15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bahrain
Last updated on Feb 03, 2024
Summary: The quality of medical care in Bahrain is generally considered to be good, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. However, the quality of care may not be as high as in the United States. Emergency services in Bahrain are generally reliable and efficient, with ambulances available 24 hours a day. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 999 or 997.
How are healthcare services Bahrain?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahrain, they replied:
"In Bahrain, healthcare services are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and provides a range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Bahrain have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Bahrain can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Health and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access public healthcare services at a reduced cost," said an expat in Bahrain.
What are medical services in Bahrain like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahrain, they replied:
"In Bahrain, medical services are of a high standard, with a range of both public and private healthcare facilities available. The public healthcare system is free for Bahraini citizens, and provides a range of services including general practice, specialist care, and emergency services. Private healthcare facilities offer a more comprehensive range of services, including advanced medical treatments and specialist care. Bahrain also has a number of international hospitals, which offer a range of services to both local and international patients," said one expat living in Bahrain.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bahrain?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Bahrain can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Private healthcare is generally more expensive than public healthcare, and health insurance premiums can vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. In general, health insurance premiums tend to be higher than in other countries, and the cost of medical treatments can be high. However, the government of Bahrain has implemented a number of initiatives to make healthcare more affordable for its citizens, such as subsidizing medical treatments and providing free health insurance for certain groups," wrote an expat living in Bahrain.
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What are emergency services like in Bahrain?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Bahrain wrote:
"Emergency services in Bahrain are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 995, which is the national emergency number. The operator will then connect you to the nearest ambulance service. The ambulance service will then dispatch an ambulance to the location of the emergency," remarked one expat in Bahrain.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Although medical specialists can be found throughout Bahrain, the best selection is typically concentrated in the larger cities such as Manama, Seef, and Muharraq, and in some of the more affluent areas of the country, such as Amwaj Islands, Riffa, and Juffair. These areas are home to some of Bahrain's premier hospitals and healthcare facilities and offer access to a broad range of medical specialists, from general practitioners to highly trained sub-specialists," said one expat living in Bahrain.
Are common prescription medications available in Bahrain?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Bahrain. Most pharmacies in Bahrain carry a wide range of medications, including those prescribed by doctors. Many of these medications are imported from other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. Additionally, some medications are manufactured locally in Bahrain. In general, the availability of prescription medications in Bahrain is quite good, and most medications can be obtained relatively easily," remarked one expat in Bahrain.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bahrain?
"Bahrain offers quality medical care to its citizens and visitors. The public health system is well-funded and well-equipped with modern medical technology and hospitals. The private health care system is also efficient and provides excellent medical care for those who can afford it. Bahrain is a popular destination for medical tourism and boasts some of the most advanced medical facilities in the Middle East. The country is served by numerous highly qualified doctors and nurses, as well as a wide range of specialized and general medical centers. There is also a high level of government-funded medical care available, with free medical care available in certain areas of the country. In addition, there is a focus on preventative care, with an emphasis on health promotion and education, and a focus on delivering quality care and treatment," remarked one expat in Bahrain.
As a foreigner living in Bahrain, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Bahrain have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Bahrain is generally considered to be of a high standard, with a wide range of services available. The government provides free healthcare to citizens and subsidised healthcare to expatriates, including access to specialist care and hospitalisation. The public healthcare system is supplemented by a number of private healthcare providers, offering a range of services from general practice to specialist care," remarked one expat living in Bahrain.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Bahrain if they have access to public healthcare in Bahrain. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Bahrain. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, such as the introduction of telemedicine services, the provision of free testing and treatment for COVID-19, and the implementation of strict safety protocols in hospitals and clinics. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been strained due to the high number of cases and the limited resources available. As a result, wait times for appointments have increased and access to certain treatments and medications has been limited. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Bahrain has been able to provide quality care to those in need," said one expat.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bahrain?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Bahrain about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Bahrain before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding childbirth and parenting. Additionally, it is a good idea to join a local expat group or forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Bahrain and can provide advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in Bahrain," wrote a person living in Bahrain.
Are healthcare services good in Bahrain?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bahrain. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Bahrain are generally of a high standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced medical professionals. Bahrain also has a number of specialized medical centers, offering treatments for a range of conditions. The government provides free healthcare to citizens and expatriates, and there are a number of private healthcare providers offering services at competitive prices. Bahrain also has a number of health insurance providers, offering coverage for medical expenses," remarked one expat in Bahrain.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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