U.S. Embassy in Kuwait

Health services are available in Kuwait in the public and private sectors.  These services are regulated by the Ministry of Public Health (MOH), Public Clinics.

Public sector primary health care is provided by a network of clinics and polyclinics, which are usually found in community centers, often near the local co-op supermarket.  These clinics deal with preliminary examinations and routine matters and, where necessary, patients are referred to hospital specialists.  Non-residents may visit any of these public clinics whereas residents may only visit the public clinic located in their neighborhood of residence.  U.S. citizens must bring their passport containing their Kuwaiti visa, and pay a fee.

Hospitals

A listing of the Kuwaiti government’s general and specialty hospitals may be found on the Kuwaiti government’s website.  Government and private hospitals/clinics have health care that is near western standards.  Many facilities have fairly detailed websites, listing services, location, contact information, and provider biographies for review.

Dental Clinics

There are dozens of private dental clinics throughout Kuwait.  Most facilities have detailed websites, listing services, location, contact information, and provider biographies for your review.  A short listing of dental clinics may be found here.

Pharmacies

Pharmaceutical pricing is governmentally controlled.  Private pharmacies are abundantly located in most residential and retail areas of Kuwait.  Generally, pharmacies can be found near a community co-operative grocery store.  Most hospitals and clinics will have affiliated pharmacies, and 24-hour services are generally available.  The Kuwaiti government maintains a list of private pharmacies on its website.

Vaccines

Childhood immunizations are given via governmental school clinics and primary care clinics.  The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health requires a schedule of vaccinations for school-aged children that may differ from that in the United States.  Parents may be subject to fines if their children do not receive the required vaccinations.  Please see the Schedule of Essential Vaccinations for more information.  Most adult immunizations are given via governmental public clinics.  Optional immunizations that complement the U.S.-recommended schedule are available for purchase via the private medical sector.

Medical Evacuation

The U.S. Government does not fund free-of-charge service for medical evacuation of U.S. citizens from overseas, so it is vital for travelers to have adequate medical insurance coverage when traveling abroad, including for medical evacuation.

There are two principal means of transport for medical evacuation:

• Commercial airlines;
• Privately chartered jets or air ambulance services.

The choice of whether to use commercial air carrier or private air ambulance service depends on the level of emergency care required during transport.  All options of medical transportation by air are expensive.  Most airlines charge several times the economy fare for a stretcher, as a row of seats must be cleared.  Tickets for medical escort(s) are extra.

It is difficult to predict the cost of a private air ambulance charter.  Pricing factors include the location of the emergency and the current location of the plane that will be used.  Fees include medical staff and can be up to $150,000 or more.  The family or employer may wish to call several companies before hiring one.

U.S. Air Force medevacs exist, but are not free and are available only in very limited circumstances.  They are provided on a reimbursable basis, and they are generally prohibitively expensive.  The cost of U.S. Air Force Medevacs is based on flying hours from point of origin to destination via pick-up point and back to destination.  This fee ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 per hour.

For more information about medical evacuation providers please click here.