Owing to Kuwait’s small population and the numerous medical facilities in the private and public sectors, long waiting lists are almost unheard of. For specialised treatment, however, it’s sometimes necessary to seek medical assistance outside Kuwait, and locals who can afford it often do so.
Medical services
Members of the ruling families and wealthy Arabs invariably have all major operations outside their own territory, particularly in London and American cities. Although some of Kuwait’s doctors and medical staff are local, the vast majority are foreign and were trained in their home countries. The attraction of Kuwait for them is the same as for most other expatriates: financial reward.
American Mission Hospitals, which used to operate on a part-private (for those who could afford treatment), part-free (for those who couldn’t) basis, played an important part in the development of medical services and can still be found today, although they no longer offer free treatment. Kuwait has a high-quality public health service providing free or very low-cost healthcare for its nationals. It is important to note that, as of 2018, these healthcare benefits are unavailable to expatriates and they must take out insurance to get access to the services.
The Kuwaiti government is building three new hospitals specifically for the use of expats working in the private sector, who must provide proof of their cover to be treated. The expats who work in the public sector must also be treated in private clinics, although the circumstances of the patient dictate whether the individual or their employer must pay for the costs of the insurance.
Common health issues
Among expatriates, common health problems include alcoholism (particularly among bachelors, owing to loneliness and depression) and respiratory problems caused by sand and dust in the air – a situation exacerbated by continuous building work in most states. Hard work and long hours in often extreme heat can also affect the immune system and compromise the body’s ability to counter illness. Expatriates – particularly manual workers – can suffer sunstroke and sunburn. You should be excused work outdoors if the temperature reaches 50°C (122°F), which isn’t uncommon at the height of summer, although it’s unusual for work to be stopped under these conditions. In the summer, humidity causes added discomfort, with eye infections common. Dehydration is also a threat and is a potentially fatal condition that shouldn’t be underestimated – not only by those working outdoors but also by anyone playing outdoor sports, including ‘leisurely’ pursuits such as golf.
The ‘winter’ months of October to March, however, bring some of the best weather anywhere in the world, with continuous warm sunshine generating a feeling of well-being and providing the opportunity for a wholesome, outdoor lifestyle. Good weather is also beneficial to mental health, and people in Kuwait tend to be happier and livelier than those who have to cope with cold, wet, depressing climates.
For more information regarding expat health, health insurance and related issues in Kuwait, visit our expat health blog at ExpatHealth.org .