How does healthcare work in Algeria, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Algeria?

Healthcare in Algeria is a mix of public and private facilities. Although the government tries to make healthcare accessible to everyone, there are large differences in quality and availability depending on where you live. For example, in urban areas, such as Algiers, Oran and Constantine, medical facilities are relatively well equipped. In remote or rural areas, however, care may be limited and difficult to access.
Health insurance is not mandatory, but emigrants are strongly advised to purchase international health insurance. This is especially important because specialty treatments are often sought in neighboring countries or Europe.
Algeria also has a national healthcare system, which is free for residents. Emigrants can also take advantage of free public healthcare through the social security system when employers register them. Then a monthly amount is deducted from the salary.
Getting prescription drugs can be difficult. It is therefore recommended that new residents bring a good load of medications with them (with the necessary paperwork included, of course), especially for chronic conditions.

The Algerian government provides free or subsidized health care to its citizens, including medication and hospitalization. However, the system is overburdened, with long waiting times and limited resources.
Public hospitals often face staff shortages, outdated equipment, and a lack of specialty care.
Access to public care is possible for foreigners living in Algeria, but the quality can be disappointing. The language barrier can also be a problem, as many doctors and staff speak only Arabic or French.

Private clinics offer better quality care than the public sector, although they can be considerably more expensive. These clinics are mostly found in urban areas. Outside urban areas, there is little demand because locals usually cannot afford them.
Expats often choose private clinics because of shorter waiting times, better hygiene and the availability of English- or French-speaking doctors. However, for highly specialized treatments or complex surgeries, many patients usually travel to Tunisia, France or Spain.
There is no national insurance program for private care, so people moving to Algeria usually choose their own international health insurance to cover the cost of private care and any medical evacuations.

The system of general practitioners in Algeria is not as developed as in some Western countries. Patients often go directly to a specialist or a hospital. There are general practitioners, but they more often act as first responders to minor complaints in private practices.
Tip: For regular consultations, a private clinic is often the best choice for expats. Here you are more likely to find a doctor who speaks English or French.

Both public and private clinics offer dental treatment, but the quality varies. Private clinics are generally more modern and better equipped, while public dental care is often limited to basic services.
Dental visits are relatively affordable. For extensive treatments, expats often choose private practices.

Maternity care is available in Algeria through both public and private facilities. Public hospitals offer free maternity care, but the quality can be variable. Conditions in some hospitals, such as hygiene and privacy, leave much to be desired.
Many emigrants choose private clinics for pregnancy checkups and deliveries because of better facilities and personalized care.
Infant and maternal mortality have declined significantly in recent decades, but rates are still higher than in Western countries. Breastfeeding is encouraged and is an important part of postnatal care.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing is common, especially in touristy, crowded areas. Avoid remote places after sunset.
Areas to avoid include the southern border, the border with Libya and Tunisia, rural mountainous areas in the north and between Tunisia and Algeria and the Sahara. Here there is a risk of terrorist attacks.
There are also frequent protests in Algeria that can get out of hand. It is recommended to avoid political protests.
Be aware of the risk of robbery at beaches, even during daylight.

Sunburn and dehydration are a major risk in Algeria because of the unrelenting heat. Always make sure you drink enough and protect yourself from too intense sun.
Sandstorms are a risk for people with respiratory problems.
It is better not to drink tap water.
Polio is still a risk in Algeria, and you are also at risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
Discuss with your vaccination doctor if and what vaccinations you need; rabies, for example, is also common.

There are many road accidents in Algeria and people often drive carelessly.
Also, traffic rules are little or not properly followed.
On the road, you may encounter sand drifts - reduce your speed, large potholes in the road and large speed bumps.
Approach police checkpoints slowly and make sure you always have your photo ID with you.

Is the trip to Algeria and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.