How to Navigate the Health System in Myanmar

Myanmar's healthcare system is a mix of public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called the Ministry of Health and Sports and is funded by the government. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Myanmar, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. People generally do not recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals. Public hospitals in Myanmar are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources to provide quality care.

Myanmar's Private Healthcare System

Myanmar's private healthcare system is more expensive than the public system, but the quality of care is much higher. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more reliable and have better resources. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are better equipped to handle these types of cases. Private hospitals in Myanmar are typically more modern and have better facilities than public hospitals.

Myanmar's Top Hospitals

The most well known hospitals in Myanmar include:

• Yangon General Hospital (public, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar Specialized Eye Hospital (public, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar International Hospital (private, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar Central Hospital (private, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar Specialized Hospital (private, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar Children's Hospital (public, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar Heart Hospital (private, located in Yangon)
• Myanmar Orthopaedic Hospital (public, located in Yangon)

Health Insurance Companies in Myanmar

The most popular private health insurers in Myanmar are AYA Insurance, Myanma Insurance, and Myanma Economic Bank. These companies provide health insurance to both locals and expats. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Myanmar: How to Navigate the Health System

"Myanmar has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. However, the quality of care is often inadequate due to a lack of resources and trained personnel. Private health care is available in the country, but it is expensive and often out of reach for many people. The government has been working to improve the quality of medical services in the country, but progress has been slow. In rural areas, access to medical care is often limited and the quality of care is often lower than in urban areas," commented one member living in Myanmar.

"Healthcare services in Myanmar are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, resulting in a lack of quality care. The public healthcare system is also limited in its scope, with many services not available to the general public. Foreign residents have limited access to the public healthcare system, and most expats in Myanmar opt to use private healthcare services. Private healthcare services are generally of higher quality than public services, but they are also more expensive. Expats in Myanmar may also be able to access some public healthcare services, such as vaccinations, but they are not eligible for the same level of care as citizens," commented one member living in Myanmar.