Visitors most affected by increased fees

KUWAIT: After Health Minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi announced an increase in health service fees for expats by mid-February, the new price list prepared by the health ministry reveals increases that reach nearly 500 percent for residents and much more for visitors.

The new fees aim to shut the door on those who visit Kuwait to take advantage of low healthcare charges, according to Al-Rai daily.

The new charges reach a peak in the treatment of tumors with TheraSphere, at KD 5,000 for visitors compared to KD 500 for expat residents, while the previous charge was KD 100 only.

Treatment of bone cancer with isotopes will now cost KD 1,000 for visitors and KD 500 for expats, while the previous price was a mere KD 50.

Charges for x-rays and laboratory tests were also increased, such as thyroid gland testing, from KD 15 to KD 40 for expats and KD 90 for visitors.

Thyrogen injection charges have risen to KD 500 for residents and KD 790 for visitors.

The charges for tests for esophagus and gastric reflux, stomach, liver, spleen, gall bladder and blood vessels range from KD 10 to KD 50 for expats and KD 100 for visitors.

Cardiac test fees have increased from KD 10 to KD 50 for expats and KD 100 for visitors, while ischemic heart testing charges increased from KD 30 to KD 50 for expats and KD 100 for visitors.

Charges for blood plasma tests will go up from KD 20 to KD 250 for expats and KD 470 for visitors.

Mammography charges increase from KD 20 to KD 50 for expats and KD 100 for visitors.

Testicular test fees have increased from KD 10 to KD 40 for expats and KD 90 for visitors, while that of vein tests have risen from KD 15 to KD 40 for expats and KD 90 for visitors.

Lung aeration test fees have increased to KD 50 for expats and KD 110 for visitors.

Kidney tests with DMSA and MAG 3 increased from KD 10 to KD 40 for expats and KD 90 for visitors, while spinal cord test fees increased from KD 20 to KD 50 for expats and KD 100 for visitors.

Pregnancy ultrasound charges increased from KD 10 to KD 30, while CT scans will now cost KD 80, and MRI scans KD 120.