Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Azerbaijan
Summary: A primer on how to enroll in the public healthcare system in Azerbaijan.
If you're planning to enroll in the public healthcare system in Azerbaijan, this article covers the requirements for foreigners to be able enroll in the public healthcare system, the steps involved and more.
The public healthcare system in Azerbaijan is known as the State Funded Healthcare System. It is a system that is funded by the government through taxes and is designed to provide healthcare services to all residents of the country. The quality of healthcare in Azerbaijan has been improving over the years, with the government investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure and training of healthcare professionals. However, it is worth noting that the quality of healthcare can vary, especially between urban and rural areas.
Enrollment in the public healthcare system is not mandatory for all residents. However, most people in Azerbaijan do use the system due to its affordability. The cost of healthcare in the public system is generally lower than in the private sector, making it a popular choice for many residents.
Eligibility for Foreigners
Foreigners who are legally residing in Azerbaijan are eligible to enroll in the public healthcare system. This includes those who are in the country on a work visa, student visa, or any other type of legal residency status. However, it is important to note that temporary visitors or tourists are not eligible for the public healthcare system.
Steps for Enrollment
- Obtain a legal residency status: Before you can enroll in the public healthcare system, you must first have a legal residency status in Azerbaijan. This can be obtained through a work visa, student visa, or other types of legal residency.
- Register with the State Social Protection Fund: Once you have a legal residency status, you will need to register with the State Social Protection Fund. This can be done at the local office of the State Social Protection Fund.
- Apply for a health insurance card: After registering with the State Social Protection Fund, you can apply for a health insurance card. This card will allow you to access healthcare services in the public system.
- Pay the insurance premium: The final step is to pay the insurance premium. The amount of the premium will depend on your income and other factors.
It is important to note that even after enrolling in the public healthcare system, you may still need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. This is because the public healthcare system in Azerbaijan operates on a co-payment system, where the government covers a portion of the cost and the patient covers the rest.
Alternative Options
If you are not satisfied with the quality of healthcare in the public system, there are private healthcare options available. Many foreigners in Azerbaijan choose to use private healthcare services, which are generally of a higher quality but also more expensive. Some people also choose to purchase private health insurance to help cover the cost of private healthcare.
It is also worth noting that some employers in Azerbaijan provide health insurance as part of their benefits package. If you are moving to Azerbaijan for work, it may be worth checking with your employer to see if this is something they offer.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Azerbaijan Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Azerbaijan
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Azerbaijan
- Best Places to Live in Azerbaijan
- Guide to Real Estate in Azerbaijan
- Pros & Cons of Living in Azerbaijan
- Cost of Living in Azerbaijan
- Moving to Azerbaijan with a Pet
- Mental Health Care in Azerbaijan
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Azerbaijan?
- Best Places to Ski in Azerbaijan
- Pros and Cons of Living in Azerbaijan 2024