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Mongolia Expat Health Insurance

Landlocked between China to the south and Russia to the north, Mongolia is a vast expanse of grasslands, high plateaus, desert, and rugged mountains that are home to a rich and interesting culture dating back over four thousand years. Mongolia is one of the least densely populated nations in the world, with about 2.74 million inhabitants spread over an area of roughly 1.5 million square kilometers. While about half of the population has sought more permanent residence in cities, many still hold closely to Mongolia's traditionally nomadic way of life, farming and following their herds as they eek out a living on the vast pasture lands. As a former communist ally of the Soviet Union, much of Mongolia's modernization owes its existence to Russia. When that super-power collapsed, Mongolia suffered greatly in foreign aid and assistance, and was forced into sweeping reforms, governmentally, socially, and economically. Now as a democracy, Mongolia is looking to foreign trade and aggressive policy-making to ensure a stable and progressive future for its people. Known for a good work ethic, and holding several potential income sources in the forms of mining, agriculture, and tourism, Mongolia has the tools it needs to reach its goals of bringing all of its resident's standard of living up to that of the rest of the developed world.

Mongolia’s Healthcare System and Insurance

After the support of the Soviet Union ended, Mongolia was left with a large network of communist-styled health care facilities spread over the entire country. Staffing was a problem however, as many of the healthcare professionals serving them had returned to Russia and as of the early 1990's not many Mongolians had received medical training. This forced major changes in the way the government administered healthcare and issued funding, in 1994 the Ministry of Health introduced the current social health insurance system that ensures access to all Mongolians regardless of income or region of residence. With good financial support, about 4.5 percent of the national budget, the system is very functional and provides levels of care well above average when compared to most countries with similar per capita incomes of around $3,600 (US). As the system continues to evolve, family practitioners are providing more of the care and it is less common that patients will immediately see a specialist for their current ailment, but may instead be referred to one only if their primary care doctor deems it necessary. This cuts down on redundancy in the system and thus lowers cost. Currently there are about 6,200 doctors in Mongolia which places the doctor to patient ratio at 23:10,000 persons, well above the World Health Organization's recommended minimum figure. The Ministry of Health is adamant about improving the general health of the population and has set up guidelines for doctors to make house call rounds to check on and treat the health of those living the nomadic lifestyle and are not frequently near a clinic. This has been especially helpful for the health of young children, who often suffer from respiratory infections or diarrhea which is easily treatable but can have dire consequences if ignored.

Public health care is overseen by the Ministry and provided through a network of regional health centers and district hospitals. In total there are about 400 public hospitals in Mongolia ranging from rural emergency hospital/clinics to large regional diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as many specialty care centers. While some distance may need to be covered in outlying areas of Mongolia, in urban centers such as Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, and Erdenet hospitals and clinics are quite convenient and health care is found throughout. In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, the best public care is considered to be offered at the Second General Hospital, a large and modern facility offering all standard procedures and departments for in-patient and out-patient care including surgery, diagnostics, labor and delivery, cardiology, imagery, ambulance and emergency room facilities, and some communicable disease research. In Darkhan, the most capable facility is the Darkhan Hospital, but all public hospitals have right of referral for serious conditions that are beyond their ability for treatment to more capable hospitals. Arrangements are also in place for transport abroad when necessary to such locations as Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Private medical practice is also widely available in Mongolia, and is offered through over 400 hospitals and numerous clinics and emergency centers. These are often part of a larger multi-national medical companies and offer excellent care, sometimes provided by foreign doctors. They are not however part of the National Mongolia health Insurance network and payment will be required for all treatments.

Mongolia Medical Insurance Concerns

The Social Insurance Plan, Mongolia's national health insurance scheme, is intended to cover the majority of cost for health care for all Mongolians. As of 2007, it was paying for about 77 percent of fees incurred from treatment (down from over 90 percent ten years prior) and currently government provided Mongolia health insurance only covers about 70 percent of the population. Free coverage is offered to all deemed disadvantaged by the government, which includes the disabled, aged, and pregnant, but all others will make payments via a salary tax of about two percent plus co-pays at the time of treatment. Funding comes from that tax along with foreign donations and state contributions. The lack of coverage for some is partly due to cultural clashes from nomadic Mongolians who prefer little governmental interference in their lives, and partly due to regulation irregularities.

Private Mongolia medical insurance is also available, both from domestic carriers and international organizations, and is widely accepted. Some Mongolians who prefer private treatment choose this type of coverage to offset the cost of treatment. It is also popular for foreigners, travelers, and tourists since the cost of some care, especially if emergency ambulance or air transport is required, is quite expensive and full payment must be made for all care, both public or private, as they cannot benefit from the Social Insurance Plan.

Mongolia Travel Advice

Weather in Mongolia is mild in the summer, but very cold with heavy snowfall in winter. Road travel can be rough in Mongolia as most roads outside the city centers are unpaved. Communicable disease is well contained, but recommended vaccinations include all childhood preventable diseases along with Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, meningitis, rabies, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Access to safe drinking water remains a problem in rural areas, and the government is working on increasing infrastructure, but all visitors are advised to filter or boil water prior to drinking. Sanitation is another key issue that is being addressed, but again it is not up to developed countries' standards.

Mongolia Expat Health Insurance

Whether visiting or permanently residing to Mongolia, it is always important to ensure you have access to quality health care. The best care available will largely be available at private practices, which will expect payment for all treatments. In serious medical emergencies, medical evacuation to another country may be necessary from Mongolia. Expat health insurance can ensure that private practice costs will be covered and should you require emergency medical transportation to a nearby center of medical excellence in another country, the policies Global Health Insurance works with can make sure you have access to the best care. Global Health Insurance's representatives will help you, free of charge, to select the right coverage to fit your needs by offering Mongolia Health Insurance packages as well as International Medical Insurance to provide you with the peace of mind you require, no matter where you may travel.