How does the healthcare system work in Iran?

What is the quality of healthcare in Iran?

• Iran is a country of contrasts, with cities with modern healthcare facilities and villages where mainly herbal remedies are used. The country has one of the most developed healthcare systems in the Middle East, with both public and private healthcare options as well as care from NGOs. The medical infrastructure is modern, and many doctors have been trained abroad.
• Good healthcare can be found especially in the large cities of Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan.
• Outside the large cities, healthcare is harder to find and many people depend on visiting a pharmacy.
• Pharmacies can be found in all cities and villages and the medicines are generally in stock.
• Call 115 for an ambulance in case of an emergency. Emergency medical care works reasonably well in the cities, but sometimes taking a taxi can be faster.

How does the public healthcare system work in Iran?

• Healthcare is affordable in public hospitals and clinics, but the quality varies greatly. There are good public hospitals run by the government that provide good care, comparable to private institutions, but waiting times are often long.
• Iranians are entitled to basic healthcare and often also to medicines and vaccinations. This does not apply to foreigners in Iran. Foreigners can use public institutions at relatively low costs.
• Foreigners who have an Amayesh card (a temporary residence permit for foreigners, especially refugees) are entitled to public healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in Iran?

• Private healthcare is popular among both locals and expats because of the good quality and shorter waiting times.
• In general, the doctors are more experienced, because after a few years in public healthcare they switch to private healthcare.
• The costs for private healthcare are generally much lower than in Western countries. The costs for a standard doctor's visit are around 50 USD. The costs for more complex procedures can run into thousands of USD.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Iran?

• There are general practitioners in Iran. They must be officially registered with the IRIMC (irimc.org). Unfortunately, many (family) doctors leave the country or find other jobs, which also results in a shortage of family doctors.
• It can be useful to ask other expats for advice on a good family doctor. These can usually be found at private clinics.

How is the dentist arranged in Iran?

• Iran is a popular destination for dental care in the region. The costs of dental care are relatively low.
• Good clinics can be found in Tehran in particular. Many dentists have completed their training abroad and return with internationally recognized certifications and knowledge of the most modern techniques.
• English can be a barrier for foreigners who need dental care, but there are several clinics in Tehran in particular where dentists speak fluent English.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Iran?

• Iran has an extensive healthcare system for pregnant women, and the quality of care is good, especially in private clinics.
• Prenatal care is good, with scheduled consultations, ultrasounds and various tests. Giving birth in a public hospital is reasonably affordable, but often less comfortable. In private clinics, the costs are higher, but you also get better care and more privacy.
• Caesarean sections are popular in Iran. In various studies, the percentages range between 26% and 60%, with percentages as high as 87% in private institutions.
• Expats often choose private hospitals in cities such as Tehran or Shiraz, where the facilities are comparable to Western standards.

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

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

• The security situation in Iran is highly dependent on the political situation in the region. Although Iran can be relatively safe, with friendly and hospitable people, conflicts in the Middle East create more security risks in the country.
• There is therefore a risk of terrorist attacks, even in places where many tourists come. It is best to avoid targets of terrorist attacks, such as: embassies, hotels, places of worship, tourist sites, government institutions, military performances and Western companies. You never know, but the situation in Iran can collapse at any moment, due to political tensions.
• Women in particular can receive unwanted attention. So be careful when traveling alone and try to avoid traveling in the evening.
• Protests occur regularly. These types of gatherings are dangerous and more and more foreigners are being arrested.
• Kidnapping of foreigners to ask for ransom occurs.
• Violent conflicts between gangs, smugglers and terrorists occur on the borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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

• Iran is not a very unsafe country for expats in terms of health risks, but there are things to keep in mind.
• For example, air pollution, especially in Tehran, can cause respiratory problems. Sandstorms are also common.
• There can also be outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria (especially outside the cities in the south and west of the country), but also tick-borne encephalitis (especially in spring, summer and autumn).
• HIV/AIDS is a risk in the country.
• There are diseases and parasites that are transmitted through water. It is therefore recommended not to drink tap water and to avoid raw food.

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

• Driving in Iran is an adventure in itself. It can be fun, but you should be prepared for traffic jams in Tehran and drivers who do not necessarily follow the rules.
• The roads are reasonably good, except in very remote areas. You are allowed to drive 50 km/h in the cities, 70-110 km/h on the country roads and 120 km/h on the highways.
• Outside the big cities there is fortunately less traffic, but you still have to be careful! It is important to pay attention at all times, because there are no real rules (or at least, they are not really followed). So it is mainly just a matter of keeping a close eye on what other cars are doing and reacting to it.
• Honking generally means that someone is coming, or that you have to get out of the way. Do not assume that it means “you can go”.
• Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Iran. Driving after drinking is therefore severely punished.

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

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

• Regardless of whether insurance is mandatory for your specific visa application, international health insurance is strongly recommended for Iran. The healthcare in the country is generally excellent, but, especially given the security risks, the costs of private care can quickly add up. Medical evacuation or repatriation may also be necessary in serious cases and people prefer not to pay these costs out of their own pocket.
• Make sure your insurance covers Iran, medical evacuation and coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.