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

What is the quality of healthcare in Afghanistan?

• Afghanistan’s health system faces significant challenges and is severely underperforming, especially since the change of government in 2021. Previously, much of the health care was funded from abroad, but since the Taliban takeover, foreign funding has virtually collapsed, severely limiting access to essential health services for millions of Afghans.
• The health system is divided between both public and private providers, but both are fraught with problems and shortages. This means that for any critical medical issue, you have to be flown abroad.
• In urban centres, there are slightly more facilities and better trained medical professionals available. In remote areas, there is a severe shortage of medical supplies and staff. This also affects local populations.
• Female patients and children are particularly affected by the shortage of female doctors and because cultural norms limit access to care. For example, only women are allowed to interview women in their homes, and women must be accompanied by a male family member. There is also an increasing shortage of female health workers due to the ban on education for women.
• Medical equipment is scarce, especially in public hospitals. Expats and emigrants in need of serious medical care often travel to India, Turkey or the UAE for treatment.
• Pharmacies are available in urban areas, but don’t always count on supplies. It may be wise to bring your own supply of essential medicines, but make sure you keep them in their original packaging and bring your doctor’s prescription.
• There is no national emergency number in Afghanistan, so make sure you are well informed about how to get emergency help if needed.

How does the public healthcare system work in Afghanistan?

• Public healthcare is extremely challenging and cannot be compared to the well-developed healthcare systems in some other countries. Basic hygiene is lacking, as are the necessary equipment and medicines.
• Public healthcare can almost be called private, as it is mainly provided by international donors and NGOs. For example, HealthNet TPO is an important organisation that supports the delivery of primary and secondary healthcare by improving the infrastructure and services of health facilities. Foreigners living in Afghanistan can use public healthcare (although there may be exceptions for women), but this is strongly discouraged due to the state of healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in Afghanistan?

• Private healthcare consists of both clinics and hospitals. Healthcare is mainly concentrated in and around urban areas (particularly Kabul).
• In case of emergency, you can contact the CURE International Hospital, Kaisha Health Care or the Shino Zada ​​Hospital in Kabul.
• The healthcare is often of better quality, but the costs are also higher. It is often not affordable for the average Afghan.
• Foreigners are strongly advised to have comprehensive, international health insurance that covers the expatriation for medical care abroad.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Afghanistan?

• There is no real GP system in Afghanistan. Access to primary care is limited and people usually go directly to a hospital or specialist if they can afford it.
• Some private clinics do offer general consultations.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Afghanistan?

• Like other healthcare, dental care in Afghanistan is also quite limited. The quality also varies considerably.
• There is no national database of dentists. It is best to rely on advice from other foreigners and the best chance of good care is in Kabul, at private clinics.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Afghanistan?

• Access to maternity care is a major problem in Afghanistan. Infant mortality is high, partly due to limited access to medical care and a shortage of female health workers. The country also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
• Support and information about breastfeeding are very limited.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Afghanistan?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Afghanistan?

• Afghanistan is considered a very unsafe country. There is a high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and other forms of violence.
• It is strongly discouraged to travel to Afghanistan. Government buildings, embassies and catering establishments are also often not safe from terrorist attacks or kidnappings.
• There are many explosives in the country, there are many road accidents and the country also experiences the consequences of earthquakes. Because emergency care is so limited, the risks to safety are even greater as a result.
• Another risk is the strict Islamic law. It is easy to break laws if you are not well informed. So make sure you know the rules well and follow everything.
• Expats are advised to be extremely careful and only live in secure compounds. Foreign aid workers are often accompanied by armed security.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Afghanistan?

• There are also significant health risks such as malnutrition and limited access to clean drinking water in Afghanistan, especially for locals. Diarrhoea and typhoid are also a problem for foreigners.
• The air quality in cities can cause respiratory problems.
• Vaccinations against diseases such as hepatitis, polio and tetanus are strongly recommended.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Afghanistan?

• Road traffic in Afghanistan is chaotic and dangerous. Traffic rules are often ignored, and roads are poorly maintained. Checkpoints and roadside bombs also increase the danger.
• There is a high risk of traffic accidents, and road travel is discouraged, especially outside urban areas.
• Taxis and buses are unreliable and potentially unsafe.
• Expats are advised to use only transport suggested by their organisation or to secure private drivers.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Afghanistan?

• Is the trip to Afghanistan and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Afghanistan
• Insurance for studying in Afghanistan
• Insurance for internships in Afghanistan
• Insurance for volunteering in Afghanistan
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Afghanistan

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Afghanistan?

• International insurance with medical evacuation cover and cover in other countries is essential in Afghanistan. Make sure your insurance also covers risks associated with war situations.
• International health insurance for Afghanistan
• International travel insurance for Afghanistan
• International life insurance for Afghanistan
• International income protection insurance for Afghanistan