Saudi Arabia is considering the elimination of insurance approvals in health services. Eng. Naji Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Insurance Authority, revealed that the authority is conducting a study. This study involves relevant entities and specialists.
Al-Tamimi stated that the current process delays healthcare access for beneficiaries. The connection between hospitals, healthcare providers, and insurance companies often hinders timely care. “This study aims to remove beneficiaries from the loop,” he explained, as reported by Al-Riyadh newspaper.
Balancing Costs and Benefits
Al-Tamimi expressed concern about potential excess and waste in healthcare costs. Scrapping approvals could negatively impact insurance prices. However, he emphasized the need for balance. A careful study will help make the right decision, benefiting the recipients.
The authority received over 400,000 complaints against insurance companies in 2024. The complaint closure rate exceeded 99%, with a satisfaction rate above 95%.
Moreover, the authority processed over 2,000 licensing applications recently. Currently, 220 companies are licensed in insurance, brokerage, consulting, and other activities. Seven new insurance technology companies received licenses. Additionally, six foreign companies got preliminary licenses, and five obtained final licenses.
Publishing Performance Indicators
The authority will soon publish performance indicators for insurance companies. This includes complaint percentages and policy details for each company. The aim is to motivate companies to enhance service quality and achieve customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s exploration of eliminating health insurance approvals could significantly improve healthcare access and efficiency, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
