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

How does the healthcare system work in Iraq?

Iraq had one of the best developed healthcare systems in the region, but unfortunately it was badly damaged by the war. The reconstruction of good healthcare is slow due to the limited infrastructure and lack of basic necessities in the country, but good care can now be found in the cities.
The best facilities can be found in Kurdistan, Baghdad (in private facilities) and in the south where there are some Western private clinics. Because these facilities cannot provide all the care, most foreigners ultimately choose to seek care outside Iraq.
There are pharmacies, but medicines are often only in small stock. If you are dependent on medicines, it is wise to bring your own supply (in the original packaging, with a detailed statement from your doctor).
There is an emergency number in Iraq - 122, but there are only a few reliable ambulances (some are even used as weapons). Most people take a taxi in an emergency, or in more serious cases a helicopter to a neighboring country. Discuss the options with your insurance company.

There is reasonable public healthcare in the cities in particular. Healthcare is much less accessible in the countryside.
Unfortunately, wherever you are, there are generally problems with medicines, outdated equipment, power outages and poorly trained staff.
Hospitals are also sometimes the target of attacks.

Private healthcare is limited in Iraq. Most wealthy Iraqis go abroad or pay extra out of their own pockets for help at public institutions.
The private clinics that do exist are often small and mainly focused on specialist care such as surgeries and childbirth.
You can find private clinics in the major cities throughout the country.

Iraq does not have a fixed GP system. People go directly to specialists or hospitals. In private clinics, doctors are more accessible and some speak English.
Ask other expats or local colleagues for recommendations.
In Erbil and Baghdad, English-speaking doctors are available in private clinics.

Dentists in Iraq vary widely in quality. In cities such as Baghdad and Erbil, good private clinics can be found.
Public health care has limited equipment and materials. Basic treatments are available, but waiting times can be long.

The quality of maternity care varies. Private hospitals offer the best options for expats. Costs can be high.
Prenatal care is available, but not always at the level that people are used to in the West. Most foreigners ultimately choose to have a pregnancy and delivery abroad, especially in the case of a high-risk pregnancy.
In private clinics, caesarean sections are more popular than natural births.
Postnatal care is limited and home visits by midwives are quite rare.

Iraq is a high-risk area due to political instability, terrorist threats and armed conflict. Some regions are safer (such as the Kurdistan Autonomous Region) than others, but it is important to always be careful as a foreigner.
High-risk areas include Baghdad, Mosul, Anbar and border areas with Syria. Erbil and Sulaymaniyah are safer.
Fortunately, most foreigners staying in Iraq have good security, often consisting of secure accommodation and security teams.
Some tips: avoid demonstrations, do not travel alone, use a reliable driver and be discreet about your nationality.

In addition to all the health risks such as rabies, leishmaniasis (transmitted by sand flies), tuberculosis and unsafe drinking water, there are also risks related to sandstorms and heat.
In the summer, it can reach over 50 degrees, which increases your risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Dust storms can cause breathing problems, especially for people who already have respiratory problems.

Traffic in Iraq is chaotic and dangerous. Traffic rules are often ignored and accidents are common. Always keep your eyes on the road, because even drinking a sip of water can have major consequences! Don't be surprised if someone suddenly crosses the highway in front of your car on foot.
Next, make sure you always have water in the car! You don't want to get stuck in traffic in 50 degrees without a good hydration plan.
Keep car doors closed and locked.
There are many checkpoints in Iraq.
Driving yourself is not recommended due to the bad roads and dangerous fellow drivers. As a foreigner, it is therefore wise to hire a driver. Be careful with taxis, these drivers can be really reckless.
It can sometimes rain heavily in Iraq, especially after the summer. Streets can then flood.

Is the trip to Iraq 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.

For visa applicants and applicants for a residence permit, Iraqi health insurance is mandatory. This costs around 300 USD. Regardless of whether this insurance is mandatory for you or not, it is essential to also take out your own international private health insurance to cover the high costs of private care, medical evacuation and repatriation.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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