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Kyrgyzstan Expat Health Insurance

Kyrgyzstan, or the Kyrgyz Republic as it is officially known, is a landlocked country in Central Asia which shares borders with China, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Kyrgyzstan is a Turkic state and the country name of ‘Kyrgyz’ is thought to originate from the Turkic word for forty which is a reference to a historic 9th century battle in which forty clans combined to fight against the Uyghur’s. Today, Kyrgyzstan has a large number of ethnic groups within its boundaries with each having its own identity and cultural traditions. A former Soviet Republic until 1991, Kyrgyzstan has suffered from economic difficulties and is one of the poorest countries in Asia. Anti-government protests against the rising cost of living and corruption progressed into nationwide violence which brought about the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. A developing tourism industry has been fuelled by increasing numbers of mountaineers, hill walkers and trekkers visiting the country’s mountain ranges. These ranges comprise 80 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s territory and the country has sometimes been referred to as the Switzerland of Asia.

Kyrgyzstan Health Care and Insurance

Under Soviet control, Kyrgyzstan had a well functioning public health system capable of providing free health care to all citizens. Following independence, the new government struggled to provide the finance required to maintain a properly functioning health system and in the absence of this funding the system began to deteriorate. Aware that the problems within the health system needed urgent attention, the government announced in 1996 the creation of the ‘Manas Taalimi Health Reform Program’ which set out clear objectives to improve primary level health care, achieve consistent sources of funding through a public health insurance fund and to improve the nationwide standard of health care. Despite these bold initiatives, health care in Kyrgyzstan remains poor and health facilities throughout the country are basic. Travelers and expatriates visiting or relocating to the country are advised to be in possession of a Kyrgyzstan international health insurance policy prior to arrival.

The Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (MHIF) as set out in the Manas reforms was established in 1997. As the name suggests, citizens are required by law to participate. Employers and employees make contributions through direct deductions from salary with the government making contributions on behalf of the unemployed and disadvantaged members of society. Initially covering citizens in one geographical area, by 2004 the MHIF had achieved nationwide coverage. The MHIF has reduced the sector’s reliance on out of pocket payments to a degree although a shortfall in funding of approximately 10 percent per annum continues to exist and this difference is met by international donors and foreign aid. Along with the introduction of health insurance, private health facilities and insurance companies were permitted to operate in Kyrgyzstan and private providers can now lease health facilities and services from public institutions. Steady growth within the private sector has seen the number of private health facilities increase to approximately 300.

There are eight large regional hospitals in Kyrgyzstan with another 90 city and rural hospitals, 20 specialist hospitals and approximately 13,000 doctors and physicians who operate a general practitioner (GP) service. With a population that is estimated to be 5.6 million people, there are ample health facilities to meet the health requirements of the people. The main problem faced by Kyrgyzstan’s hospital network is similar to many of its neighbors and of other former Soviet republics in that the health facilities are outdated. Health facilities in the larger population centers are basic; facilities in rural areas are considerably worse and occasionally suffer from electricity shortages and from water and sanitation problems. Coupled with health personnel who are not trained to international standards and there exists a situation where some health facilities may be unable to carry out specialist or complicated treatment. As an expatriate or short term traveler you are strongly encouraged to purchase international Kyrgyzstan health insurance which will ensure access to the country’s top health facilities should the need arise.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Insurance Concerns

Kyrgyzstan has no pharmaceutical or medicinal producing companies. Medicines and drugs purchased internationally can only be bought with American dollars and the country does not have a significant amount of foreign currency reserves. As a result, stocks of basic medicines routinely run out and when they are available they can trade for several times higher than international prices. Unsurprisingly, a thriving black market has emerged in which fake or tampered medicines can be easily bought. The situation has become very problematic for the country’s health ministry and reports have emerged of serious illnesses occurring due to patients using proper medicines. Travelers and expatriates who are using prescription medicine must ensure they carry sufficient quantities to cover the duration of their time in Kyrgyzstan.

Shortly after the protests and violence that led to the demise of President Bakiyev, ethnic violence in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 people with many hundreds more injured. It is thought that up to 300,000 people were displaced with large numbers crossing the border into Uzbekistan. While the situation has now stabilized, the affected areas remain tense and as such many foreign Embassies advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Osh and Jalal-Abad. Political demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided, particularly in the capital city Bishkek. The border areas with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan can close without warning and caution should be exercised when traveling to these areas.

Kyrgyzstan Expat Health Insurance

Medical standards throughout Kyrgyzstan are basic and specialist treatments or other complicated procedures are not available. Travelers, short term visitors and expatriates who require emergency medical treatment must be evacuated to a country with modern facilities that can provide treatment unavailable in Kyrgyzstan. Expat health insurance policies can provide you extensive coverage including emergency medical evacuation, so that not only will you be able to access health care, but be able to do so without it becoming a financial burden. Kyrgyzstan’s health sector is in transition and its health facilities reflect this fact, it is therefore important to ensure you and your travel partners are protected against all possible medical complications. Global Health Insurance can assist you, free of charge, through the various international health policies and products that are available. For more information on Kyrgyzstan expat health insurance or international health insurance plans please contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.