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

How does the healthcare system work in Jordan?

What is the quality of healthcare in Jordan?

• Jordan has one of the best healthcare systems in the Middle East. Especially in Amman, hospitals and clinics are well equipped, and many doctors have been trained in the West.
• Residents and foreigners who live in Jordan (temporarily) are in good hands and can expect high quality care!
• The country is even one of the most popular countries for medical tourism in the Middle East and North Africa and also ranks high in the world rankings due to the low costs of good care.
• In remote areas, care can be less good, but in general even here, the medical infrastructure is quite good.
• Doctors generally speak good English, especially in Amman.
• For both foreigners and locals, emergency treatment is free, as long as hospitalization is not necessary.
• Most residents have received their vaccinations and there are many opportunities for preventive health tests.
• Pharmacies are easy to find in Jordan. Just look for a green cross or a mortar and pestle logo. Many medications are readily available and can be obtained without a prescription. Home delivery of medicines is often also possible.
• The emergency services in Jordan are quite fast! Call 911 for a medical emergency and you will have help from an ambulance in no time.

How does the public healthcare system work in Jordan?

• The Jordanian government offers affordable healthcare through public hospitals and clinics. The quality is good and the medical resources are generally up-to-date, but waiting times can be very long.
• Healthcare is provided through public clinics and hospitals spread throughout the country, with most facilities in the cities of Amman and Irbid.
• There is public health insurance in Jordan. This is paid for by the government and through the salaries of employees. Employees receive free or subsidised care. Your employer must register you for this, which takes on average about 15 days from your starting date.

How does the private healthcare system work in Jordan?

• Private healthcare is of comparable quality to public healthcare in Jordan. However, many people, both locals and foreigners, opt for private healthcare. The reasons for choosing private care mainly come down to more comfort, shorter waiting times and more choice of specialists.
• Private care is known in particular for its good quality care in the field of oncology, eye care and cardiovascular diseases.
• Employers often offer insurance, but if this is not the case, it is wise to take out a good, private health insurance yourself.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Jordan?

• In Jordan, both the public and private systems work with general practitioners.
• General practitioners often work in outpatient clinics, where they are responsible for the ongoing treatment of patients and preventive care advice.
• Check the government website or ask other expat for advice on a good general practitioner. 

How is the dentist arranged in Jordan?

• Dental care in Jordan is of good quality. You can choose both private and public care, in both cases you are usually in good hands.
• It is easy to find a good dentist in Jordan. Ask other expats for recommendations, or visit the Jordanian Dental Association website.
• The public insurance system covers limited dental care. Most people choose private insurance that covers more extensive dental care. You can also choose to pay out of pocket, the costs are generally lower than in the West.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Jordan?

• Maternity care is of very good quality in Jordan. Both public and private hospitals have experienced gynaecologists and paediatricians.
• Most foreigners in Jordan choose private hospitals for maternity care because of the comfort and privacy. Another option is a birth centre.
• The vast majority of births take place in hospitals. There are few home births because there are few options for this, although the number of home births has increased in recent years.
• In public hospitals, maternity care is free or cheap.
• Abortion is illegal in Jordan in most cases. An abortion can only be performed when the mother is in danger and a committee of three doctors agrees with the procedure. For this reason, many illegal abortions take place.

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

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

• Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. However, pickpocketing does occur in tourist areas, such as Amman and Petra.
• The border areas with Syria and Iraq can be dangerous due to geopolitical tensions.
• Demonstrations can sometimes occur in Amman and Irbid, so it is best to stay away from these areas.
• In the desert areas, flash floods can be dangerous. It is advised to check the weather before going on a wadi hike.

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

• Fortunately, there are not so many health risks in Jordan and the health care is good, which makes it a relatively comfortable country for everyone.
• It is important to watch out for infectious diseases that are transmitted through water, food or insects. Sometimes there can be outbreaks. Think of hepatitis, typhoid, leishmaniasis and rabies.
• Only drink boiled water or bottled water and avoid raw or poorly cooked food.
• It can get very hot in Jordan, especially in the summer (think 45°C!). So make sure you drink enough water and use good sunscreen.

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

• Driving in Jordan is for the real adventurer who is not afraid of a challenge. Accidents are common and are the biggest cause of death in Jordan.
• The roads are good, but driving can be quite… chaotic. You can’t expect much respect for traffic rules.
• Driving with alcohol in your system is absolutely forbidden in Jordan.
• There are different times of the year that present challenges for driving. For example, roads can become dangerous during the rainy season (December to March) and the roads are very busy in the summer months due to tourists and during Muslim holidays.
• The Desert Highway near Aqaba is one of the most dangerous roads in Jordan. It is recommended to avoid this road at night.
• Some roadrules are that you must always wear a seat belt and carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle. Also make sure you always have enough water in the car, so that you can at least stay hydrated in case of an emergency.
• There are landmines in the country, often near military facilities. These locations are often fenced off and indicated with a sign with a skull on it. In addition to driving, you can also use buses and taxis in Jordan. Taxis are required to turn on the meter.
• Good to know with taxis is that if the driver is male, women must sit in the back and men in the front. With a female driver, this is the other way around.
• Unfortunately, there are several stories of negative experiences with taxi drivers. It may therefore be wiser to use apps to book a taxi.
• The bus system can be confusing and buses do not always run according to fixed times. It can be a fun, challenging experience and if you live in Jordan for a longer period of time, you will quickly get used to it.
• Between cities there are JTT buses with air conditioning and minibuses. Minibuses leave when they are full, so it can sometimes take a while. JTT buses offer more comfort, leave at fixed times and run on popular routes.

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

• Is the trip to Jordan 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 Jordan if you are going to live there for a while?

• The healthcare system in Jordan is of good quality, healthcare is affordable and emergency aid is even free. Your own health insurance may be required for certain visas, but apart from that it is recommended anyway to take out your own international health insurance for a long stay, even if you are already insured through your employer. This way you prevent unexpected financial surprises when you become (seriously) ill or need medical evacuation. You'll also have more freedom of choice in terms of medical care.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.