How does the healthcare system work in Armenia?

What is the quality of healthcare in Armenia?

• The great thing about Armenia is that according to the law, everyone, including foreigners, has the right to medical care. First aid must be provided to everyone, regardless of whether they can afford it or not.
• The country does face several challenges in healthcare. For example, the number of deaths from non-communicable (chronic) diseases is considerably higher than in the rest of the world. There is much to improve in healthcare and fortunately the country is working hard on that!
• The Armenian healthcare system is dualistic in nature and consists of public and private institutions. The best healthcare institutions can be found in the capital Yerevan. Various specialists and hospitals can be found via the website doctors.am.
• Outside the capital, healthcare workers speak little English. The main language here is Armenian or Russian, which can make communication difficult.
• In case of an emergency, you can call 103 for an ambulance. The general emergency number 911 can also be called.
• There are many pharmacies, which is why some are also open 24 hours a day. There are also pharmacies with online systems (often only in Armenian or Russian).

How does the public healthcare system work in Armenia?

• The public health care system is financed by the Ministry of Health. The Basic Benefits Package (BBP) covers the entire population for primary care. Free and cheap care is available to all citizens and official residents of Armenia. Most locals use the public health care system.
• The quality of public health care in Armenia generally lags behind countries in the West, especially in rural areas. It is sufficient for basic care, but for complex situations people usually seek help abroad or at private clinics.
• Particularly outside Yerevan, care is limited and of poorer quality.
• Medical care for residents under 18 is free. Foreigners can also use the public health care system, but usually have to pay (more).

How does the private healthcare system work in Armenia?

• The private healthcare sector is growing, especially in Yerevan and other large cities.
• Private healthcare, as in most countries, is generally of better quality and offers better facilities. There are several private clinics and hospitals, especially in the capital Yerevan.
• Private healthcare costs a bit more, but foreigners generally use private hospitals and clinics, especially for emergencies and major operations. And it is still cheaper than in the West.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Armenia?

• Public GPs or family doctors can be found at outpatient clinics. This doctor can refer you to further help. For this you will receive a document that you need to receive free care.
• Register at the clinic by going there with your passport and your social security number.
• A popular option for expats is to find a GP/family doctor at private clinics.
• Pre-register at a polyclinic or private clinic in your area to have quick access to care.

How is the dentist arranged in Armenia?

• The quality of dental care varies. In general, the quality at private clinics is good and is preferred by emigrants. The country is popular for dental tourism because of the low costs and relatively good treatments.
• Dentists can be found via the website zub.am. The website provides an overview of doctors and practices throughout the country.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Armenia?

• Under the public system, pregnancy care is completely free, but it does come with limitations. For example, you generally share a room with other women during the birth and your own doctor may not be present.
• Most foreigners therefore choose private healthcare providers, often based on recommendations from other expats. In the private sector, you usually have less trouble with a language barrier and more freedom of choice.
• Prenatal care consists of several tests and ultrasounds, but this does depend on the clinic you go to. The care is generally good, but cultural differences can cause friction, especially after the birth.
• Caesareans are fairly common and the percentage of caesareans is comparable to that in Western countries.
• Maternity leave is quite well regulated in Armenia. Roughly speaking, a woman is entitled to 100% paid leave 70 days before and 70 days after the birth. A woman can also take up to three years of unpaid maternity leave after the birth, while keeping her job. The latter also applies to the father. The father can also take two months of unpaid leave during pregnancy, birth and until the child's first birthday.
• In general, the mother stays in the hospital for three days after a normal delivery and four days after a caesarean section.
• Pregnancy clinics can be found on the website pages.am.
• The Armenian government is encouraging breastfeeding, especially since the introduction of a new law that obliges health workers to encourage breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in public is becoming increasingly accepted, but is not yet common everywhere.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Armenia?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Armenia?

• Armenia is generally a fairly safe country with low crime rates. Armed incidents occasionally occur near the border with Azerbaijan and in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Travel to these areas is discouraged.
• As a foreigner, you can also be the target of petty crime, especially in busy areas.
• The LGBTQ+ community in Armenia can face discrimination and aggression.
• Earthquakes occur in Armenia so it is wise to be aware of what to do in the event of an earthquake.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Armenia?

• Diseases that are transmitted through food and water, and other infectious diseases, are a risk in Armenia. Diseases transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes are also a problem. So protect yourself well against insects!
• In some parts of Armenia you can suffer from altitude sickness. Pay close attention to the symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Armenia is rich in healthy drinking water. In Yerevan, for example, you will find 2.750 small fountains - pulpulak - where you can drink delicious and healthy water.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Armenia?

• The roads in Yerevan and other large cities are generally good, but this can be different in the countryside. In the capital, traffic is often busy and chaotic during rush hour.
• Armenian drivers are often seen as quite aggressive and reckless compared to Western European standards. Be prepared for drivers who drive too fast, cut off suddenly and do not follow traffic rules too closely. Oh, and as a pedestrian, it is better not to expect priority.
• Mountain roads are often difficult to drive on, especially in winter due to snow and ice. Many roads do not have guardrails.
• Lighting outside the cities is limited, making night driving more dangerous.
• Buses and minibuses ("marshrutkas") are cheap but overcrowded and run without a fixed timetable.
• Seat belts are mandatory, but not everyone wears them.
• Armenia also has a large train network that is linked to neighboring countries.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Armenia?

• Is the trip to Armenia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Armenia if you are going to live there for a while?

• If you are going to live in Armenia, you can use the local health insurance system under very specific conditions. This provides access to basic services, but many things are not covered. It is generally recommended to take out private insurance to access better healthcare facilities. It is also important to look at the coverage for medical evacuation, as this may be necessary in serious cases.
• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.