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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Kyrgyzstan | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Oct 06, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Kyrgyzstan is generally lower than in the US, with fewer resources and less advanced technology. Emergency services are available, but may be limited in rural areas. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 103 or 112.

How are healthcare services Kyrgyzstan?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kyrgyzstan, they replied:

"Kyrgyzstan has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is generally considered to be below average, with limited access to specialized care and modern medical equipment. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not as good as in other countries. Expats in Kyrgyzstan typically use private healthcare services, which offer better quality care and more specialized services. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private services or if they are unable to afford the cost of private care," wrote an expat living in Kyrgyzstan.

What are medical services in Kyrgyzstan like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kyrgyzstan, they replied:

"Kyrgyzstan has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. The quality of care varies from region to region, but overall, the medical services in Kyrgyzstan are considered to be of a good standard. The country also has a number of private medical facilities that offer more advanced treatments and services," said one expat living in Kyrgyzstan.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kyrgyzstan?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Kyrgyzstan can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's social health insurance system. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the quality of healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is not always up to the standards of other countries, and medical facilities may not have the latest technology or equipment," wrote one expat.

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What are emergency services like in Kyrgyzstan?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Kyrgyzstan wrote:

"Emergency services in Kyrgyzstan are generally reliable and efficient. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 103 from any phone. The emergency services operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location," said an expat in Kyrgyzstan.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Bishkek is home to some of the best medical specialists in Kyrgyzstan. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Karakol. The Issyk-Kul region is also known for its excellent medical care, with many highly-skilled specialists located in the area," wrote one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Kyrgyzstan?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Kyrgyzstan. Most pharmacies in the country carry a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, and other medications used to treat common illnesses. Many of these medications are imported from other countries, such as Russia, India, and Turkey. In addition, some medications are produced locally in Kyrgyzstan. It is important to note that some medications may require a prescription from a doctor in order to be purchased," commented one expat living in Kyrgyzstan.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Kyrgyzstan are generally of a good quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are also private medical facilities available. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost of medical services is relatively low compared to other countries," said one expat living in Kyrgyzstan.

As a foreigner living in Kyrgyzstan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Kyrgyzstan, you will 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 free for Kyrgyz citizens, but foreigners may be required to pay a fee for services. The public healthcare system is mainly focused on primary care, with limited access to specialist care," commented one expat who moved to Kyrgyzstan.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Kyrgyzstan if they have access to public healthcare in Kyrgyzstan. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the local healthcare system in Kyrgyzstan. Many healthcare facilities have had to reduce their services due to the lack of resources and staff. In addition, the availability of medical supplies and equipment has been limited, making it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care. Furthermore, the cost of medical care has increased, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need. Despite these challenges, healthcare workers have continued to work hard to provide the best care possible to those in need," said one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Kyrgyzstan?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Kyrgyzstan about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"1. Make sure to research the healthcare system in Kyrgyzstan and find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. 2. Consider taking a childbirth education class to learn more about the birthing process and what to expect. 3. Ask other expats in Kyrgyzstan for advice and support. 4. Make sure to have a plan for after the baby is born, such as childcare and transportation. 5. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding birth certificates and other paperwork. 6. Have a plan for how you will handle any medical emergencies that may arise. 7. Make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in Kyrgyzstan," remarked one expat in Kyrgyzstan.

Are healthcare services good in Kyrgyzstan?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Kyrgyzstan. They wrote:

"Kyrgyzstan has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. Healthcare services are provided by both public and private hospitals and clinics, with the majority of services being provided by the public sector. The quality of healthcare services varies across the country, with some areas having better access to medical care than others. In general, healthcare services in Kyrgyzstan are affordable and accessible, although there are still some gaps in access to specialized care. The government is working to improve the quality of healthcare services in the country, with initiatives such as the introduction of a national health insurance system," remarked one expat in Kyrgyzstan.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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