Finding a clinic you trust is one of the first things families do after moving to Makkah, ideally before anyone actually needs one. This guide explains how to use the official tools to check facilities and practitioners, where to get advice when you aren’t sure how urgent something is, and what a good clinic listing should show you.
It names no clinics. Instead, it gives you a method you can apply to any clinic you’re considering.
Know the main pieces of the system
- Makkah Health Cluster. Public healthcare in the region is organized through the Makkah Health Cluster, which runs government hospitals and primary healthcare centers.
- Sehhaty. The Ministry of Health’s platform, where you can book appointments at eligible facilities, view some health records and use other services.
- 937. The Ministry of Health’s call center, which gives medical consultations by doctors 24/7 from inside the Kingdom and also takes complaints and feedback.
- Private clinics and hospitals. These serve many residents, often through employer health insurance.
Using Sehhaty: The Ministry of Health lists services in the Sehhaty platform that include instant medical consultations, booking and reviewing appointments, remote appointments, reviewing medical reports and sick leaves, and vaccination follow-up. What you can use depends on your account and eligible facilities, so check inside the app.
Health insurance: According to the Council of Health Insurance (CHI) frequently asked questions, the employer alone is responsible for paying insurance premiums for employees and their dependents, and must provide health insurance throughout employment, including the probation period. For non-Saudis, cover starts from the date of service transfer or entry into the Kingdom, provided that is done within ten working days of entry. Confirm the details on your own policy with your employer or insurer.
See our healthcare tips for a short overview.
Step 1: Decide what kind of care you need
| Situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department |
| Not sure how urgent it is | Call 937 or use Instant Consultations in Sehhaty |
| Routine check-up, vaccinations, chronic follow-up | Primary care center or a family-medicine clinic |
| Specialist issue | Ask your GP or insurer for a referral, then check the specialist (see Step 3) |
Step 2: Check the facility’s licence
The Ministry of Health has an FAQ explaining how to look up a medical facility’s licence. You enter the facility’s licence number to see its details. Healthcare facilities are licensed through the MOH’s licensing services.
Practical tip: Licensed clinics usually display their licence. If you can’t see it, it’s reasonable to ask for the number politely and look it up yourself.
Step 3: Check the practitioner
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) offers a free online service for checking that a healthcare practitioner’s registration is valid. It’s listed on the National Platform as well. You can search using details such as the practitioner’s ID or SCFHS registration number.
This is especially worth doing for:
- Dental and cosmetic procedures.
- Home-visit nurses or physiotherapists.
- Anyone offering treatment outside a normal clinic setting.
Step 4: Check the practical fit
A licensed clinic still has to suit your family:
- Insurance: Is your insurer’s network accepted? Confirm with the insurer, not only the clinic.
- Language: Can staff explain diagnoses and medicines in a language you understand?
- Location and access: Think about the journey in peak traffic and during busy seasons, when roads near the central area can be slow.
- Opening hours: Evening and weekend availability matters with young children.
- Women’s and children’s care: Are female doctors available if your family prefers? Is there a pediatrician on site?
What a trustworthy clinic listing should show
When you compare clinics (including in our directory), look for:
- The facility’s registered name and licence information.
- A clear address or National Address, plus a map pin.
- Specialties offered and working hours.
- Accepted insurance networks (and you still confirm these with your insurer).
- Official contact channels, not only a personal mobile number.
Be careful with ads that promise guaranteed cures, push you to pay large amounts upfront, or offer medicines without a prescription.
Keep a family health file
- Save your nearest emergency department and a primary care option in your phone.
- Keep a list of allergies, regular medicines and vaccination records.
- Note your insurance policy number and the insurer’s helpline.
- Add 937 to your contacts.
When something goes wrong
If you have a concern about care you received, you can raise it through the Ministry of Health’s official channels, including 937, which handles complaints and feedback.
More resident guides are on the Living in Makkah homepage.
Last checked: 15 October 2026.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
Sources
- https://www.makkahhc.sa/en/
- https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/eservices/sehhaty/pages/default.aspx
- https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/937/pages/default.aspx
- https://my.gov.sa/en/services/236898
- https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/support/faq/pages/faq05.aspx
- https://scfhs.org.sa/en/node/1992
- https://my.gov.sa/en/services/2708723
- https://www.chi.gov.sa/en/aboutchi/Pages/FAQ.aspx
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