15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Afghanistan

"Healthcare services in Afghanistan are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is free for Afghan citizens. However, the quality of public healthcare is generally poor due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. Foreign residents do not have access to the public healthcare system, but there are some private healthcare providers that offer services to expats. Expats in Afghanistan typically use private healthcare providers, as the public system is not available to them," remarked one expat in Afghanistan.

"Medical services in Afghanistan are limited due to the ongoing conflict and lack of resources. Access to healthcare is often difficult for many Afghans, especially those living in rural areas. The country has a shortage of qualified medical personnel and a lack of basic medical supplies. Many hospitals and clinics lack the necessary equipment and medicines to provide adequate care. In addition, the cost of medical care is often too high for many Afghans to afford. Despite these challenges, the Afghan government is working to improve access to healthcare and increase the quality of medical services," commented one expat living in Afghanistan.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Afghanistan are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of medical care is often prohibitively high for many Afghans, and the quality of care is often inadequate. Health insurance is also expensive and difficult to access, with limited coverage and high premiums. Additionally, many Afghans lack access to basic healthcare services due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. As a result, many Afghans are unable to access the healthcare they need, leading to poorer health outcomes," wrote an expat living in Afghanistan.

"Emergency services in Afghanistan are limited and vary greatly depending on the region. In some areas, there are no emergency services available at all. In other areas, there may be a limited number of ambulances and medical personnel. To call for an ambulance, one would need to contact the local police or fire department. In some areas, there may be a dedicated emergency number that can be called. However, in many areas, the only way to call for an ambulance is to contact the local police or fire department," commented one expat living in Afghanistan.

"Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan and offers a wide range of medical specialists, including specialists in neurology, cardiology, oncology and orthopedic surgery. Herat, the second-largest city, also has a growing medical sector and includes a variety of specialists such as pulmonologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists and gastroenterologists. Other major cities in Afghanistan offering medical specialists include Kandahar, Mazar-e Sharif and Jalalabad. In addition to these cities, several rural areas and smaller towns have developed medical centers offering specialty care, such as radiology, gynecology and internal medicine," commented one expat who moved to Afghanistan.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Afghanistan. However, due to the country's ongoing conflict and lack of infrastructure, access to these medications is often limited. Many medications are imported from other countries, and the availability of certain medications can vary depending on the region. Additionally, the cost of medications can be prohibitively expensive for many Afghans," remarked one expat living in Afghanistan.

"Access to medical facilities and care in Afghanistan can vary from excellent in cities, to inadequate and out of date in rural areas. In general, medical expertise in Afghanistan is limited due to a lack of resources and training for healthcare professionals. There is a shortfall in doctors, nurses, and medical equipment and supplies, as well as limited access to life-saving medicines and treatments. In some instances, medical facilities in Afghanistan can be inadequately maintained, and lack basic amenities," remarked one expat in Afghanistan.

"As a foreigner living in Afghanistan, you may have access to public healthcare, depending on the type of visa you have. Generally, public healthcare in Afghanistan is limited and of poor quality. Facilities are often overcrowded and understaffed, and medical supplies are often scarce. Additionally, many medical professionals lack the necessary training and experience to provide adequate care. As a result, many foreigners opt to use private healthcare services, which are more expensive but often of higher quality," commented one expat who moved to Afghanistan.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Afghanistan. Access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult due to the closure of many health facilities and the disruption of supply chains. Many healthcare workers have been overworked and underpaid, leading to a shortage of medical personnel. The lack of resources and the limited capacity of the healthcare system has made it difficult for people to access the care they need. Additionally, the pandemic has exacerbated existing issues such as gender inequality in healthcare access, as women are often unable to access the care they need due to cultural and religious barriers. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for increased investment in the healthcare system in Afghanistan, as well as improved access to healthcare for all citizens," wrote an expat living in Afghanistan.