Travel to Turkmenistan to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

How does the healthcare system work in Turkmenistan?

What is the quality of healthcare in Turkmenistan?

• Healthcare in Turkmenistan consists of good healthcare workers and poor facilities. In general, healthcare is not good and lags far behind, for example, the West. Both locals and foreigners often go abroad for healthcare (Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan).
• In Ashgabat you will find the most healthcare, outside of that it is immediately much more difficult to find good healthcare.
• The most common causes of death in Turkmenistan are cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and respiratory problems. Diseases are mainly caused by bad food, bad drinking water and pollution from industry and agriculture.
• The residents of Turkmenistan still rely a lot on old, traditional healthcare.
• Life expectancy in Turkmenistan is relatively low, with 65 years for men and 72 years for women (2021). Life expectancy has increased in recent years, but slightly below the world average.
• English-speaking medical staff is limited available. It may be useful to hire a local interpreter or acquire basic knowledge of the Turkmen language.
• There are private pharmacies in Turkmenistan. The largest chain is Gedeon Richter. There are frequent shortages of essential medicines in Turkmenistan. So make sure you bring your own supplies.

How does the public healthcare system work in Turkmenistan?

• There is a public healthcare system, funded by the government. Unfortunately, it is underfunded and the national bureaucracy blocks positive steps in healthcare. The current system is poorly implemented and there is little change, which makes it difficult for the local population.
• Healthcare is supposed to be free for residents, but in practice this is not the case. Foreigners are not allowed to use public healthcare.
• Public hospitals are often overcrowded and not well equipped for serious care. There are many shortages and equipment is often outdated (especially in rural areas).

How does the private healthcare system work in Turkmenistan?

• More expensive, but of better quality. That is the private healthcare in Turkmenistan, as in most countries. Expats and emigrants mainly use private healthcare. The doctors are good and the facilities are generally available.
• It is a lot more expensive, and because foreigners are only allowed to use the private sector, and medical evacuation may be necessary, most expats take out good international health insurance with coverage in neighboring countries and coverage for medical evacuation/repatriation.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Turkmenistan?

• Finding a general practitioner, let alone one who speaks English, can be difficult. Private clinics usually have general practitioners. Your embassy will probably have a list of good doctors, or you can ask other expats for advice.

How is the dentist arranged in Turkmenistan?

• Dental care in Turkmenistan is reported as not good. Most expats go abroad for professional dental care as there are few specialists and well-equipped clinics.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Turkmenistan?

• The infant mortality rate in Turkmenistan is relatively high, which reflects the quality and availability of public maternity care.
• In Turkmenistan, the family plays a central role in women’s lives, and pregnancy is seen as an important milestone. Traditionally, the emphasis is on motherhood and homemaking.
• Although public health facilities are available, it is wise for expats to consult private clinics for prenatal care. It is also important to check that the chosen facility meets international standards.
• However… Given the limitations in medical facilities, some people choose to travel abroad for childbirth, especially for complicated pregnancies.

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

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

• There are no official crime figures for the country, as they are not published. The capital is considered relatively safe, but there are risks of alcohol-related incidents and violent crime throughout the country (although this is usually gang-related and not aimed at expats).
• Women can be harassed when travelling alone.
• Be careful at the Turkmen-Afghanistan border.
• Small-scale theft also occurs. Be careful in busy places and do not openly wear expensive items.
• Turkmenistan has strict laws. Always carry an ID with you and be aware of the rules. For example, it is sometimes not allowed to take photos of certain buildings or to smoke in public. There are also strict rules for women.
• For certain areas, such as border regions and nature reserves, you need a special permit. If you go there without a permit, this can lead to fines or deportation.
• Turkmenistan is located in a seismically active zone, which means that earthquakes can occur. It is wise to be familiar with earthquake safety procedures.

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

• There are many infectious diseases in the country. Drink only bottled or well-boiled water and avoid raw foods. Discuss necessary vaccinations with a doctor long before you plan to leave. 
• The air quality can be quite poor in urban areas. Be careful on these days, stay indoors if possible and clean regularly!
• In summer, temperatures can reach 45°C in the shade. It is crucial to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive exposure to the sun.

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

• The road network is improving, but outside the major cities many roads are narrow, potholed and poorly lit. This can make driving, especially at night, challenging and potentially dangerous.
• In addition to frequent roadworks, unexpected obstacles such as camels crossing the road (yes, really!) can pose a risk to drivers. So stay alert!
• Using official taxis or hiring a vehicle with a driver is often considered safer than driving yourself. Many people use the train in Turkmenistan.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Turkmenistan?

• Is the trip to Turkmenistan 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.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Turkmenistan if you are going to live there for a while?

• Even though it may not be mandatory (for everyone), good international health insurance is a must in Turkmenistan because of the state of healthcare and to prevent high costs of private healthcare, healthcare abroad or medical evacuation. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.