Health insurance will soon be compulsory for all expatriate workers in Bahrain, Health Minister Faisal Al Mousawi said on Wednesday, quoted by the Gulf Daily News.
“It could also one day be made compulsory for Bahrainis, as care costs spiral,” he said.
Sponsors and employers will have to provide health insurance for non-Bahraini employees and their dependents, before being allowed to apply for or renew residence permits, he said, “but emergency services will remain free.”
“The cabinet has approved the project in principle and instructed the Ministerial Committee on Finance and Economy to continue preparing the required mechanisms to implement it,” said Al Mousawi.
The health ministry, through the sub-committee on health insurance, is now preparing the operational details of the project, including the required changes in legislation and regulations dealing with the health insurance.
World Bank officials are in Bahrain helping to put together the scheme, he said.
Two or three major health insurance companies will be invited to send proposals, said the minister – Albawaba.com
