How to Check Insurance on Iqama in Saudi Arabia

Living in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate involves managing various legal and administrative responsibilities, one of which is ensuring your insurance is up to date. Your Iqama, the residence permit for foreigners, is intricately linked to both health insurance and, if applicable, car insurance. Both are essential for maintaining legal status and accessing services.

Regularly conducting an insurance check in KSA, whether for health or vehicle coverage, is a fundamental aspect of expatriate life. Utilizing official platforms like CCHI and Absher ensures you stay compliant with Saudi regulations and maintain peace of mind regarding your essential services.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to check these insurance types using your Iqama or national ID, drawing from reliable sources like the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) and the Absher platform, as of June 2025.

Background and Importance

The Iqama is a critical document for expatriates in Saudi Arabia, serving as proof of residency and work authorization. Health insurance is mandatory for all expatriates and their family members, a requirement tied to the issuance and renewal of the Iqama.

Similarly, car insurance is compulsory for vehicle owners to comply with traffic regulations and avoid penalties. Regularly checking your insurance status ensures compliance with local laws and provides peace of mind for healthcare and driving needs.

Methods for Checking Health Insurance

Ensuring your Iqama health insurance is active is paramount for all expatriates in Saudi Arabia. This critical requirement is directly tied to your residency status, impacting everything from medical access to Iqama renewal. Use your Iqama number on CCHI or Absher platforms to quickly verify coverage and expiry, ensuring continuous compliance.

There are two primary platforms for checking health insurance status: the CCHI website and the Absher platform. Each offers distinct advantages, catering to different user preferences.

Using the CCHI Website

The CCHI, the official body overseeing health insurance in Saudi Arabia, provides an online service for insurance information inquiry. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Access the CCHI e-services portal at eservices.chi.gov.sa.
• Step 2: Locate the section for verifying health insurance, typically labeled “Insurance Information Inquiry.”
• Step 3: Enter your 10-digit Iqama number in the designated “Identity Number” field.
• Step 4: Input the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen to verify you’re not a bot.
• Step 5: Click “OK” or “Submit” to proceed.
• Result: The system will display detailed insurance details, including the insurance company name, policy number, class, deductible percentage, beneficiary number, and most importantly, the expiry date. This information is crucial for ensuring your coverage is active, especially before seeking medical services or renewing your Iqama.

This method is particularly useful for those who prefer direct access without needing to log into additional accounts, and it’s accessible 24/7. However, ensure your internet connection is stable, as the CAPTCHA can sometimes be tricky to read.

Using the Absher Platform

Absher, Saudi Arabia’s national portal for government services, offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including health insurance status checks. It’s especially handy for managing family-related inquiries. When using Absher, both your Iqama number and National ID serve as key identifiers. Expatriates primarily use their 10-digit Iqama, while citizens use their National ID, ensuring all residents can access government services seamlessly. Here’s the process:

• Step 1: Log in to your Absher account at absher.sa. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to register using your national ID or Iqama number, following the Absher user guide for setup.
• Step 2: Navigate to the “Family Members” tab, which allows you to manage inquiries for yourself and dependents.
• Step 3: Select “Inquiries” from the menu options.
• Step 4: Click on “Query Health Insurance” to access the relevant service.
• Step 5: From the list of dependents, choose the family member whose health insurance you want to check (this includes yourself).
• Result: Absher will display the health insurance expiry date and potentially other details like policy status. This is particularly useful for expatriates with family members, as it centralizes all insurance information.

Absher’s advantage lies in its integration with other services, such as update passport information or update mobile number for the Tawakkalna app, making it a one-stop shop. However, you’ll need a valid login, and occasionally, the platform may experience downtime, so plan accordingly.

Methods for Checking Car Insurance

If you own a vehicle in Saudi Arabia, checking your car insurance validity is equally important. The primary method is through Absher, with additional options like the Najm app or insurance provider websites. Verifying your car insurance validity in KSA is crucial for legal driving. Beyond Absher, options exist for checking your vehicle insurance status, including direct inquiries with your insurance provider or utilizing the Najm app. Always ensure your policy is active to avoid penalties.

