SEHATI / Health Coverage in Bahrain
Your CPR is your health card - the SEHATI contribution is what unlocks it for expats.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Bahrain does not issue a separate physical health card for most residents; access to government clinics is keyed to your CPR. For expats, the SEHATI scheme - a mandatory insurance contribution collected through LMRA - funds access to the public network and a defined package of services.
Many employers also provide private insurance for hospital-level cover. The two layers run in parallel: SEHATI for routine and government cover, private insurance for hospitals and elective care.
Documents required
- Valid CPR
- Active LMRA permit (for SEHATI)
- Private insurance card (if applicable)
Eligibility
- Valid Bahrain residence
- SEHATI contribution current
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEHATI monthly contribution (worker) | 22.5 BHD | Collected with LMRA fees; confirm current amount on lmra.bh. |
| Co-payment at MOH clinics | Varies BHD | Small per-visit fees; confirm current amount on moh.gov.bh. |
| Dependant cover (if added) | Varies BHD | Optional add-on; confirm current amount. |
Step by step
- 1
SEHATI auto-enrolment
When your LMRA permit is issued, the SEHATI contribution starts and your CPR is linked to the scheme.
Automatic · online
- 2
Register with a health centre
Choose a Ministry of Health primary care centre near your address and register using CPR.
30 minutes · center
- 3
Use clinics and pharmacies
Show CPR for appointments and prescriptions. Private hospital visits use the employer's insurance card.
Per visit · center
Processing time: SEHATI is active as soon as the LMRA permit is issued and the first contribution paid.
Where to do it online
- LMRA
SEHATI contribution status
- Bahrain.bh
MOH appointments and clinic registration
Common pitfalls
- Assuming SEHATI covers everything - hospital-grade care often needs private cover
- Letting SEHATI arrears build - it blocks LMRA renewal
- Registering at the wrong primary centre for your address - delays follow-ups
- Confusing private insurance card with the CPR for MOH services
FAQs
Yes for expat workers - the SEHATI scheme is mandatory and collected by LMRA. Many employers add private hospital cover on top.
The monthly contribution per worker is around BHD 22.5, collected with LMRA fees. Confirm current amount on lmra.bh as the rate has been adjusted.
Yes, once your SEHATI is active. You will be asked for CPR and may pay small co-payments per visit.
Dependant cover under SEHATI is optional and paid for separately. Many families rely on private insurance for spouse and children instead.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
Get help with SEHATI / Health Coverage