How does the healthcare system work in Bhutan?

What is the quality of healthcare in Bhutan?

• Bhutan has a health care system that has provided free care to the population since 1970. Almost 90% of the population can receive care within two hours of travel.
• The health care system is mainly made up of public health care institutions. There are virtually no private institutions.
• The best facilities can be found in Thimphu, outside the cities there are few facilities.
• Treatments for more serious, life-threatening conditions such as cancer or neurological problems are not available in Bhutan. For these, one has to be evacuated to India or Thailand, for example.
• Pharmacies are available in the cities, but specialist medicines can be difficult to find.
• Alternative medicine is also popular in Tibet. Herbal medicine is widespread and is offered alongside Western medicine.

How does the public healthcare system work in Bhutan?

• The public health care system in Bhutan works with three levels. There are primary health centres and clinics, regional and general hospitals at the secondary level and three specialist hospitals at the tertiary level. The health care is of good quality and the country has good figures when it comes to, for example, maternal and child health, vaccinations and communicable diseases. Access to safe drinking water is also improving in the country.
• Tourists and foreigners living in Bhutan can also use the free health care, for example at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. There are also many clinics and hospitals that do charge a fee for care.
• Unfortunately, a disadvantage of the free health care system is that many doctors are overworked and that there is sometimes a shortage of medicines and specialists.

How does the private healthcare system work in Bhutan?

• There is only one private health clinic in Bhutan. This is located in Thimphu.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Bhutan?

• In Bhutan, primary health facilities are available in the form of clinics and health centers. Here you can find doctors similar to general practitioners.
• Referrals are usually not necessary for basic care, but they are for specialist care abroad.

How is the dentist arranged in Bhutan?

• Public dental care is free, but the quality varies.
• Expats and emigrants are generally advised to seek dental care abroad.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Bhutan?

• Like other care, maternity care is also free in hospitals and clinics. Good prenatal and postnatal health care is provided during pregnancy. In addition, more than 98% of deliveries require a professional caregiver.
• Hospital deliveries are the norm.
• Abortion is only legal under specific circumstances, such as when the mother's life is in danger or when pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

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

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

• Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world. If you find work here and get a visa, you can expect a comfortable and adventurous life, by South Asian standards.
• Crime rates are very low, even in the cities, and violent crime is rare.
• Earthquakes can occur in Bhutan, especially in the Himalayan region. There are also regular floods and landslides in the rainy season (June-September).
• Pay attention to the specific rules in Bhutan! For example, there are strict laws regarding religion and culture, it is forbidden to smoke tobacco in public and photography of religious buildings and ceremonies is not always permitted.

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

• Some of the health risks are altitude sickness and mosquito-borne diseases. Pay close attention to the symptoms of altitude sickness (including nausea, headache, fatigue, low energy) and descend slowly when necessary.
• Water quality varies throughout the country. It is best to drink only boiled or filtered water. Check the most recent vaccination advice with your vaccination doctor.

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

• People drive on the left in Bhutan.
• Bhutan has only a limited number of roads. The mountain roads can be narrow and dangerous. Around Thimphu and Paro the roads are generally good.
• Rural roads are difficult to pass, especially in winter and the rainy season.
• There are no railways in Bhutan. There are buses. However, many foreigners hire a private driver.

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

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

• Health insurance is mandatory for foreigners who want to live in Bhutan. It is important to have a good insurance that covers medical evacuations and care abroad due to the limitations of healthcare in Bhutan.
• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.