Health Care in Oran
Summary: Learn about the health system in Oran: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Oran.
The system in Oran consists of both public and private healthcare facilities. The public healthcare system, known as Caisse Nationale des Assurances Sociales (CNAS), is available to Algerian citizens and foreigners, while private hospitals and clinics offer additional options for medical care.
Algeria's Healthcare System
Algeria's public healthcare system, Caisse Nationale des Assurances Sociales (CNAS), is available to both Algerian citizens and foreigners. Public hospitals in Oran are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries due to limited resources and overcrowding. Public hospitals in Oran may lack modern equipment and have long waiting times. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Algeria, but many prefer private hospitals for better quality care. Private hospitals in Oran are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer more advanced facilities and shorter waiting times.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Oran
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Oran include:
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire d'Oran (public hospital) - located in the city center
- Clinique Les Jasmins (private hospital) - located in the city center
- Clinique El Mokrani (private hospital) - located in the city center
- Centre de Santé de la Mère et de l'Enfant (public clinic) - specializes in maternal and child health, located in the city center
In case of limited options in Oran, expats may need to travel to the capital city, Algiers, for specialized medical care or surgeries. Algiers is approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles) east of Oran and can be reached by car or domestic flights.
Emergency Services in Oran
There are ambulance services in Oran, which can be called by dialing 14. However, response times may vary and there can be delays due to traffic or other factors. In case of an emergency, it is often recommended to arrange private transportation to the nearest hospital or clinic.
Health Insurance Companies in Oran
Popular private health insurance companies in Oran include Compagnie Algérienne d'Assurance et de Réassurance (CAAR) and Compagnie Algérienne des Assurances (CAAT). These companies offer various health insurance plans for individuals and families. Expats and digital nomads in Oran may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers that cater to their specific needs.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Algeria Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Algeria
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Algeria
- Best Places to Live in Algeria
- Guide to Real Estate in Algeria
- Pros & Cons of Living in Algeria
- Cost of Living in Algeria
- Moving to Algeria with a Pet
- Understanding Mental Health in Algeria
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Algeria?
- Best Places to Ski in Algeria
- Pros and Cons of Living in Algeria 2026


