Expat Health Insurance & Healthcare Guide to Jordan

Expats in Aqaba, Jordan should know the specifics of the health care system and what is and not available. This report offers great advice on how to navigate the health care system as an expat.

I had my fifth VBAC birth at the Farah Hospital. I had gestational diabetes, so I saw the nutritionist at the hospital early in my pregnancy. She gave me a week of menus to follow. I eventually figured out principles for eating and was able to keep my blood sugar at the right levels through just diet for a while. When it became necessary for more supervision, I was referred to an endocrinologist who was wonderful.

I was not induced, but would have been if the enema (yuck) had not been enough to start contractions. I was very concerned the baby was going to be too large and after talking with my doctor, he agreed to try a very gentle way of starting labor. It worked.

I had an epidural when I was ready for it, not before. The anesthesiologist had a great bedside manner. I was able to bring an MP3 player so I could listen to my music during labor. There was also a TV in the labor room if I had wanted to watch it. My husband stayed with me the entire time but had to wear a paper gown, hat and booties. There was a "family room" right next to the labor and delivery room where he went to have a sandwich which the staff ordered for him when labor stretched on through a meal time.

My birth experience was very good. I was in the hospital two nights. The food was excellent. The nursing staff were attentive but not overly so and spoke English. I was allowed to keep the baby with me as much as I wanted, even over night. They even brought in a bed for my husband to stay with us.

My pregnancy and childbirth experience in Jordan were phenomenal. I had an excellent doctor who spoke perfect English and dealt with many expats. I had an ultrasound during each monthly prenatal visit and my doctor took time to answer all of my questions.

The hospital I gave birth in was also excellent - I had a very large (larger than my apartment) private suite with excellent nursing care. I had a c-section and was in the hospital for two nights with no complications.