Manama:Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), has announced that the National Health Insurance Programme for Residents will be implemented in the Kingdom of Bahrain starting Saturday, October 31, 2026. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing Bahrain's healthcare system by establishing a comprehensive health insurance framework for residents.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the programme is designed to regulate residents' access to healthcare services while maintaining unchanged healthcare provisions for Bahraini citizens. The programme aims to provide structured insurance coverage for eligible residents, including primary and secondary healthcare services, as well as emergency and accident treatment, in accordance with the mandatory health insurance package's benefits and regulations.
The SCH Chairman highlighted that optional insurance packages with additional benefits will be available to meet individual and employer needs. He also noted that health insurance coverage will be tied to the issuance and renewal of work and residence permits, facilitating streamlined enrolment and continuous healthcare coverage for eligible groups.
Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah stated that the programme is expected to lead to more efficient use of healthcare resources, expand partnerships with the private sector, and offer a broader range of healthcare options. These efforts will support the improvement of healthcare quality and efficiency while contributing to the long-term sustainability of Bahrain's healthcare system.
The programme will cover resident workers in Bahrain as per the specified scope and categories under relevant regulations. However, domestic workers, residents employed by government entities, and their dependents are excluded from this coverage. Details about eligibility, benefits, and implementation procedures are set to be disseminated through official channels.
Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah emphasized that this programme aligns with Bahrain's ongoing efforts to develop a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system, supporting the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, while affirming the Kingdom's commitment to universal health coverage.