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

How does the healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan has a free public health care system and a private health care system.
Most healthcare facilities can be found in Baku.
There are many pharmacies in the major cities. In Baku, many pharmacies are also open 24/7.
Emergency medical care is available in Batu, but hardly anywhere else. For an ambulance, call 103.

The public health care system of Azerbaijan is run by the Ministry of Health. And although it is free for residents of the country, several studies have shown that the system does not work well. Fortunately, the government is working on improvements to the system.
Health insurance has been mandatory in Azerbaijan since 2021. Azeris are covered by the universal health care system, which includes primary care, physiotherapy, emergency care and vaccinations. The insurance and care is run by the “Management Union of Medical Territorial Units” or TABIB. Most public healthcare facilities can be found in Baku. Outside the city, you will hardly find any public clinics or hospitals. And if they are there, there are often shortages of staff and equipment.
As a foreigner, you are not entitled to free healthcare.

Private healthcare is of much better quality than public healthcare, but is not equally easily available everywhere.
Most foreigners opt for private healthcare because of the greater range and the relatively low costs. However, it can also happen in private healthcare that some conditions are too serious or difficult to treat and that medical evacuation is necessary.
Private health insurance is mandatory for foreigners living in Azerbaijan. Private insurance can be both local and international. Local insurance is often arranged by the employer, but it may be wise to do your own research into the coverage of this insurance and possibly take out private, international insurance yourself.

Azerbaijan operates a general practitioner system (терапевт - terapevt). The intention is that every resident has access to a general practitioner/family doctor.
The general practitioner is the first point of contact for problems and a referral from the general practitioner is required for some specialist care under the public system. People are free to choose their own general practitioner. These can usually be found at outpatient clinics.
Most expats choose a general practitioner or family doctor through a private clinic because of the better care, shorter waiting times and language barrier.

The maternal mortality rate has fallen in Azerbaijan in recent years, but the number is still higher than in the rest of the region. For locals, public hospitals are free/cheap, but public hospitals are often understaffed and outdated.
Private clinics offer a better experience, but can be expensive. Most foreigners opt for private insurance that covers maternity care.
Home births are rare; most births take place in hospitals.
Breastfeeding is rare in Azerbaijan, which may be due to cultural norms and the availability of cheap alternatives to breastfeeding.
Abortion is legal up to 12-28 weeks of pregnancy depending on the circumstances.

Baku is relatively safe, with little violence.
Police corruption can be a problem in the country.
Demonstrations and protests can escalate quickly.
Nagorno-Karabakh and the border with Armenia are dangerous. Avoid these areas due to the conflict. Landmines still exist in some border regions.
Earthquakes can occur, especially in the north of the country.

There are various health risks in Azerbaijan. For example, there are insect-borne diseases, diseases that can be transmitted via water and also some diseases for which vaccinations are advisable. Discuss this well before your departure with a vaccination doctor.
Altitude sickness can also be a problem in certain mountainous areas. Watch out for headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Make sure you drink enough water, descend slowly and keep an eye on the symptoms.

In Baku, traffic is busy and chaotic. There are many traffic jams and the drivers are not always very friendly.
Outside Baku, the roads are often poorly maintained. Traffic rules are certainly not always observed.
In rural areas, street lighting is often lacking.
Fortunately, Baku also has a cheap and efficient metro system.
Traffic police are notorious for bribery and kickbacks.
For convenience, cab availability and quote in advance, use cab apps such as Bolt or Yandex instead of random cabs.

Is the trip to Azerbaijan 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.

Health insurance is mandatory for expats who are going to live in Azerbaijan. This can be a local insurance or an international, private insurance that also covers things like medical repatriation and evacuation. The latter is recommended, because care in Azerbaijan can be inadequate in serious situations.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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