royal family, and Islam, whether that be verbally or in writing, including posts to social media or websites.
• Profane language and insulting gestures are illegal.
• Pornography is illegal, and accessing it on the internet is thus outlawed too.
• Any activities that one could associate specifically with the LGBTQ+ community are illegal.
• It is illegal to play music in public or in your accommodation during the 5 daily prayer times.
• It is illegal to photograph local people (especially women), police stations, airports, and government buildings without explicit permission, so be attentive whenever you take photographs.

Be aware that Saudi Arabia operates an intense surveillance state throughout the country. Therefore, it’s best to act on the premise that the government will monitor your phone and internet activity. Furthermore, the police or government agents can search your hotel room without notice. You may also notice that you cannot access some websites you are used to accessing while in the US.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Before visiting, it’s crucial that every visitor research local customs and etiquette. This is the best way to avoid offending locals or even breaking the law since social and religious values shape the country’s laws. After all, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a socially conservative, family-oriented society. In addition, most Saudis are Sunni Muslims who practice Wahhabism or Salafism, both of which adhere to stringent, traditional interpretations of the Quran.

Muslim prayer takes place 5 times daily, and the times change each day slightly. Times are listed online. Most shops and businesses close for approximately 15 to 30 minutes during these times. If you find yourself near a mosque during prayer, the best thing you can do is find somewhere comfortable to sit and relax. Keeping your voice down or staying silent is the most respectful way to conduct yourself during these times. If you are not near a mosque, you can continue your day.

While Saudi law no longer requires segregation in restaurants, many older, more traditional restaurants may still adhere to the practice. This means a restaurant will have a section only for men and another for women and families likely enclosed or separated so that women are not visible to the men-only area. Some restaurants may even have separate entrances for women and families.

Avoid discussing sex, religion or politics with locals. These topics are taboo when it comes to conversations in Saudi Arabia. Also, refrain from making social media posts about these topics while in the country. That said, you will likely learn a bit about Islam from your guide by taking guided tours.

At local markets (souks), feel free to bargain. Sellers will find it odd if you don’t. It’s all part of the ritual, so go ahead and make a counteroffer.

Under Saudi law, men and women must dress conservatively, regardless of whether they are Saudi. Dressing modestly helps deter unwanted attention from local authorities. For men, this means wearing long pants and shirts that cover your shoulders, ideally with long sleeves. For women, this translates into ankle-length skirts or pants, long-sleeved shirts, a headscarf and closed-toe shoes. Women can wear an abaya or a full-length robe if you want to blend in. They are usually lightweight.

Avoid situations where you will be left alone in a room, car, etc., with someone of the opposite sex. For example, if you are female and get into a taxi alone, sit directly behind the driver in the backseat so you are out of sight.

As in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries, Saudi Arabia observes the left-hand rule. The left hand is associated with cleaning, including that of one’s own body, so you must never wave, eat or give anything to anyone using your left hand alone. However, using both hands to pass a food platter or even a gesture is acceptable.

The list of etiquette and local customs is quite long, but there are a few more things that foreigners should be mindful of while on vacation:

1. Whistling, spitting and blowing one’s nose in public are considered rude.
2. If you are invited to a local’s home, always remove your shoes upon entering.
3. If your hosts offer you a meal, be sure to eat plenty and at least sample a bit of all dishes on offer. Not doing both may be seen as rude.

Safety

Saudi Arabia can be safe to visit, as it has low crime rates when compared with other Middle Eastern countries. That said, terrorist activity is not unheard of, and there are areas of the country that US citizens should definitely avoid due to potential missile and drone strikes. Such areas include those near the Iraqi and Yemeni borders, Awamiyah, Abha Airport and Qatif. Consult the US Department of State’s Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory for more information.

Tipping

Tipping in Saudi Arabia is the norm. For example, if your restaurant bill does not include a service charge, it’s typical to tip 10-15%. Should you receive excellent service, you are welcome to leave a little extra on top of the service charge to show your appreciation.

In hotels, tip porters the equivalent of US$1-2 per bag, housekeepers $2-5/day for housekeepers, $1-2 for room service and $5-10 for any additional requests you make of the concierge. Spa technicians generally don’t expect tips, but 10% should suffice if you receive outstanding service.

Other people who regularly receive tips are food delivery drivers, taxi drivers, tour guides and other tour staff. For food delivery, Rs 2-5 is appropriate. Taxi drivers should get 10% of the total fare or a little extra if they help you with your luggage or give you helpful travel tips. Lastly, tour guides should get the equivalent of US$10, drivers $5 and additional tour staff $2-3 each. Tips for tours are based on a per-day, per-person basis.

A final note about travel insurance for the Saudi Arabia

I have spent dozens of hours researching travel insurance, including getting quotes and comparing coverage from all the most popular brands. Regardless of where you’re going I am confident that you will also find that TravelInsurance.com offers the best way to compare policies with the ideal combo of coverage and price.

I wish you and yours an incredible journey.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology

• Average price for a 2-week vacation based on a 35-year-old California resident traveling to the Saudi Arabia with a $3,500 trip cost
• Coronavirus coverage
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Key policy details including cancellation, interruption, emergency medical evacuation, and baggage & personal effects
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews