Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Insurance Authority has directed health insurance providers to offer a new insurance product that does not require pre-medical approval requests for outpatient services.

The new product will provide an additional option for employers and policyholders, giving them greater flexibility when selecting health insurance coverage. It is scheduled to become available to insurance customers from November 1, 2026.

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Insurance Authority CEO Eng. Naji Al-Tamimi said “the directive to provide a health insurance product without pre-approvals for outpatient services aligns with the Saudi leadership’s directives to ease burdens on citizens, enhance quality of life, and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

The authority said the move is part of efforts to strengthen the health insurance sector and ensure that insurance products better address the needs of individuals and businesses.

Under the new arrangement, customers will have access to outpatient services without the requirement for pre-approval requests, potentially making the process more convenient and reducing administrative delays.

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The Insurance Authority also urged health insurance customers to submit complaints to the authority if an insurer refuses to provide the new product option after its implementation date. The initiative represents another step toward improving healthcare access and enhancing the quality of health insurance services in Saudi Arabia.