15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Ethiopia

"Healthcare services in Ethiopia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is the primary source of healthcare for the majority of the population. The quality of public healthcare varies greatly, with some areas having better access to resources and better trained staff than others. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, although the quality of care may not be as high as in other countries. Expats in Ethiopia typically use the private healthcare system, which is more expensive but offers higher quality care," mentioned one expat in Ethiopia.

"Medical services in Ethiopia are generally limited and of low quality. The country has a shortage of medical personnel, and many medical facilities lack basic equipment and supplies. The majority of medical care is provided by the government, but there are also some private clinics and hospitals. Access to medical care is often limited due to poverty and lack of transportation. Vaccination programs are available, but coverage is low. Mental health services are limited, and there is a lack of awareness about mental health issues," wrote an expat living in Ethiopia.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Ethiopia can be expensive for many people. The cost of medical care is often beyond the reach of many people, especially those living in rural areas. Additionally, health insurance is not widely available in Ethiopia, and those who do have access to it often find that the premiums are too high. As a result, many people in Ethiopia are unable to access the healthcare they need due to the cost," wrote an expat living in Ethiopia.

"Emergency services in Ethiopia are limited and vary in quality. In major cities, there are some private ambulance services that can be called for medical emergencies. However, in rural areas, access to emergency services is more limited. To call for an ambulance, one can contact the local police station or fire station, or contact a private ambulance service if available," said one expat living in Ethiopia.

"Addis Ababa is the largest city in Ethiopia and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Other cities in Ethiopia that have a good selection of medical specialists include Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar, Mekelle, and Jimma. Additionally, the towns of Awasa, Gondar, and Harar are known for their excellent medical facilities and specialists," remarked one expat in Ethiopia.

"Prescription medications are available in Ethiopia, although the availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region. Many pharmacies in Ethiopia carry a wide range of generic medications, as well as some brand-name medications. However, some medications may not be available due to limited supply or lack of availability in the country. Additionally, some medications may require a doctor's prescription in order to be purchased," wrote one expat.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Ethiopia are generally of a lower quality than in many other countries. The country has a shortage of medical personnel and a lack of access to modern medical equipment and technology. In addition, the cost of medical care is often prohibitively expensive for many Ethiopians. Despite these challenges, the government is making efforts to improve the quality of medical care in the country, including increasing access to healthcare and investing in medical infrastructure," remarked one expat in Ethiopia.

"Yes, foreigners living in Ethiopia have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed. Many of the public hospitals and clinics lack basic medical supplies and equipment, and the quality of care is often lower than in private hospitals. However, the public healthcare system is improving, and the government is investing in new facilities and equipment," said one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on Ethiopia's healthcare system. The country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking medical care, leading to overcrowding in hospitals and clinics. This has put a strain on the already limited resources available to healthcare workers, resulting in long wait times and limited access to care. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a shortage of medical supplies, including masks, gloves, and other protective equipment, making it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care. Despite these challenges, the government has taken steps to improve the healthcare system, including increasing the number of beds in hospitals and providing additional funding for medical supplies," said an expat in Ethiopia.