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

What is the quality of healthcare in Kyrgyzstan?

• Kyrgyzstan is not the place to go for good healthcare. The state of healthcare in the country is quite poor, which poses several challenges for foreigners living in the country.
• There are public and some private institutions. The best care can be found in Bishkek. Outside of Bishkek, medical facilities are scarce.
• Pharmacies can be found throughout the country, but most are not open 24 hours a day and the availability of medicines can be limited.
• Foreigners moving to Kyrgyzstan are advised to bring their own vitamin supplements, as it can be difficult to get the right nutrition in some parts of the country.
• Emergency medical services are limited to the cities, but even here, English is often not spoken. The medical emergency number is 103.

How does the public healthcare system work in Kyrgyzstan?

• Public healthcare is generally of low quality. The facilities leave much to be desired, as do the hygiene and waiting times.
• Public healthcare is a lot cheaper than private healthcare.
• Often people do not speak English in public healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in Kyrgyzstan?

• Private healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is mainly concentrated around Bishkek.
• The institutions offer better care than public institutions, but often still lag behind Western standards.
• The most popular institution in Bishkek is Neomed.
• The costs are a lot higher than in public healthcare.
• Medical evacuation abroad is necessary in cases of severe illness and injury. It is expected that local medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are inadequate to handle the situation

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

• There is no family doctor system in Kyrgyzstan. People generally go directly to (a specialist in) the hospital.
• In private clinics a type of family doctor can be consulted.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Kyrgyzstan?

• Dental care is available in urban areas, but the quality varies. It is wise to seek recommendations from other foreigners and possibly undergo more complex treatments abroad.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Kyrgyzstan?

• Pregnancy care, like other health care, is limited in Kyrgyzstan. Care is often provided by general doctors from local centres and is not focused on high-risk pregnancies.
• Many people who have the means or insurance, therefore consider travelling to neighbouring countries with better medical facilities for deliveries.
• The emergency contraceptive pill is available on prescription from pharmacies.
• Abortion is legal in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After that, it depends on the circumstances.

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

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

• Kyrgyzstan is a reasonably safe country, taking into account borders and conflict areas. There is petty crime in busy areas, and tensions can also arise in border areas with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is wise to stay informed about the latest developments.
• Earthquakes may occur in the country. Make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake.
• Landslides, avalanches and rock slides are a problem when hiking. Sudden, heavy snowfall can also affect the hike.

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

• Tap water is safe to drink. In smaller villages, foreigners often drink bottled water.
• Altitude sickness can be a problem when staying in a high-altitude area (above 2.500m). Make sure you pay close attention to the symptoms (such as nausea, headache, fatigue, etc.) and take action when necessary. Also beware of dehydration and heatstroke. 
• Check the latest vaccine recommendations several weeks before you leave to ensure you have enough time to get vaccinated. 

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

• Driving in Kyrgyzstan is not very safe. Rules are often ignored and the conditions are usually unsafe. For example, many roads are poorly lit and poorly maintained.
• Petrol stations are limited in rural areas and diesel may not be available. Always carry an emergency supply.
• Taxis are cheap and a good transportation option. Make sure you use an official taxi company.
• Bishkek has a system of minibuses that will pick you up and drop you off anywhere. It is the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city.
• If you are stopped and given a fine, the police should issue a written ticket. This can then be paid at a cash machine or bank. It is not recommended to give money directly to the officer.

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

• Is the trip to Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan
• Insurance for studying in Kyrgyzstan
• Insurance for internships in Kyrgyzstan
• Insurance for volunteering in Kyrgyzstan
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Kyrgyzstan

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

• Good health insurance is essential when living in Kyrgyzstan. Not only because of the costs of private healthcare, but especially because of the need for medical evacuations in case of serious accidents or illness. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries.
• International health insurance for Kyrgyzstan
• International travel insurance for Kyrgyzstan
• International life insurance for Kyrgyzstan
• International income protection insurance for Kyrgyzstan