Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by Caesar
Did you know that the market value for medical tourism in Saudi Arabia was USD 1,341.1 million in 2024? The new trend in the market is getting popular day by day. When you visit a country for treatment but also roam around to explore several tourist attractions – it is referred to as medical tourism.
If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia from the UK, check thoroughly what treatment facilities you might expect in Saudi Arabia. For your information, the country offers treatments like – cosmetic treatment, dental treatment, cardiovascular treatment, fertility treatment and many more. However, you need to know all about the medical facilities in the country to get a complete overview.
In this blog, we will explore how you can prepare for a medical tour of the country. Read on to learn about different hospitals and specialists to receive the best treatment and care for you.
Understanding the Medical System in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian Government has invested heavily in the medical infrastructure in the country. Besides providing free healthcare service to its citizens, the government has initiated the National Transformation Program (NTP) and Vision 2030 to improve healthcare efficiency.
It lowers the pressure on the private healthcare sector. The healthcare system in the country follows a mix of private and government healthcare services while the government offers 60% of the healthcare facilities.
While the government offers a free healthcare service to the residents of the country, the private sector offers a fee-for-service model. So, you get better healthcare services when you go to private healthcare facilities.
The medical industry in Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly but you might not see local medical personnel/doctors in great numbers in its medical facilities. Foreign nationals make up approximately 73% of the total medical workforce in the country. It is great news for you if you are travelling from the UK. You can easily communicate with medical professionals about your issues and requirements.
Obtaining a Medical Visa
Application for Saudi medical visa through online is allowed. But there is a twist, only the medical organisation in Saudi Arabia, where you have made an appointment, can apply for a visa on your behalf. Upon receiving approval, the person outside the country can visit there to go through necessary medical treatment.
If the hospital in the country applies for a medical treatment visa for you, it might get approved within 3 business days. Then you can visit and get treated. However, if you prefer to go to the country for wellness treatment like spa, massage and others, this visa may not help you.
Nonetheless, if you are visiting the country to get treated for any chronic issues, bring all the previous documents with you. It will help the physicians treat you with better care.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Specialist
Before you visit Saudi Arabia from the UK, you should know the best places for your treatment. Buit before you visit the country make sure it offers the treatment you need. For cosmetic surgery- Tummy tuck, Rhinoplasty, Lip Augmentation, Lip Reduction, Jawline Contouring are other treatments available in the country.
Look it up online if the place, the treatment or the timing fits your needs. Before making any payments to the center, be sure of its authenticity. If possible contact them through video call, it will help you gain more information about the center.
Discuss your problem with the professionals at the center and see which one is providing you the best solution. Based on your conversation you can select the most suitable center for you treatment. You can follow a similar strategy for choosing the ideal center for your treatment.
Financial Considerations
The cost of your treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment you go for or the centre you choose for your treatment. If you prefer to receive the best care and treatment in the country, you will have to pay the best price. For example, a Tummy Tuck might cost you SAR25,000 to SAR35,000; Rhinoplasty SAR20,000 to SAR30,000; Lip Augmentation SAR5,000-SAR10,000.
To get the best price for the treatment you are going for, do some market research. Choose the treatment you want to go for, then look for the best price offered by different medical centers in the country.
Besides, you should check the accepted payment options in the treatment center. See if they accept international debit or credit cards. It would be best for you if they accept payment in GBP.
Travel and Accommodation Arrangements
In terms of transportation in the country, you have a wide range of options. From high-speed trains to flights for inter-city transportation, Saudi Arabia has it all. For example, if you have taken a two-bedroom flat that is 5km away from the medical centre. You can commute there by bus, taxi, Ola/Uber, or by train.
All you need to do to visit Saudi Arabia from the UK is properly research before you take the room on rent. Otherwise, communicate with local residents to know the best mode to reach the treatment center from your place.
Try to look for rooms near the treatment center, so it won’t take much time for you to travel from your place to your treatment centre.
Preparing for Your Medical Procedure
If you are going for a cosmetic treatment, consult the doctor if you need to apply any ointment on your skin before the process. Ask them if you need to follow any specific diet before your treatment process begins.
In case you are going for medical treatment, ask your doctor if you should get any medical tests done (blood sugar test, thyroid, etc.). Don’t forget to bring any old reports or medical documents to support your present treatment.
In terms of communication, you can easily communicate in English with medical professionals. However, learning to speak a bit of Arabic might bring you closer to the local people. For example, learn to say Good Morning, Thank You or other phrases in Arabic.
Cultural and Legal Considerations
When visiting the country, remember some cultural norms that are acceptable and not acceptable in the country. A same-sex relationship is a big NO in the country, and so is a public expression of love and affection. Also, remember that the weekend here runs from Friday to Saturday.
It is customary to know all the legal and cultural practices of a country before you visit Saudi Arabia from the UK. Follow the above tips to have a great experience in the country.
Ready to Get Better in Saudi Arabia?
If you are planning a medical tour in Saudi Arabia, the country is the best place. Look for a suitable medical centre that meets your needs and enjoy your vacation. If you are going for cosmetic treatment, look for the best centre available in the country and complete your treatment there.
However, you might not get a Saudi medical visa for the cosmetic treatment. In that case, you can apply for a visit visa and get your cosmetic treatment done. Finally, know some common phrases in Arabic to impress the locals and seamlessly move ahead with your treatment.
