How does health care work in Kazakhstan, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health and healthcare system work in Kazakhstan?

In Kazakhstan, everyone is entitled to medical care. There is also a social care system, the CSHI, which every permanent resident must participate in.
Kazakhstan offers a mixed picture when it comes to health care. Although the system is developing, quality often falls short of Western standards.
Good news is that certain basic emergency care is free, even for foreigners! However, this only covers emergency medical care and, for example, treatment of diseases that could be a danger to others (measles, chicken pox, typhoid, etc).
You can find some good clinics and hospitals only in a few big cities. In other cities and remote areas, health care is often not of good quality.
It can be difficult to find a doctor who speaks English. You may want to contact your insurance or embassy for advice.
For critical illness, it may be necessary to evacuate and seek care in another country. So it is important that your insurance covers this.

Public health care in Kazakhstan is funded by a national health care system, and citizens and residents have access to a wide range of services. For expats, access to public health care is possible, but not common.
Public hospitals often have outdated equipment, limited resources and a lack of English-speaking staff.
For residents, care is often free or heavily subsidized. Emigrants without local health insurance usually pay out of pocket, but costs are relatively low.

Private clinics and hospitals, especially in cities such as Nur-Sultan and Almaty, offer better facilities and usually do offer English-speaking doctors.
These healthcare facilities are more modern and better equipped than public hospitals, and doctors have often studied abroad.
Private care is more expensive, but still affordable compared to Western countries.

Dental care is available through both public and private clinics. Expats prefer private practices because of hygiene and modern equipment.
Dentists in cities offer services of reasonable to high quality, and some are English-speaking.
Dental care is affordable, but quality varies greatly outside major cities. Make sure you are properly insured and check coverage with your health insurance.

Private clinics are recommended for prenatal care because of better hygiene and services.
Prenatal care in Kazakhstan is similar to prenatal care in Western countries.
Many women choose to give birth in private hospitals. Public hospitals have less modern facilities.
Cesarean sections are fairly common in Kazakhstan, with similar or higher numbers than in Western countries.
With high-risk pregnancies, it is safest to give birth in Almaty or Nur-Sultan.

Kazakhstan is generally safe, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
It is best not to walk around alone after dark, as you risk being robbed. There have also been cases of “drink spiking” at places of entertainment, where and drugs are put in a drink.
Police in Kazakhstan are known to be corrupt at times.
Avoid discussions about politics or ethnic tensions.
Respect local traditions and dress conservatively in religious areas.
Border areas with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan can be unstable.

Tap water is usually not safe to drink. Use bottled water or a water filter.
Essential medicines are often available in cities, but it is wise to carry a supply.
Kazakhstan has quite high numbers of tuberculosis cases. This is especially a risk with longer stays and a lot of contact with locals.
HIV/Aids is common, be aware of this if you may be at risk.

Roads are reasonable in cities, but in rural areas they can be poorly maintained.
Buses, minivans and cabs are the most commonly used options, but comfort and safety vary.
Driving a car is possible, but be prepared for poor road maintenance and sometimes chaotic driving. Winter conditions can make driving more difficult.

Is the trip to Kazakhstan 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.

Because care may not be of sufficient quality and medical evacuation may be necessary, and because private care can still be quite pricey, it is wise to take out international insurance.
Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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