Understanding the Health System in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a public and private healthcare system, both of which are available to foreigners. The public healthcare system is called the Sri Lanka Health Service and is free for citizens, although foreigners may be charged a fee. Public hospitals are generally used for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, although the quality of care may vary. Private hospitals are typically used for more routine medical care and are generally of a higher quality than public hospitals.

Sri Lanka's Public Healthcare System

The Sri Lanka Health Service is the public healthcare system in Sri Lanka. It is free for citizens, although foreigners may be charged a fee. Public hospitals are generally used for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, although the quality of care may vary. Some of the most well-known public hospitals in Sri Lanka include the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo, the Teaching Hospital in Kandy, and the Base Hospital in Jaffna.

Sri Lanka's Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare is available in Sri Lanka and is typically of a higher quality than public healthcare. Private hospitals are typically used for more routine medical care and are generally more expensive than public hospitals. Some of the most well-known private hospitals in Sri Lanka include the Apollo Hospital in Colombo, the Asiri Hospital in Kandy, and the Lanka Hospitals in Colombo. Expats typically use private hospitals for medical care.

Sri Lanka's Top Hospitals

• National Hospital of Sri Lanka (Public, Colombo)
• Teaching Hospital (Public, Kandy)
• Base Hospital (Public, Jaffna)
• Apollo Hospital (Private, Colombo)
• Asiri Hospital (Private, Kandy)
• Lanka Hospitals (Private, Colombo)

Health Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka

The most popular private health insurers in Sri Lanka are AIA, Allianz, and Union Assurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

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

"Sri Lanka has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private medical services available. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens, and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care. Private medical services are also available, and are generally of a high quality. Sri Lanka has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, and a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. The country also has a number of medical research institutes, which are dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare in the country," commented one member living in Sri Lanka.

"There is one fairly modern hospital in the city. They do have a small ER and actually do some surgery but anything serious is sent 27 miles away to Colombo. If you have chronic medical conditions be aware that Sri Lanka has high humidity and can have extreme heat. You can manage most chronic conditions but be aware that to see a doctor you have to wait in long lines at times. People will cut in front of you at times and a five minute office visit would be considered lengthy. The best private hospital in Negombo offers annual comprehensive health check ups for male/female for around $150 each and it takes all day. They are done by doctors not techs. It is a worthwhile investment," commented one expat living in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

"I have had great care, in Colombo. Great physicians and clinics. Most doctors have practice inside the hospitals as well. It might be even more advanced now! Great Private Hospitals: 1. Apollo ( expensive, but thanks to Dollar Rupee exchange rate) Regional's best 2. Nawaloka 3. Durdens 4. Asiri ," mentioned one expat living in Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is free or heavily subsidized for citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Sri Lanka is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Sri Lanka can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, there are also private healthcare providers in Sri Lanka that offer more specialized services, but these are usually more expensive than the public system," said an expat in Sri Lanka.