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

How does the healthcare system work in Lebanon?

Healthcare in Lebanon is good. There are many doctors (the most per capita in the Middle East) and good care can be found for every case. The standard of care is comparable to Western countries.
Healthcare is mainly concentrated in the private sector. About 90% of healthcare providers fall into this sector. Healthcare is therefore quite expensive and is estimated at around 500 USD per year per inhabitant.
Most hospitals can be found in Beirut, but there are also sufficient institutions in the countryside.
The country is quite popular for medical tourism, especially in the field of cosmetic surgery, heart-related diseases, orthopedics and dental care.
As a foreigner you can choose to have local health insurance, or international insurance. It is generally mandatory for expats to be insured in order to obtain a work visa. Most employers will arrange this for you.
Please note that you sometimes have to pay for healthcare in advance if you are not insured. There are many pharmacies in Lebanon (recognizable by the green cross) and the availability of medicines is usually good. However, shortages can occur, so if you are dependent on medicines it is wise to bring your own supply.
Most pharmacies can provide advice on minor ailments.
In the cities, people usually speak good French and English, but outside the cities a little Arabic can be useful.

The public healthcare system is run by the Ministry of Health. Residents of Lebanon have free access to healthcare, foreigners can use it.
Unfortunately, the public system is slowly suffering from economic and political instability in the country. For example, many refugees from other countries are entering who also use the public healthcare system.
Public healthcare is accompanied by long waiting times and often a lack of resources. Despite the fact that healthcare is good and cheap, foreigners usually use the private healthcare system for this reason.

As in most countries, the private healthcare system offers more options, better care, but also higher costs. For this reason, many locals and foreigners opt for private health insurance.
Private hospitals are recommended for medical emergencies and complicated surgeries.
Doctors in private institutions are generally very well trained and experienced.

Most people have a family doctor, or a general practitioner of some kind, in their own neighborhood. This is often the first point of contact for care.
If you are new to Lebanon, you can find a family doctor through friends or colleagues, or by looking on the yellowpages pages.
Keep in mind that a visit can be around 100 USD.
A referral from your family doctor is not always necessary for specialist care.

Lebanon is known for its good dental care and attracts a lot of medical tourism in this field.
The doctors are good and the facilities are modern. Dental care is also relatively cheap and often more cost-effective than in other countries.

In Lebanon, good maternity care is available for both local women and women from abroad. Every woman who visits a primary health center is entitled to at least four appointments/treatments and two ultrasounds before birth, and a postnatal visit.
About 95% of pregnant women in Lebanon receive prenatal care.
The vast majority of births take place in hospitals (both public and private). Less than three percent of births take place at home.
As a foreigner, it is wise to ask other women for advice about a good hospital. Private hospitals offer the most options, privacy and comfort, especially in Beirut.
Abortion is illegal in Lebanon and carries a high penalty. It is only possible in specific cases that involve honor or danger to the mother's life.

The security situation in Lebanon is highly dependent on geopolitical tensions in the region. So keep a close eye on the latest updates.
Avoid areas with military activity. GPS signals can also be blocked here.
There is a terrorist threat in Lebanon towards certain groups.
Demonstrations and protests can occur and get out of hand. It is therefore advisable to avoid these types of gatherings.
There are many military tensions with Israel, especially in southern Lebanon.

Health risks include infectious diseases, including those transmitted by water, and air pollution. Cholera is one of these diseases.
Traveler's diarrhea is also common in Lebanon. This can be caused by giardiasis (a parasite), among other things.
The HIV/AIDS risk is considerable in Lebanon, so keep this in mind.
Avoid drinking tap water. Only drink bottled water or well-boiled water.
Scorpion stings and snake bites are a particular risk in mountainous regions. In the event of a sting or bite, make sure you look carefully at what the animal looks like and visit a doctor or hospital immediately for medical help.

Roads in Lebanon are generally not in good condition. Many accidents occur due to reckless driving and heavy traffic.
You should be particularly careful in busy cities such as Beirut and Tripoli and on narrow mountain roads.
Fuel prices are generally quite high.
If you want to drive in Lebanon, you need an international driving license that is approved by the Lebanese government upon arrival.
There are quite a few checkpoints along the road and it is common to have to show your papers here.
Taxis are a popular means of transport in the cities. Some taxis are shared and always drive the same routes, other taxis can be booked privately.
There are many buses in Lebanon and a bus ticket costs next to nothing. Buses are popular with both locals and foreigners.

Is the trip to Lebanon 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.

A good health insurance is mandatory for many visas. This can be a local health insurance, but also an international one. In general, an international health insurance is recommended because it can offer more extensive coverage: for example, coverage in surrounding countries and for cases where medical evacuation or repatriation is necessary.
So… 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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