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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Jordan | Expat Exchange
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The Roman Theatre in Amman, Jordan

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Jordan

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 18, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Jordan is generally considered to be good, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. However, the quality of care may not be as high as in the United States. Emergency services in Jordan are generally reliable and efficient, with ambulances available to respond to medical emergencies. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 9-1-1.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How are healthcare services Jordan?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Jordan, they replied:

"Jordan offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. The public healthcare system in Jordan is generally of good quality and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. Expats in Jordan can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats can also access private healthcare services, which are generally of higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare services are usually more expensive than public services, but they offer more comprehensive care and shorter wait times. Expats can also purchase private health insurance to cover the cost of private healthcare services," said an expat in Jordan.

"If you are 65 or over there is no insurance coverage available within the country since native Jordanians are covered after that age by social security. You do not want to have surgery in Aqaba. You need to go to Amman. And then ask around to find the best Doctor / hospital for your situation," commented one expat living in Aqaba , Jordan.

What are medical services in Jordan like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Jordan, they replied:

"Jordan has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide quality medical care. Jordan also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments and services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. Additionally, Jordan has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores that provide a wide range of medications and medical supplies," commented one expat living in Jordan.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jordan?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Jordan can be expensive, especially for those who do not have access to public health insurance. Private health insurance plans can be costly, and the cost of medical care can be high. Additionally, the cost of medications can be expensive, and many people in Jordan struggle to afford the necessary treatments," said one expat.

What are emergency services like in Jordan?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Jordan wrote:

"Emergency services in Jordan 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, 9-1-1. This number is toll-free and is answered by a dispatcher who will send an ambulance to the location of the emergency. Ambulances are typically staffed with a driver and a medical professional, and are equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment," mentioned one expat in Jordan.

"Withing 15 minutes in Aqaba are several hospitals both public and private. You would go there for emergency care and to be stabilized before being transferred to Amman. The quality of care at hospitals in Aqaba is questionable at best," commented one expat who moved to Aqaba , Jordan.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Go to Amman where there are better Doctors and facilities or in my case I didn't feel comfortable with the specialist I saw in Amman so I traveled back to my home country, America," commented one expat living in Aqaba , Jordan.

"Amman is the largest city in Jordan and is home to many of the country's best medical specialists. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics, including the King Hussein Medical Center, which is one of the most advanced medical facilities in the region. Other cities in Jordan with a good selection of medical specialists include Irbid, Zarqa, and Aqaba. Additionally, the Dead Sea area is known for its excellent medical facilities, with a number of resorts and spas offering treatments and therapies," wrote one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Jordan?

"Basic medication are here and in some cases the pharmacist can prescribe some anti biotics and such, however you can only get pain meds in the hospital under a Doctors supervision. Some health maintenance medications are not even available in the country. Medications that are available are very inexpensive," wrote an expat living in Aqaba .

"Prescription medications are widely available in Jordan. Most pharmacies in the country carry a wide range of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in Jordan are imported from other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. In addition, some medications are produced locally. Jordan also has a number of specialized pharmacies that offer specialized medications for specific conditions," said an expat in Jordan.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Jordan?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Jordan are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of modern hospitals and clinics providing a range of services. Jordan also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the King Hussein Cancer Center, which provide advanced treatments for a variety of conditions. The country also has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients," said one expat living in Jordan.

As a foreigner living in Jordan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Jordan have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Jordan is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens and legal residents, including foreigners, and there are a number of public hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The quality of care varies from hospital to hospital, but overall the public healthcare system is considered to be reliable and affordable," remarked one expat in Jordan.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Jordan if they have access to public healthcare in Jordan. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Jordan. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools, universities, and public places. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has also implemented a nationwide curfew and a ban on public gatherings, which has further limited access to healthcare services. Despite these challenges, the government has taken steps to ensure that the healthcare system remains functional, including providing additional funding for hospitals and medical staff, and increasing the number of beds available for COVID-19 patients," wrote an expat living in Jordan.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Jordan?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Jordan about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"Find a doctor you are comfortable with and that uses Farah Hospital. Pay the extremely small fee to upgrade to one of the suites. I didn't want to leave the hospital it was so luxurious," said one expat in Amman.

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Jordan before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Jordan and who speaks your language. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions related to childbirth and parenting. Additionally, it is important to make sure you have access to the necessary supplies and equipment for the baby, such as diapers, formula, and clothing. Finally, it is important to build a support network of family and friends who can help you during the pregnancy and after the baby is born," remarked one in Jordan.

Are healthcare services good in Jordan?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Jordan. They wrote:

"Jordan has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a range of services. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens, while private healthcare is available for those who can afford it. Jordan has a number of specialized hospitals, including a cancer center, a heart center, and a children's hospital. Primary healthcare is provided through a network of health centers and clinics, which offer preventive and curative services. Jordan also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as a diabetes center and a mental health center. In addition, Jordan has a number of international hospitals, which provide high-quality medical care to both locals and foreigners," explained one expat living in Jordan.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

The Roman Theatre in Amman, Jordan

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