Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health has confirmed that the National Health Insurance Programme for Residents will begin implementation on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following the completion of organizational and technical preparations for the new insurance framework.

In its latest preparations, the council met with representatives of the Bahrain Insurance Association and insurance companies operating in the Kingdom to review implementation arrangements and ensure operational readiness before the programme takes effect.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, explained that mandatory insurance for eligible residents will cover primary and secondary healthcare services, as well as emergency treatment and accidents, subject to the approved benefits and regulations.

The council clarified that domestic workers, residents employed by government entities and their dependants are excluded from this phase of the programme. Healthcare services provided to Bahraini citizens will continue without changes.

One of the key features of the new framework is the connection between health insurance coverage and the issuance or renewal of work and residence permits for the categories covered by the programme, helping maintain continuity of healthcare protection.

Under Bahrain’s Health Insurance Law, employers are responsible for providing mandatory health insurance coverage for their non-Bahraini workers where the relevant provisions apply.

Employers are also prohibited from recovering the required contributions through deductions from employees’ wages or employment benefits.

The council’s discussions also addressed existing health insurance policies and the applicable regulatory arrangements, highlighting the need for employers and insurers to follow the approved circulars and implementation requirements.

Licensed insurance companies may offer optional and supplementary health insurance products for beneficiaries and employers seeking additional benefits beyond the mandatory coverage package.

Dr. Ibrahim Ali Al Nawakhda, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Health, emphasized the importance of continued coordination with the insurance sector to support the programme’s operational readiness and the long-term sustainability of Bahrain’s healthcare system.

The programme forms part of Bahrain’s phased implementation of its national health insurance legislation. Residents and employers should consult the relevant official regulations and circulars for requirements applicable to their particular circumstances.

Source: Bahrain Supreme Council of Health