BahrainHow to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Bahrain
Summary: A primer on how to enroll in the public healthcare system in Bahrain.
If you're planning to enroll in the public healthcare system in Bahrain, this article covers the requirements for foreigners to be able enroll in the public healthcare system, the steps involved and more.
The Kingdom of Bahrain, a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, is known for its robust healthcare system. The public healthcare system in Bahrain is called the Ministry of Health (MOH) and it provides comprehensive healthcare services to all residents of the country. The quality of healthcare in Bahrain is generally high, with the country boasting a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, both public and private. The cost of public healthcare is heavily subsidized by the government, making it affordable for most residents. While it is not mandatory for all residents to use the public healthcare system, a large number of people do use it due to its affordability and accessibility.
Eligibility for Foreigners
Foreigners residing in Bahrain are eligible to use the public healthcare system. However, they are required to pay a nominal fee for the services. It's important to note that while public healthcare is available to foreigners, many expatriates choose to use private healthcare or international health insurance due to the convenience and the wider range of services offered.
Enrollment Process
Enrolling in the public healthcare system in Bahrain involves the following steps:
- Obtain a CPR (Central Population Register) Card: This is a mandatory identification card for all residents of Bahrain. It is issued by the Central Informatics Organization (CIO) and is required for accessing public services, including healthcare.
- Visit a Health Center: Once you have your CPR card, you can visit your nearest health center to register. You will need to provide your CPR card and fill out a registration form.
- Pay the Fee: There is a nominal fee for foreigners to access public healthcare services. The fee is payable at the time of registration.
Once registered, you can access a range of healthcare services at public hospitals and clinics. These include general consultations, specialist services, emergency care, and more.
Alternative Options
While the public healthcare system in Bahrain is of good quality, some foreigners may prefer to use private healthcare or international health insurance. Private healthcare in Bahrain is known for its high standards and offers a wider range of services, including specialist treatments and private hospital rooms. International health insurance can provide coverage for both public and private healthcare services, and may also cover treatments outside of Bahrain.
It's important for foreigners moving to Bahrain to thoroughly research their healthcare options and choose the one that best suits their needs and budget. Whether you choose to use the public healthcare system or opt for private healthcare or international health insurance, you can expect to receive high-quality medical care in Bahrain.
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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.
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