Kuwait Raises Health Insurance Fees for Residency and Family Visas
Kuwait Raises Health Insurance Fees for Residency and Family Visas | Effective from December 23, 2025
Kuwait has officially announced a major update to its health insurance system for expatriates, bringing changes that will directly affect residency renewals, family visas, domestic workers, and several other categories of foreign residents.
The new decision, issued under Ministerial Resolution No. (306) of 2025, was approved by the Ministry of Health and signed by Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi. These revised health insurance fees will come into force on December 23, 2025, following their publication in the Official Gazette.
The move is part of Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health coverage for foreign residents, improve compliance, and align insurance regulations with existing health laws.
Why Kuwait Updated Health Insurance Fees
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining or renewing residency permits in Kuwait. With the growing expatriate population and increasing demand on healthcare services, authorities have revised the fee structure to ensure:
- Sustainable healthcare funding
- Better coverage for expatriates
- Clear accountability for sponsors and applicants
- Compliance with existing health and residency laws
Kuwaiti authorities announced a significant increase in health insurance fees for expatriates, effective December 23, 2025. This move standardizes and raises the annual “health assurance” fee — required for obtaining or renewing residency permits and certain visas — to KD 100 for most categories, up from the previous standard of KD 50. How will the new fees affect you?
Kuwaiti authorities announced a significant increase in health insurance fees for expatriates, effective December 23, 2025. This move standardizes and raises the annual “health assurance” fee — required for obtaining or renewing residency permits and certain visas — to KD 100 for… pic.twitter.com/IqBoEwQa0q
— KUWAIT TIMES (@kuwaittimesnews) December 21, 2025
The new regulation applies to both public and private sector employees, as well as several other residency categories.
New Health Insurance Fees for Residency Permits
Under the updated rules, the annual health insurance fee has been standardized at 100 Kuwaiti Dinars per year for most residency types.
The 100 KD Annual Fee Applies To:
- Employees in public and private sectors
- Foreign partners and investors
- Students
- Self-sponsored residents
- Illegal residents granted residency after obtaining foreign passports
- Retired military personnel from this category
- Families of foreign martyrs
This means anyone renewing or obtaining residency under these categories must pay 100 KD per year for health insurance before their residency can be processed.
Health Insurance Fees for Family Residency Visas
Family reunification visas are also included under the revised system.
- Family residency permits in both public and private sectors will now require 100 KD per year per dependent
- Residency or entry visas will not be issued or renewed without valid health insurance coverage
This change directly affects expatriates sponsoring spouses, children, or parents under family visas.
Domestic Workers: New Rules and Exemptions
The decision also introduces specific rules for domestic workers, with exemptions for Kuwaiti families.
For Kuwaiti Citizens:
- The first three domestic workers sponsored by a Kuwaiti citizen are fully exempt from health insurance fees
- Any additional domestic worker beyond the first three will be charged 10 KD per year
For Residents and Diplomats:
- Domestic workers sponsored by expatriate residents or diplomats will be subject to a 100 KD annual health insurance fee
This distinction aims to balance household needs while maintaining healthcare coverage standards.
Mandatory Health Insurance: No Exceptions
The regulation clearly states that:
- Residency permits and entry visas cannot be issued or renewed without valid health insurance
- A government or private health guarantee must be in place
- Fees will be collected in coordination with the Ministry of Interior
- The sponsor or applicant is fully responsible for payment
Failure to comply may result in delays, rejection of applications, or legal consequences.
Categories Exempt from Health Insurance Fees
While the new policy applies broadly, several categories remain fully exempt from paying health insurance fees:
Exempted Groups Include:
- Foreign women married to Kuwaiti citizens
- Widowed or divorced Kuwaiti women with children
- Foreign children of Kuwaiti citizens
- Children of Kuwaiti women from foreign husbands
- Up to three domestic workers for Kuwaiti families
- Diplomatic missions
- Newborn foreign children for a period of four months
These exemptions ensure social protection for families closely connected to Kuwaiti citizens.
Kuwait Raises Health Insurance Fees for Residency and Family Visas
Oversight, Penalties, and Dispute Resolution
The resolution also introduces strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Key Measures Include:
- Oversight of insurance companies and private health facilities
- Penalties for violations or false insurance practices
- Formation of a special committee within the Ministry of Health
- The committee will handle disputes related to the application of the law
This ensures transparency and accountability across the health insurance system.
What Expatriates in Kuwait Should Do Now
If you are living in Kuwait or planning to renew your residency or family visa, here are some important steps to take:
✔ Check your residency renewal date
✔ Confirm the correct insurance category
✔ Budget for the updated 100 KD annual fee
✔ Ensure insurance is active before submitting documents
✔ Follow updates from official authorities
Being prepared will help avoid last-minute delays or fines.
Top 5 FAQs – Kuwait Health Insurance Fee Increase
- When will the new health insurance fees take effect?
The new fees will be effective from December 23, 2025.
- How much is the new health insurance fee for residency renewal?
The standard fee is 100 Kuwaiti Dinars per year for most residency categories.
- Are family visas also affected?
Yes. Family residency permits now require 100 KD per year per dependent.
- Are domestic workers exempt from fees?
For Kuwaiti families, the first three domestic workers are exempt. Others may be charged 10 KD or 100 KD, depending on the sponsor.
- Can residency be renewed without health insurance?
No. Residency permits and entry visas cannot be issued or renewed without valid health insurance.
Ultimate Guide to Kuwait Visa (2025): Frequently Asked Questions, Requirements & Application Tips
Kuwait’s updated health insurance regulations mark an important shift toward structured healthcare coverage for expatriates. While the increased fees may require better financial planning, the policy aims to ensure access to healthcare services and long-term sustainability.
Residents are advised to stay informed, comply with the new requirements, and complete insurance formalities well before residency renewal deadlines.
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