Voluntary health insurance scheme for teachers launched

JEDDAH: Minister of Education Ahmed Al-Isa said on Thursday that a new voluntary health insurance initiative comes at a time when medical insurance is now a basic necessity for employees and their dependents that will provide an environment for a better performance in the workplace.
Al-Isa made his remarks during a conference.
The operating insurance company is expected to agree with policyholders on the extent of health care coverage, services and exclusions of coverage under the policy.
Al-Isa also noted that the ministry will continue monitoring the results of the initiative.
Ahmed Qaran, general supervisor of the Ministry of Education’s Quality Initiatives Center, said the voluntary health insurance system will be subject to certain conditions and procedures taken into account by the ministry to ensure the best interests of employees and family members.
He said the maximum coverage level per person is SR500,000 and across all hospitals, medical centers and pharmacies. The deductible per person per visit is a percentage, up to a maximum of SR50 for diamond level members, and a maximum of SR100 for gold, silver and bronze level members.
Qaran said that medical insurance for employees of the Ministry of Education does not cover cases excluded under the Cooperative Health Insurance Policy, which includes, for example, needs arising from self-inflicted injury; illnesses arising from abuse of certain drugs, stimulants or sedatives; illnesses related to substance abuse; cosmetic surgery or treatment; expenses for treatment after diagnosis with HIV or related illnesses; treatment for hair loss or balding; wigs; treatment for infertility or sexual weakness; non-life threatening physical deformities; bone marrow transplants; or implants of prosthetics.
Al-Rajhi Cooperative Health Insurance announced that it signed an agreement with the ministry to provide voluntary medical insurance services to employees. In a statement published on Tadawul, the company said the agreement involves the company providing voluntary insurance coverage to all employees of the Ministry of Education and their family members.