WTW has noted that Brunei’s new health insurance mandate for foreign nationals will require employers to reassess their workforce policies and benefit structures.
The consultancy reports that nearly all employers in Brunei already provide supplemental health benefits, primarily through private medical insurance that covers employees and their dependents for hospitalisation and surgery.
However, the new requirements, which set minimum coverage levels and extend to a broader range of foreign nationals, may affect recruitment strategies and increase employment costs.
Policies purchased before the mandate will remain in effect until their expiration, but employers are advised to review their current arrangements to ensure ongoing compliance with the evolving regulations.
Brunei’s government is rolling out the health insurance mandate in two phases, with requirements based on the type of entry pass or permit held by foreign nationals.
Since July 1, those entering the country on professional and business visit passes, permanent resident permits, visitor passes, and domestic services employment passes must have private health insurance with minimum coverage amounts ranging from BND 10,000 to BND 100,000.
For example, professional visit pass holders must have at least BND 10,000 in coverage for stays under 90 days and BND 100,000 for longer visits.
From January 1, 2026, the mandate will expand to include private sector employment passes, dependent passes for spouses and non-schooling children, and student passes. Coverage requirements for these categories range from BND 5,000 to BND 100,000.
Insurance may be arranged with domestic or foreign providers, and proof of valid insurance will be required for entry or continued stay. Failure to provide proof may result in a limited two-week permit.
In a related policy change, Brunei’s Ministry of Health has ended free healthcare for foreign permanent residents and foreign spouses of Bruneian citizens.
According to The Scoop’s report, these groups must now pay for their own medical treatment at government hospitals and the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre.
Stateless permanent residents and Bruneian citizens remain eligible for free healthcare, as do individuals already receiving care prior to July 1, mental health patients, and those with certain infectious diseases.
The Ministry of Health is encouraging those affected to obtain personal health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Health Minister Dato Dr Hj Mohd Isham Hj Jaafar explained that patients will now be required to pay a portion of their treatment fees upfront, starting at 10%, with the option to seek reimbursement from their insurance provider.
Insurance from overseas providers will be accepted, and emergency care will remain accessible without upfront payment.
For individuals unable to afford medical costs, the ministry has outlined support options, including the Patients’ Relief Fund, Brunei Islamic Religious Council, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, and instalment payment plans.
The government attributes the policy changes to a 66% increase in the Ministry of Health’s annual budget over three years, reaching over BND 652 million for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Rising costs are linked to an aging population and higher drug prices.
“In most other countries, permanent residents and foreigners are responsible for their own medical costs, often through mandatory health insurance. Even citizens pay part of their medical bills,” said Dato Dr Hj Mohd Isham, as reported by The Scoop.
He also referenced cases of individuals marrying Bruneian citizens to access subsidized care or returning from abroad for free treatment.
The ministry has urged those facing financial hardship to consult with medical social workers for assessment.
“For those with other nationalities, they can always go back to their own countries – for those that can afford it. But for the rest that can’t afford it, let us know and our medical social workers will do the appropriate assessment,” the minister said.
Despite the changes, the government maintains that medical fees remain subsidised and do not reflect the full cost of care.
The policy adjustments are intended to support the sustainability of Brunei’s public health system in the context of increasing financial and demographic pressures.