Using the Absher Website

Absher provides a dedicated service for vehicle-related inquiries, including insurance validity. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Visit the Absher website at absher.sa.
• Step 2: Select “Absher Individuals” and log in using your username and password. You may need to enter a CAPTCHA for security.
• Step 3: Once logged in, navigate to “Vehicle Services,” which houses various car-related functions.
• Step 4: Choose “Insurance Validity” from the list of options.
• Step 5: Enter your national ID number and the vehicle’s plate number in the required fields.
• Step 6: Click “Submit” to retrieve the insurance status.
• Result: You’ll see whether your car insurance is active, expired, or details like policy number and coverage period.

This method is ideal for those who prefer using a desktop or laptop, and it’s directly tied to official government records, ensuring accuracy.

Using the Absher App

For on-the-go access, the Absher app is a convenient alternative:

• Step 1: Download the Absher app from your smartphone’s app store (available for both Android and iOS).
• Step 2: Log in using your ID number and password. Ensure your mobile number for Tawakkalna app is updated for notifications.
• Step 3: Go to “My Services” and select “Vehicles” from the menu.
• Step 4: Choose “Check Car Insurance” from the options.
• Step 5: Enter your ID number and license plate number, then click “Submit.”
• Result: The app will display your insurance details, including validity and coverage status, right on your phone.

The app is particularly useful for quick checks, especially when you’re out and about, but ensure you have a stable internet connection for smooth navigation.

Other Methods for Car Insurance

Beyond Absher, there are additional ways to check car insurance:

• Najm App: If your vehicle is insured through Najm, Saudi Arabia’s leading insurance provider, open the Najm app, go to “My Vehicles,” select your car, and tap on “Insurance” or “Insurance Details.” This method is pre-registered for your vehicles, requiring no additional input, making it quick and user-friendly.
• Insurance Provider’s Website: Many insurance companies offer online portals for checking policy status. Visit your provider’s website, navigate to “Online Services,” select “Car Insurance Inquiry,” and enter your ID number and vehicle plate number to search. This is useful if you prefer dealing directly with your insurer, but availability varies by company.

These methods ensure you have multiple avenues to verify your insurance validity, catering to different levels of tech comfort and accessibility.

Comparative Overview of Methods

To help you decide which method suits you best, here’s a table summarizing the key aspects:

Method	Service Type	Required Input	Accessibility	Best For
CCHI Website	Health Insurance	Iqama number, CAPTCHA	24/7 online	Quick checks, no login needed
Absher Website	Health, Car	Login, ID, plate number	Online, may have downtime	Family management, vehicle checks
Absher App	Health, Car	Login, ID, plate number	Mobile, on-the-go	Busy expats, quick mobile access
Najm App	Car Insurance	Pre-registered vehicles	Mobile	Najm policyholders, easy access
Insurance Provider Website	Car Insurance	ID, plate number	Varies by company	Direct insurer contact

This table highlights the flexibility of options, ensuring you can choose based on your needs and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

To address common concerns, here are some FAQs based on typical user queries:

• What should I do if my health insurance has expired?
  Contact your employer (if they provide it) or your insurance provider immediately to renew. Expired health insurance can block your Iqama renewal, so act fast.
• Can I check my family member’s health insurance on Absher?
  Yes, log in to Absher, go to “Family Members,” and select the person from the dependents list to view their health insurance status.
• Is car insurance mandatory in Saudi Arabia?
  Absolutely, it’s a legal requirement for all vehicles. Driving without it can lead to fines and legal issues.
• How often should I check my insurance status?
  Check at least once a month, especially if your Iqama or car insurance is nearing expiry. It’s also wise to verify before renewing your Iqama or applying for visas like exit and re-entry visa.
• What if I don’t have an Absher account?
  You can still check health insurance via the CCHI website. For car insurance, consider creating an Absher account or using your insurance provider’s platform, depending on availability.

The insurance information inquiry process in KSA aims to provide clear and immediate details on your policy status. This vital information, accessible through various online portals, includes policy numbers, company details, and crucial expiry dates, empowering you with direct access to your coverage data.

Checking your insurance on your Iqama is a straightforward process, thanks to platforms like CCHI and Absher. Whether it’s health insurance for medical coverage or car insurance for road safety, staying on top of your insurance validity is crucial for legal compliance and personal security in Saudi Arabia.

Regularly verify your status to avoid last-minute hassles, and leverage the multiple methods available to suit your lifestyle. By keeping your insurance details current, you ensure a smoother experience navigating life in KSA.