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

How does the healthcare system work in Sri Lanka?

• Sri Lanka has a well-organized public health care system with good doctors and many facilities as well as providing free basic care to residents and visitors. At the same time, there is a growing private sector that provides more specialized and faster services. 
• Expats often rely on private clinics or hospitals for higher quality care. For this reason, most expats also take out private international health insurance. 
• Although Sri Lanka is pushing hard for good health care throughout the country, urban areas often have better clinics and facilities than rural areas. Emigrants therefore often live in cities for access to better health care. 
• Ayurveda, a traditional form of health care, also plays a big role in the country. Always wanted to give it a try? If so, there are plenty of clinics to be found! Make sure you go to a good clinic, though. 
• Mental health care is not accessible everywhere and is probably of a different standard than you are used to. 
• There are many pharmacies and getting medicine is usually not a problem. 
• The emergency number in Sri Lanka is 110. In the case of very serious situations, medical evacuation may be necessary. The number works in the districts of Colombo, Galle, Kandy and Jaffna. 
• With good health insurance, adequate preparation, and attention to tropical health risks, you can live safely and comfortably in Sri Lanka.

How does the public healthcare system work in Sri Lanka?

• Public health care in Sri Lanka offers free consultations, treatments, medications, and sometimes even surgeries. 
• The problem for most emigrants is that waiting times can be long and resources limited.
• The quality of care is reasonable in the cities, but less reliable in remote regions. For emergencies, emergency medical services are really only available in Colombo. 
• Although many services are free, as a foreigner you will have to pay for medicines. 

How does the private healthcare system work in Sri Lanka?

• Private health care is a popular choice for expats and affluent residents. Costs are reasonable compared to Western standards. 
• The quality of care is high in urban areas, but in rural areas private clinics may also lack facilities. 
• In private clinics and hospitals you will find shorter waiting times, better facilities and more English-speaking staff. 

How is the GP arranged in Sri Lanka?

• In Sri Lanka you will find general practitioners, or family doctors, at both public and private institutions. 
• Expats usually go to private clinics for a doctor, and then also mostly in the big cities. 
• Nevertheless, if something is wrong, it is also common to go straight to a specialist. 

How is the dentist arranged in Sri Lanka?

• Public dental care is free, but with long wait times and limited resources. 
• Private clinics are good for more complex treatments. Costs are reasonable compared to Western countries. 
• The best clinics can be found in Colombo. Private clinics here are of good quality. 
• Also, check with your insurance company to see which clinic you are going to, they should be able to help with this. 
• In general people speak English well in Sri Lanka. Both at public and private clinics. 

How is pregnancy care arranged in Sri Lanka?

• Sri Lanka has one of the most advanced maternity care systems in South Asia, thanks in part to the public system that provides free care to mothers.
• Maternity care at public hospitals is completely free, including consultations, prenatal care, deliveries, and even cesarean sections, but ... the hospitals are often overcrowded and wait times can be long. Also, comfort and privacy are often limited. 
• Expats usually choose private hospitals because of the higher quality of care, more modern facilities, and more personal attention. And although private care is more expensive than public care, costs remain low compared to Western countries. A normal delivery at a private hospital can cost between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on the facilities.
• Doctors often advise on nutrition and prescribe vitamins. Folic acid and iron supplements are readily available in pharmacies.
• Sri Lanka has a relatively high rate of cesarean sections, especially in private hospitals. This is partly due to medical reasons, but also because many mothers and doctors consider it safer. Discuss your wishes thoroughly with your doctor. 
• Alternative birth methods such as water births or home births are uncommon, but can sometimes be offered in specialized private clinics.
• Sri Lanka actively promotes breastfeeding, and hospitals offer counseling to new mothers. In many public hospitals, special attention is given to breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
• Breastfeeding is an important part of being a mother in Sri Lanka. Breastfeeding in public is certainly not taboo, but you are sometimes expected to be discreet and cover yourself. In rural areas, this is sometimes less necessary. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Sri Lanka?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Sri Lanka?

• In general, Sri Lanka is a safe destination for emigrants. There have been periods of political unrest, but that has all calmed down again. 
• Petty crime happens, especially in big cities. It is rarer than in most European cities or other Asian countries, though. 
• It may be wise for women to be cautious after dark. Especially on beaches like Negombo and Hikkaduwa. 
• Be careful about scams, such as selling fake gems or overpriced cabs. 
• Floods and landslides are frequent during the rainy season. 

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Sri Lanka?

• It is important to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can still be a risk. 
• Dengue fever is a major risk. Protecting yourself well against mosquitoes, especially during the day, is not an unnecessary luxury. Also with regard to other mosquito-borne diseases. 
• Tap water is not safe to drink. 

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

• There are many traffic jams, cars do not stop for crossings, people drive without lights, on the wrong side of the road and people and animals can unexpectedly run into the street - a small sample of Sri Lanka's traffic. 
• Thus, traffic is perhaps one of Sri Lanka's greater dangers - it is considerable chaos.
• Bad and narrow roads are the norm in rural areas. 
• Also be aware of buses - they can drive quite unexpectedly and antisocially. 

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

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

• It is not mandatory to have insurance when emigrating to Sri Lanka, but it is wise to cover private healthcare costs and any medical evacuations. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org. Continue reading about emigrating to Sri Lanka or preparing a trip to Sri Lanka.