15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Uzbekistan
Last updated on May 08, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Uzbekistan is generally considered to be lower than in the United States. Emergency services are available, but may not be as reliable or as well-equipped as those in the US. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 103 or 112.
How are healthcare services Uzbekistan?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Uzbekistan, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Uzbekistan are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Uzbekistan. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a focus on preventive care and primary care services. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Uzbekistan can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. In addition, many expats opt to use private healthcare services, which are often more expensive but offer a higher quality of care," wrote an expat living in Uzbekistan.
What are medical services in Uzbekistan like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Uzbekistan, they replied:
"Uzbekistan has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The country has a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are also private medical facilities available. The quality of care is generally good, and the country has a high rate of immunization coverage. Specialized medical services such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology are available in the larger cities," remarked one expat living in Uzbekistan.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Uzbekistan?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Uzbekistan can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a low cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private clinics. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many people in Uzbekistan are not able to afford health insurance, leaving them to pay out of pocket for medical care," mentioned one expat in Uzbekistan.
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What are emergency services like in Uzbekistan?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Uzbekistan wrote:
"Emergency services in Uzbekistan are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 103, which is the national emergency number. Ambulances are typically dispatched quickly and are equipped with the necessary medical supplies and personnel to provide medical assistance. Additionally, many cities in Uzbekistan have their own emergency services, which can be contacted by dialing the local emergency number," said one expat living in Uzbekistan.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Tashkent is the largest city in Uzbekistan and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. Samarkand is another city in Uzbekistan that is known for its excellent selection of medical specialists. The Fergana Valley is also a great place to find medical specialists, as it is home to many of the country's leading medical institutions. Additionally, the cities of Bukhara and Khiva are known for their excellent medical facilities and specialists," said an expat in Uzbekistan.
Are common prescription medications available in Uzbekistan?
"Prescription medications are available in Uzbekistan, although the availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region. Pharmacies in Uzbekistan are required to carry a wide range of medications, including those for common illnesses such as colds and flu, as well as more specialized medications for chronic conditions. In addition, many pharmacies also offer over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and vitamins. However, it is important to note that some medications may require a prescription from a doctor in order to be purchased," mentioned one expat in Uzbekistan.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Uzbekistan?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Uzbekistan are generally of a good quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, and there are a number of initiatives in place to improve access to quality healthcare. In addition, the country has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the National Center for Cardiology and the National Center for Oncology, which provide advanced medical care," wrote one expat.
As a foreigner living in Uzbekistan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Uzbekistan have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. The government has invested heavily in modernizing the healthcare system, and there are a number of hospitals and clinics throughout the country that provide quality care. In addition, the government provides free or low-cost healthcare to citizens and foreigners alike," said one expat living in Uzbekistan.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Uzbekistan if they have access to public healthcare in Uzbekistan. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Uzbekistan. The government has implemented a number of measures to protect the population from the virus, including the introduction of a nationwide lockdown, the closure of schools and universities, and the suspension of public transport. Healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to provide medical care to those affected by the virus, and the government has provided additional resources to support the healthcare system. Despite these efforts, the pandemic has put a strain on the healthcare system, with hospitals and clinics facing shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a disruption in the delivery of healthcare services, with many medical appointments being postponed or cancelled. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Uzbekistan has been able to respond to the pandemic effectively, and the government has taken steps to ensure that the population has access to the necessary medical care," said one expat.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Uzbekistan?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Uzbekistan about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Uzbekistan before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in the country. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Uzbekistan. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the registration of a baby born in Uzbekistan. Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Uzbekistan, as it may be more expensive than in other countries," remarked one expat in Uzbekistan.
Are healthcare services good in Uzbekistan?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Uzbekistan. They wrote:
"Uzbekistan has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers that offer a range of services, including primary care, preventive care, and specialized care. The government also provides free vaccinations and health screenings for children and pregnant women. In addition, there are private healthcare providers that offer more specialized services, such as cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments. The quality of healthcare services in Uzbekistan is generally good, although there are some disparities in access to care between rural and urban areas," remarked one expat in Uzbekistan.
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.
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- What are medical services in Uzbekistan like?
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- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Uzbekistan?
- How are local medical facilities in Uzbekistan?
- As a foreigner living in Uzbekistan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?