Kuwait cancels health insurance law for retired citizens (Afia)
. . . aims to balance public spending with the public interest, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality care for retirees
Decree Law No. (141) of 2025 has been issued officially canceling the Health Insurance Law for Retired Citizens (Afia), roughly a year after a previous decree had temporarily suspended its implementation to explore alternative ways of providing healthcare services to retirees.
The explanatory memorandum highlighted that the repeal follows the practical application of the law, which revealed deficiencies in competition among insurance companies qualified to provide the service.
This led to substandard service quality relative to public expenditure and a concentration of market control in the hands of a few companies.
During the suspension period, the state successfully provided comprehensive healthcare to retirees through government institutions, demonstrating its ability to meet the healthcare needs of citizens without relying on a private insurance system.
The government also noted that the law created duplication between public and private healthcare services, increasing the burden on the state budget without delivering significant benefits.
The final repeal aims to balance public spending with the public interest, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality care for retirees.
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