15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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," remarked one expat living in Negombo.

"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," said one expat.

"We have had no experiences with regard to the use of our health insurance as either the cost was too low to even bother with it or it was pre-existing and was not going to be covered so was out of pocket. Yes, we have Cigna Global Health Insurance as to be a foreign resident in Sri Lanka it is required to have health insurance coverage. It has been vague if the insurance will cover Nawaloka, Negombo Branch but their map showing most hospitals for us to go to are in Colombo (27 miles distance). I can't get an answer from Nawaloka Hospital, Negombo Branch either if they would accept Cigna here locally. I did pick Cigna Global as most of the other insurance outfits seemed kind of dicey and it was the best of the lot. ," said an expat in Negombo.

"Healthcare is free for everyone. Every city and town has a state run hospital/s which has super qualified doctors and treatments and medicine for free of charge. But sometimes line are long. You also have the option to go for a private hospital or clinic which is paid. Insurance usually covers all general treatments and can be claimed. Insurance providers are many in Sri Lanka - with Ceylinco Life, AIA and Janashakti been just a few. Each has different tiers of insurance depending on your budget. You can go as low as you want or as high. ," commented one expat living in Sri Lanka.

"Emergency services in Sri Lanka are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the national emergency number, which is 119. The ambulance service is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is provided by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and is staffed by trained personnel. The ambulance will be dispatched to the location of the emergency and will provide medical assistance as needed," remarked one expat in Sri Lanka.

"The closest ER is 15 minutes from our house. There is a number to call a local ambulance but don't know the response time. Probably would just load up in a tuk-tuk if possible and run for the ER. The best private hospital in Negombo is Nawaloka Hospital. The Government Hospital is very close to it as well. The quality of care is good once you are admitted. The hospital equipment is up to date and clean. The hospital it self is kept clean. They are very kind but you feel kind of lost. Too much staff doing little to nothing. You can call an ambulance by phone. However, the street names here are very confusing even to locals so be prepared to know landmarks for them to find you and if you have neighbors or a local that can tell them your location ... so much the better," remarked one expat living in Negombo.

"Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of world-class hospitals and medical centers, such as the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital, the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, and the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. Other cities in Sri Lanka that have a good selection of medical specialists include Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna. Additionally, the coastal towns of Negombo and Kalutara are known for their excellent medical facilities and specialists," mentioned one expat in Sri Lanka.

"People actually come to Sri Lanka for Medical Tourism but some Expats have expressed doubts about the quality of medical care here. If an expat was worried one could go to nearby India for anything or any condition to be treated. I had a stent put in last year in Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Branch and total bill came to $3,000. I think Cancer care here is limited but not really informed on that. My international insurance refuses to cover pre-existing conditions (Cigna) so you are on your own with that. I would never return to the USA for medical care as that would not be covered by my insurance plan and the cost would be beyond anything I could ever pay," commented one expat who moved to Negombo, Sri Lanka.

"Yes, most common prescription meds are available. There are many local pharmacy stores and you can get most meds at very low prices. Shop around and stick with the ones that give you the best prices as well as the lowest generic offerings. You can call ahead at many and your order will be waiting. A doctor office visit cost is around $3 to get a prescription. My wife's insulin pen cost $15.50 and my Symbicort inhaler cost is $14," commented one expat who moved to Negombo.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Sri Lanka. Most medications are available through pharmacies, and some are available through government hospitals. Many medications are also available over the counter without a prescription. However, some medications may require a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. In addition, some medications may not be available in Sri Lanka, and may need to be imported from other countries," said one expat.

"Sri Lanka has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and services available. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide quality medical care. The government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, and the country has a high doctor-to-patient ratio. The medical staff is well-trained and experienced, and the quality of care is generally good. Sri Lanka also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide advanced treatments and procedures," commented one expat living in Sri Lanka.

"Yes, foreigners living in Sri Lanka have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard. The public healthcare system is largely free of charge, although some services may require a nominal fee. The public healthcare system is also supplemented by a number of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care," remarked one expat living in Sri Lanka.

"Foreigners do not enroll in the public healthcare system. To reside in country one is required to hold health insurance. It is your choice what you pick but consider your state of health and coverage as you pay up front for health care here. There are public hospitals but foreigners would probably consider them grim and as a last recourse. During the Dengue Crisis there were four to a bed," said one expat living in Negombo.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Sri Lanka. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, including the introduction of telemedicine services, the provision of free testing and treatment for COVID-19, and the implementation of strict safety protocols in hospitals. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients seeking treatment for COVID-19, leading to long wait times and overcrowding in hospitals. Additionally, the lack of resources and personnel has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care to all patients. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Sri Lanka has been able to provide quality care to those in need," wrote an expat living in Sri Lanka.