Bupa Arabia strengthens telehealth and immediate care in Saudi Arabia

Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance announced plans to expand its “No Pre-Approvals” initiative to 20 hospitals across Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025. The announcement was made during the company’s participation in the Global Insurance Conference & Exhibition (InGate 2025).

The initiative, currently available in more than 17 hospitals, allows beneficiaries to access outpatient services—including laboratory tests, radiology, and prescription medications—without requiring prior medical approvals. The company stated that the programme aims to streamline administrative processes, improve access to care, and enhance efficiency within the health insurance sector.

As part of the expansion, Bupa Arabia signed cooperation agreements with hospitals including Saudi German Hospital, Al Salama Hospital, and King’s College Hospital London. The company described the initiative as the first of its kind in the Kingdom’s health insurance market.

Chief Business Development Officer Ali Sheneamer described the “No Pre-Approvals” initiative as a milestone in reshaping the customer journey, moving beyond the traditional insurance model toward an integrated, human‑centered healthcare ecosystem. The approach connects services within a unified digital framework, with an emphasis on service quality and member experience.

He said the sector is undergoing restructuring under new regulations from the Insurance Authority, creating space for innovation and digital models. He added that Bupa Arabia is investing in digital health and advanced analytics to improve service quality and support the development of a fully integrated national care ecosystem built on quality and innovation.

During the conference, Bupa Arabia presented its healthcare delivery arm, Bupa CareConnect, which integrates digital, on-site, and home-based services. According to the company, its 24/7 Digital Clinic provides more than 400,000 consultations annually, supported by home-based laboratory services and medication delivery. The firm also operates 15 workplace clinics in partnership with organisations such as the Public Investment Fund, National Housing Company, Savola Group, King Abdullah Financial District, and Alinma Bank.

Bupa Arabia reported plans to open its first integrated physical clinic in Riyadh, designed around a preventive care model that combines chronic disease management with digital follow-ups. The company also highlighted digital features available through its app, including the ability for members to upgrade hospital networks or insurance benefits.

According to the Insurance Authority, Bupa Arabia achieved a customer satisfaction score of 81%, compared with a sector average of 52%.

Sheneamer projected growth in Saudi Arabia’s health insurance market, with total written premiums expected to rise from SAR 42 billion in 2024 to SAR 83 billion by 2030. He attributed this to increased adoption of digital health technologies, telemedicine expansion, and greater awareness of preventive health.

He added that future developments are likely to include wider use of virtual care and wellness programmes, alongside efforts to strengthen transparency, governance, and data-driven compliance in the sector.