RIYADH — A recent national survey indicates that healthcare coverage in Saudi Arabia is exceptionally high, with 95.7 percent of adults having access to services covering basic medical expenses. The 2025 National Health Survey, released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on Sunday, provides a comprehensive overview of health access and utilization across the Kingdom. This coverage encompasses governmental provisions through the Ministry of Health, services offered by university and military hospitals, and private health insurance plans.
The survey reveals even greater access for children, with 98.3 percent of those under 15 years of age covered for essential healthcare. This high level of coverage is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes the health and well-being of its citizens and residents. The data offers valuable insights into the nation’s progress toward achieving universal health access.
Expanding Access to Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
The findings demonstrate a significant investment in the healthcare infrastructure and accessibility within Saudi Arabia. According to the GASTAT report, the widespread coverage is a result of ongoing efforts to strengthen both public and private healthcare systems. This commitment aims to reduce disparities in health outcomes and improve the overall quality of life for the population.
However, while access is high, utilization of digital health tools remains moderate. Approximately 30.9 percent of adults aged 15 and above have accessed their electronic medical records online. This suggests a potential area for growth, as digital health solutions can streamline care and empower patients.
Healthcare Utilization Patterns
The survey also detailed the frequency of healthcare visits. Adults reported an average of three visits to a healthcare provider in the past 12 months, while children under 15 averaged 2.6 visits. These numbers indicate a consistent engagement with the healthcare system, likely driven by preventative care and management of chronic conditions.
Interestingly, there were variations in visit frequency based on nationality and gender. Saudis averaged 3.4 visits compared to 2.4 for non-Saudis, potentially reflecting differences in health needs or access to specialized care. Females, on average, visited healthcare providers 3.3 times, slightly more often than males at 2.8 times.
For children, Saudis also had a marginally higher average visit count (2.7) than non-Saudis (2.2). The gender gap was less pronounced in this age group, with females averaging 2.5 visits and males 2.6. These differences warrant further investigation to understand the underlying factors influencing healthcare seeking behavior.
The Role of Technology in Healthcare
The report highlights a growing, though still limited, adoption of telehealth services. 5.7 percent of respondents utilized telehealth for consultations with their healthcare providers. This figure suggests an increasing comfort level with remote healthcare options, particularly relevant in a large country like Saudi Arabia where geographical barriers can exist.
Additionally, 30.8 percent of the population used the internet to gather health-related information, covering topics such as injuries, illnesses, nutrition, and general health improvement. This demonstrates a proactive approach to health management, with individuals actively seeking knowledge to support their well-being. The increasing use of online resources is a trend expected to continue as digital literacy grows.
Dental care also saw notable utilization, with 11.4 percent of adults receiving a consultation in the past year. This rate was higher for females (15.1 percent) than for males (9.4 percent). Among children under 15, 11.7 percent had dental consultations, with similar rates observed for both genders.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has been actively working to integrate technology into its healthcare delivery system, including expanding telehealth capabilities and promoting electronic health records. This push towards digital transformation is intended to enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes and ensure more equitable access to healthcare services. Initiatives like the national digital health strategy aim to further accelerate this progress.
While healthcare access is widespread, the data suggests a need to focus on increasing engagement with preventative care programs and promoting digital health literacy. Improving the adoption of electronic medical records and telehealth services could further optimize the healthcare system and alleviate pressure on traditional healthcare facilities.
Looking ahead, GASTAT is expected to release further detailed analysis of the 2025 National Health Survey data in the coming months. This deeper dive will likely uncover more nuanced trends in healthcare utilization and identify specific areas where targeted interventions are needed. The Ministry of Health will likely use these findings to refine its healthcare policies and investments, ensuring that the Kingdom continues to make strides toward achieving its Vision 2030 health goals. Future surveys will be crucial for monitoring the long-term impact of these initiatives and identifying emerging challenges within the public health landscape.
