Sri Lanka
15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Sri Lanka
Last updated on Feb 15, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Sri Lanka is generally considered to be good, although it may not be as advanced as in the US. Emergency services are available and ambulances can be called by dialing the emergency number, which is 119. Hospitals in Sri Lanka are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
How are healthcare services Sri Lanka?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sri Lanka, they replied:
"Sri Lanka has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is free or heavily subsidized for citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Sri Lanka is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Sri Lanka can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, there are also private healthcare providers in Sri Lanka that offer more specialized services, but these are usually more expensive than the public system," remarked one expat in Sri Lanka.
"I have had great care, in Colombo. Great physicians and clinics. Most doctors have practice inside the hospitals as well. It might be even more advanced now! Great Private Hospitals: 1. Apollo ( expensive, but thanks to Dollar Rupee exchange rate) Regional's best 2. Nawaloka 3. Durdens 4. Asiri ," remarked one expat living in Sri Lanka.
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What are medical services in Sri Lanka like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sri Lanka, they replied:
"Sri Lanka has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private medical services available. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens, and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care. Private medical services are also available, and are generally of a high quality. Sri Lanka has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, and a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. The country also has a number of medical research institutes, which are dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare in the country," commented one expat living in Sri Lanka.
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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sri Lanka?
"Healthcare is free for everyone. Every city and town has a state run hospital/s which has super qualified doctors and treatments and medicine for free of charge. But sometimes line are long. You also have the option to go for a private hospital or clinic which is paid. Insurance usually covers all general treatments and can be claimed. Insurance providers are many in Sri Lanka - with Ceylinco Life, AIA and Janashakti been just a few. Each has different tiers of insurance depending on your budget. You can go as low as you want or as high. ," wrote an expat living in Sri Lanka.
"We have had no experiences with regard to the use of our health insurance as either the cost was too low to even bother with it or it was pre-existing and was not going to be covered so was out of pocket. Yes, we have Cigna Global Health Insurance as to be a foreign resident in Sri Lanka it is required to have health insurance coverage. It has been vague if the insurance will cover Nawaloka, Negombo Branch but their map showing most hospitals for us to go to are in Colombo (27 miles distance). I can't get an answer from Nawaloka Hospital, Negombo Branch either if they would accept Cigna here locally. I did pick Cigna Global as most of the other insurance outfits seemed kind of dicey and it was the best of the lot. ," said an expat in Negombo.
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What are emergency services like in Sri Lanka?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Sri Lanka wrote:
"Emergency services in Sri Lanka are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the national emergency number, which is 119. The ambulance service is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is provided by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and is staffed by trained personnel. The ambulance will be dispatched to the location of the emergency and will provide medical assistance as needed," said one expat.
"The closest ER is 15 minutes from our house. There is a number to call a local ambulance but don't know the response time. Probably would just load up in a tuk-tuk if possible and run for the ER. The best private hospital in Negombo is Nawaloka Hospital. The Government Hospital is very close to it as well. The quality of care is good once you are admitted. The hospital equipment is up to date and clean. The hospital it self is kept clean. They are very kind but you feel kind of lost. Too much staff doing little to nothing. You can call an ambulance by phone. However, the street names here are very confusing even to locals so be prepared to know landmarks for them to find you and if you have neighbors or a local that can tell them your location ... so much the better," remarked one expat in Negombo.
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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of world-class hospitals and medical centers, such as the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital, the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, and the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. Other cities in Sri Lanka that have a good selection of medical specialists include Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna. Additionally, the coastal towns of Negombo and Kalutara are known for their excellent medical facilities and specialists," mentioned one expat in Sri Lanka.
"People actually come to Sri Lanka for Medical Tourism but some Expats have expressed doubts about the quality of medical care here. If an expat was worried one could go to nearby India for anything or any condition to be treated. I had a stent put in last year in Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Branch and total bill came to $3,000. I think Cancer care here is limited but not really informed on that. My international insurance refuses to cover pre-existing conditions (Cigna) so you are on your own with that. I would never return to the USA for medical care as that would not be covered by my insurance plan and the cost would be beyond anything I could ever pay," commented one expat who moved to Negombo, Sri Lanka.
Are common prescription medications available in Sri Lanka?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Sri Lanka. Most medications are available through pharmacies, and some are available through government hospitals. Many medications are also available over the counter without a prescription. However, some medications may require a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. In addition, some medications may not be available in Sri Lanka, and may need to be imported from other countries," commented one expat living in Sri Lanka.
"Yes, most common prescription meds are available. There are many local pharmacy stores and you can get most meds at very low prices. Shop around and stick with the ones that give you the best prices as well as the lowest generic offerings. You can call ahead at many and your order will be waiting. A doctor office visit cost is around $3 to get a prescription. My wife's insulin pen cost $15.50 and my Symbicort inhaler cost is $14," wrote one expat.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Sri Lanka?
"Sri Lanka has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and services available. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide quality medical care. The government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, and the country has a high doctor-to-patient ratio. The medical staff is well-trained and experienced, and the quality of care is generally good. Sri Lanka also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide advanced treatments and procedures," remarked one expat in Sri Lanka.
As a foreigner living in Sri Lanka, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Sri Lanka have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard. The public healthcare system is largely free of charge, although some services may require a nominal fee. The public healthcare system is also supplemented by a number of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care," commented one expat living in Sri Lanka.
"Foreigners do not enroll in the public healthcare system. To reside in country one is required to hold health insurance. It is your choice what you pick but consider your state of health and coverage as you pay up front for health care here. There are public hospitals but foreigners would probably consider them grim and as a last recourse. During the Dengue Crisis there were four to a bed," wrote one expat.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Sri Lanka if they have access to public healthcare in Sri Lanka. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Sri Lanka. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, including the introduction of telemedicine services, the provision of free testing and treatment for COVID-19, and the implementation of strict safety protocols in hospitals. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients seeking treatment for COVID-19, leading to long wait times and overcrowding in hospitals. Additionally, the lack of resources and personnel has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care to all patients. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Sri Lanka has been able to provide quality care to those in need," said one expat.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Sri Lanka?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Sri Lanka about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Sri Lanka before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable and experienced doctor or midwife who can provide quality care during the pregnancy and delivery. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Sri Lanka. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding birth registration and citizenship. Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Sri Lanka, as it can be expensive," explained one expat.
"I would not hesitate to recommend staying in country to deliver. My only caveat would be if it is a high risk pregnancy as there were only five preemie bassinets in the city and they were at a different hospital. This may have changed by now and my guess is that if there were any doubt your doctor would be the first to recommend you leave," said one person in Colombo.
Are healthcare services good in Sri Lanka?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Sri Lanka. They wrote:
"Sri Lanka has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a range of services to its citizens. Primary healthcare is provided through a network of government-run hospitals and clinics, as well as private hospitals and clinics. These facilities offer a range of services, including preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, and emergency care. Specialized services such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and mental health are also available. In addition, Sri Lanka has a number of specialized medical centers that provide advanced treatments for serious illnesses. The government also provides free or subsidized healthcare services to those who cannot afford private care," explained one expat living in Sri Lanka.
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.
