The process for canceling medical insurance in Saudi Arabia depends on who purchased the policy. In most cases, employees cannot directly cancel employer-provided health insurance because the policy belongs to the employer.
1. If your employer provides your health insurance (most expatriates and many Saudis)
You cannot cancel the policy yourself. The employer (policyholder) must request cancellation from the insurance company.
When can the insurance be canceled?
Coverage typically ends when:
- Your employment ends (resignation or termination)
- You transfer to another employer
- You leave Saudi Arabia permanently (Final Exit)
- The insurance policy is canceled or replaced
- A dependent is no longer eligible for coverage (Istitlaa)
Process
- Inform your HR department.
- HR submits a cancellation or deletion request to the insurance company.
- If you’re transferring jobs, your new employer should arrange a new health insurance policy that starts immediately after the previous one ends to avoid any coverage gap. (CCHI)
2. If you purchased private health insurance yourself
If you bought an individual policy (for example, as a Saudi citizen or for optional coverage):
Step 1
Read your insurance policy for cancellation terms.
Step 2
Contact your insurance company through:
- Customer service
- Mobile app
- Online portal
- Branch office
Step 3
Submit:
- National ID or Iqama
- Policy number
- Cancellation request
- Bank account details (if a refund is applicable)
Step 4
Receive confirmation of cancellation.
3. Will you receive a refund?
A refund depends on:
- The insurer’s cancellation policy
- The reason for cancellation
- How much of the policy period remains
- Whether claims have already been made
For employer policies, Saudi regulations allow a prorated refund in certain cases (such as an employee’s final exit or transfer to another employer), subject to the applicable conditions. (IA.gov.sa)
4. Required documents
Depending on the reason, you may need:
- National ID or Iqama
- Insurance card
- Policy number
- Resignation letter (if applicable)
- Final Exit visa (if leaving Saudi Arabia)
- Sponsorship transfer documents (if changing employers)
5. Check whether your insurance is still active
You can verify the status of your health insurance using the official online inquiry service.
Health Insurance Information Inquiry
This service lets you check:
- Whether your policy is active
- The insurance company
- Policy validity dates
6. If your employer refuses to cancel or there is a dispute
You can submit an inquiry or complaint to the Saudi insurance regulator through its official electronic services.
Summary
| Situation | Who cancels the insurance? |
|---|---|
| Resignation | Employer (HR) |
| Job transfer | Employer removes you; new employer enrolls you |
| Final Exit | Employer requests cancellation |
| Individual/private policy | Policyholder contacts the insurer directly |
| Dependents removed | Employer or policyholder, depending on the policy |
If you tell me which situation applies to you—for example, resigning, changing jobs, leaving Saudi Arabia, or canceling a personal policy—I can provide the exact step-by-step process for that case.
