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Sri Lanka | As a foreigner living in Sri Lanka, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like? | Expat Exchange
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Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

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

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William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

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

"Yes, foreigners living in Sri Lanka 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 largely free of charge, although some services may require a nominal fee. The public healthcare system is also supplemented by a number of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care," remarked another expat who made the move to Sri Lanka.

"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," explained one expat living in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

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

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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.

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
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Cigna Global Health

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Award winning International Health Insurance for Individuals and families living abroad
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William Russell

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