Health Insurance in Iraq, Asia
Information expatriation
Capital City: Baghdad
Total area: 438,317 km2
Population: 28,993,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +964 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Iraq has a universal healthcare system that aims to provide free comprehensive services to all citizens.
· The public system consists of primary healthcare centers, district hospitals, and large specialized hospitals in major cities.
· However, overburdened public facilities suffer from outdated infrastructure, shortages of supplies and doctors.
· Private healthcare provision emerged after 2003 to fill gaps in the public system. These charges fees.
· Only about 30% of healthcare expenditure comes from government budgets. The rest is paid privately out-of-pocket.
· Healthcare standards and access varies greatly between urban and rural areas due to instability in infrastructure investments nationwide.
· Iraq struggles with implementing national healthcare programs due to ongoing security issues and political instability over recent decades.
· As a result, health outcomes lag behind peers in the region - issues include malnutrition, communicable diseases.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Purchase full comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance before arriving. Relying solely on public system is not recommended.
· Major cities like Baghdad have private facilities used by expats, but quality/access declines significantly outside urban areas.
· Ensure insurance provides nationwide coverage throughout Iraq.
· Bring needed medications rather than relying on availability/quality within Iraqi pharmacies.
· Learn basic medical Arabic phrases and consider hiring translators in remote/unstable regions.
· Strictly follow safety protocols for food/water, pollution, and road travel given infrastructure and security issues.
· Have well-developed evacuation plans in place via registered hospitals familiar with expat needs.
· Certain elective procedures may require hospitals in neighboring countries.
· Consider online mental health support with limited local options, especially in high-stress environments.
· Monitor all health advisories closely due to conflict-related risks.