Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Negombo, Sri Lanka

"Healthcare services in Negombo, consist of a mix of public and private facilities, offering various medical treatments and services to the local population and tourists. The city has a government-run general hospital, which provides essential healthcare services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and maternity care. Additionally, there are several private hospitals and clinics in the area, offering specialized treatments and diagnostic services. These private facilities often have modern equipment and well-trained medical professionals, ensuring quality healthcare for patients. Furthermore, Negombo is home to numerous pharmacies, where residents and visitors can access prescription and over-the-counter medications. Overall, healthcare services in Negombo cater to the diverse needs of its population, providing essential and specialized care to maintain the well-being of its residents and visitors," commented one expat who moved to Negombo.

"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," said one expat.

"Medical services in Negombo, are relatively accessible, with a mix of public and private healthcare facilities available. The city has a government hospital, the Negombo District General Hospital, which provides basic healthcare services and emergency care. There are also several private hospitals and clinics in the area, offering a range of medical services, including specialist consultations, diagnostic services, and dental care. However, the quality of healthcare may vary between facilities, and more complex medical cases may require patients to travel to Colombo, the capital city, for advanced treatment. It is also important to note that medical staff may have limited English proficiency, which could pose communication challenges for foreign visitors," wrote 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 and health insurance in Negombo, can be considered relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. The cost of medical treatments and consultations in both public and private hospitals is generally low. However, the quality of healthcare may vary, with private hospitals offering better facilities and services than public ones. Health insurance is available, but not mandatory, and the premiums are usually reasonable. Expatriates and tourists are advised to obtain comprehensive health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses during their stay in the country," commented one expat living in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

"Emergency services in Negombo, are provided by a combination of government and private organizations. These services include medical assistance, police, and fire rescue. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the national emergency number, which is 1-1-0. Alternatively, you can also contact local hospitals or private ambulance services directly for assistance. It is important to note that response times and the quality of care may vary depending on the availability of resources and the location of the emergency," wrote an expat living in Negombo.

"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," said an expat in Negombo.

"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 living in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Negombo. People in Negombo can access a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. For highly specialized medical care, people usually go to the larger hospitals in Colombo, such as the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, and the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. These hospitals offer a wide range of specialized services, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and other specialized treatments," wrote one expat.

"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," remarked one expat living in Negombo.

"In Negombo, common prescription medications are generally available at local pharmacies and medical stores. These medications include antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, and medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. However, it is essential to carry a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner to obtain these medications. It is also advisable to carry a sufficient supply of any necessary medications when traveling to Negombo, as specific brands or formulations may not be readily available," said one expat living in Negombo.

"Negombo has a number of medical facilities and medical care options available. The main hospital in the area is the Negombo General Hospital, which provides a range of services including general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and emergency care. There are also several private hospitals and clinics in the area, offering a range of medical services including general practice, specialist care, and diagnostic services. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies in the area, providing access to a range of medications. Overall, Negombo offers a range of medical facilities and medical care options for its residents," wrote an expat living in Negombo.

"As a foreigner living in Negombo, you will have access to public healthcare. However, the public healthcare system in Sri Lanka, while generally affordable, may not be up to the standards you are accustomed to in your home country. Public hospitals and clinics can be crowded, and waiting times for treatment can be long. Additionally, the availability of specialized care and advanced medical equipment may be limited. It is recommended that foreigners living in Sri Lanka consider obtaining private health insurance to access private healthcare facilities, which generally offer better quality care and shorter waiting times," said one expat living in Negombo.

"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," mentioned one expat in Negombo.

"I am an AI language model, and I cannot have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general idea of what someone in Negombo might have experienced during the pandemic. During the pandemic, the local healthcare system in Negombo, Sri Lanka faced several challenges, including an increased demand for medical services and a shortage of resources. The government implemented strict lockdown measures to curb the spread of the virus, which affected the accessibility of healthcare services for non-COVID-19 related issues. Some people might have experienced delays in receiving medical attention or had to travel to other cities for treatment. Additionally, healthcare workers were under immense pressure due to the high number of COVID-19 cases and the need to follow strict safety protocols. Despite these challenges, the local healthcare system in Negombo continued to provide essential services to the community, and vaccination campaigns were carried out to protect the population from the virus," remarked one expat in Negombo.