Health Insurance Now Mandatory for Dependent Iqama Renewal — What You Need to Know

Saudi Jawazat has confirmed that health insurance is now mandatory for renewing dependent iqama (residence permits). This affects all sponsors who have dependents — spouse, children, or other family members — on their iqama.

What CareAljawazat confirmed

In a reply to a user query, @CareAljawazat stated: “In the case of dependents, health insurance is required to complete iqama renewal.” (Source, 1,717 views)

This is not new legislation — but it is now being actively enforced. Many sponsors have been able to renew dependent iqama without insurance in the past. That is changing.

Who is affected?

• Sponsors renewing iqama for their spouse
• Sponsors renewing iqama for their children
• Sponsors renewing iqama for any dependent family member

If you are a sponsor and your dependents do not have active health insurance, you cannot complete the iqama renewal through Absher or at Jawazat.

What health insurance is required?

The insurance must be:

• Active (not expired)
• Issued by a licensed Saudi insurance provider
• Covering the dependent (not just the sponsor)
• Valid for the iqama renewal period

Common insurance providers

Tip: Open a dedicated savings account with SNB Neo to set aside funds for insurance premiums. Track payments and renewals in one place.

How to check if your dependent has insurance

1. Ask your insurance provider for a coverage certificate
2. Check via the insurance company’s app or website
3. Verify on the CCHI (Council of Cooperative Health Insurance) portal

What happens if you try to renew without insurance?

• ❌ Absher will block the renewal transaction
• ❌ You will receive an error message about missing insurance
• ❌ Jawazat will not process the renewal in person either

Step-by-step: How to renew dependent iqama with insurance

1. Verify insurance — check that your dependent’s insurance is active
2. Get insurance certificate — download or request from your provider
3. Login to Absher — go to “Family Members” → “Iqama Renewal”
4. Upload insurance details — the system may auto-verify
5. Pay the renewal fee — via Absher or bank
6. Complete renewal — iqama is renewed digitally

What if you don’t have insurance yet?

If your dependent’s iqama is expiring and you don’t have insurance:

1. Contact an insurance provider immediately — Bupa, Tawuniya, Medgulf, or any CCHI-approved provider
2. Get a policy issued — this can often be done same-day
3. Then renew — once insurance is active, the renewal will go through

Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. Set up a dedicated account with SNB Neo to manage insurance payments and iqama renewal fees in one place.

Related guides

• Iqama & Residency — Complete Guide
• Check Iqama Expiry Date
• How to Open a Bank Account
• Dependent Passport Separation at Age 18

References

1. @CareAljawazat — Health insurance mandatory for dependent iqama — Twitter (July 2026)
2. CCHI — Council of Cooperative Health Insurance — cchi.gov.sa

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Insurance and iqama rules may change. Always verify with Jawazat and your insurance provider.