As a foreigner living in Sri Lanka, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
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...
"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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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"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," said another expat in Sri Lanka.
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As a foreigner living in Sri Lanka, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
If you live in Sri Lanka, newcomers to Sri Lanka would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
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.