Health insurance often does not cover the cost of the GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association) medical exam. GAMCA medical exams are necessary for those applying for employment or residency visas in GCC nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Because these tests are part of visa processing rather than ordinary healthcare, they are typically not covered by standard health insurance coverage.
Here’s a quick breakdown of why health insurance does not usually cover these costs and what you can expect:
- Non-Treatment Related: Health insurance is often intended to cover treatment-related expenses like hospital stays, doctor visits, and drug costs. GAMCA medical tests do not qualify for treatment-based coverage because they are pre-employment or visa-specific assessments.
- Visa-Related Requirement: GAMCA examinations are required for obtaining a visa and are frequently classified as administrative or immigration-related fees. Most insurance policies exclude immigration-related treatments, such as visa medicals.
- Direct Payment Requirement: Many GAMCA-approved medical centres require direct payment for tests, and patients are expected to bear the costs themselves. Employers may refund these charges if they have agreed to cover visa-related expenses.
If you plan to relocate to a GCC country, you should pay for GAMCA medical test charges apart from your health insurance. Check with your future job to see if they provide relocation or onboarding expenses.
