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

How does the healthcare system work in Syria?

The Syrian healthcare system was inspired by the Soviet model of universal coverage for the entire population. Healthcare was free or cheap, accessible to everyone and the medical facilities were good. Unfortunately, this has not been the case since the start of the civil war in 2011.
Many of the healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed, while at the same time a huge number of people need care and the challenges in healthcare are increasing.
Many healthcare workers have also fled or been killed in the war, which has led to a so-called “brain drain”.
There is a shortage of medical equipment and medical staff and this does not seem to be improving anytime soon.
Because the roads are damaged, it is also difficult to reach healthcare facilities, which makes it difficult for locals to receive care.
So there are a lot of challenges in the Syrian healthcare system.
Healthcare in Syria currently consists of the public, private and NGO sectors, with humanitarian organizations becoming very important for basic care.

The public health care system in Syria is mainly financed by the government and also by international aid organizations, insurance companies and people who pay with their pocket money.
Due to the war, financing has unfortunately deteriorated considerably, and with it the quality.
The public health care system in Syria consists of three layers: health centers for primary care, clinics and general hospitals for more extensive care and national hospitals for specialist care.
Primary health centers mainly provide preventive care, pregnancy and child care, vaccinations and treatment of general diseases.
General/district hospitals provide more extensive care, but often not yet on a specialist level. This is done by specialist hospitals that focus on, for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and pediatrics.

Before the war, the private health sector in the country had grown. There were specialized clinics and large hospitals with well-trained staff, good facilities and personal care.
The health care system is quite dependent on the private sector, or especially the wealthier people.
Private care is quite expensive, certainly compared to public care.
NGOs play an important role in healthcare in Syria. They have taken over care that the government can no longer provide due to the conflict situation and many people are dependent on this help.

General practitioners, or family doctors, can be found at the public healthcare centres where primary care is provided. Here the doctor can help you with what you need to receive the right care.
Family doctors can also be found at private clinics. Consultations are more expensive here.

Due to the political instability and conflict in the country, there is no extensive or good maternity care available. Many pregnant women leave the country or have to pay for expensive caesarean sections because natural births are not safe.

Unfortunately, Syria is not a safe country for a temporary or long-term stay. There are many conflicts and this brings with it the risks of terrorism, imprisonment and kidnapping.
There are also sometimes demonstrations and protests. It is better to stay away from these.
The border between Lebanon and Syria in particular is unsafe territory.

Insect-borne diseases such as malaria and leishmaniasis occur in Syria.
Infectious diseases and parasites are also not uncommon. Avoid tap water and only drink bottled or boiled water.
Polio occurs in Syria.

Due to the conflicts in Syria, participating in traffic has become more difficult, but here are some general things about driving in Syria.
In Syria, the roads in the cities are generally good, but in rural areas they are often poorly maintained.
Traffic in the cities is busy. There are many drivers and pedestrians who are all trying to get from A to B. Be patient and always keep a good look around you!
Always make sure your phone battery is sufficiently charged and that you have extra water with you in case you get stuck somewhere (it can get quite hot).

Is the trip to Syria 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 a stay in Syria, international health insurance is a must. The chance of medical evacuation is high and if something happens you will probably have to seek help in another country. Make sure you check carefully whether your insurance offers coverage for Syria.
Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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