KHI & HCRAG | What we stand for

باللغة العربية

In English

Health insurance company for expatriates

Sources within Kuwait's MOH have leaked this report written in 2010 by The Advisory Group, a for-profit health care consultancy based in Kuwait. As you will read, this proposes the segregation of Kuwait's health system by restricting access for 2 million expatriates to three secondary care hospitals and 15 primary care clinics. This is the basis for the recently announced health insurance company and hospitals. Such plans were made to alleviate complaints made by Kuwaitis filed to the Health Minister and members of the Parliament regarding waiting times at health care facilities.

The KHI and members of the international public health community stand firmly against such practices, which promise to further segregate the health system and lead to inequities in access and delivery of care to the most destitute populations. Kuwait already segregates its primary care clinic hours and, in some hospitals, its intensive care unit beds. These populations that include low-income workers and domestic servants already suffer social and financial hardships as documented by several local and international agencies. Furthermore, as evidenced by feedback the KHI obtained from renowned health economists and policy experts, such a proposal will likely fail in delivering better, more cost-effective, and sustainable care.

Report Part I

Report Part II

health insurance basics

Health financing forms the most fundamental part of a health system and any reform efforts. The reason is simple: without proper funding, any reform intervention may fail. Kuwait, for years, has relied on its oil revenues to subsidize health care services. Until the year 2000, this welfare system covered all residents, including the expatriate population, within the public health care system. Due to mounting costs and economic pressures of the times, private health insurance was enforced for all expatriates entering the nation.

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