How does the healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

What is the quality of healthcare in Timor-Leste?

• Timor-Leste has suffered from a long history of war and colonization. The country is poor, which is also reflected in the health care. Together with the United Nations, the country is trying to get back on its feet and improve health care.
• Unfortunately, health care in Timor-Leste is still very outdated. Hygiene leaves much to be desired and health care workers are often not well-trained.
• Outside of Dili, you will hardly find any medical help.
• Emergency aid is almost non-existent. When something serious happens, an evacuation to Australia or Singapore is most likely necessary.
• For Timor-Leste, good international health insurance with medical evacuation is an absolute must. Most foreigners in Timor-Leste go abroad for even the smallest medical treatments.
• There are a few pharmacies in Dili, but the availability of medicines is limited. It is advisable to take a supply of medicines with you.

How does the public healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

• There is a public health care sector in Timor-Leste. To use this, both locals and foreigners have to pay in cash, which makes healthcare accessible only to the wealthiest residents of the country.
• The healthcare provision is very limited, it is difficult to access healthcare (especially outside the capital) and the facilities are absolutely not up to par.

How does the private healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

• There is a private sector in Timor-Leste that is generally better than the public sector, but is still very limited in its healthcare provision. For example, equipment and medicines may not be available.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Timor-Leste?

• There is no GP system like in some other countries. People generally go straight to the hospital or a (private) clinic.

How is the dentist arranged in Timor-Leste?

• Dental care in Timor-Leste is also very limited. There are public and private dental care providers, of which the private providers are by far better. However, they are quite expensive. It is wise to ask other foreigners for advice on a good dentist in Timor-Leste as there is no national database.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Timor-Leste?

• Like all other healthcare, maternity care in Timor-Leste is very limited. This is also reflected in the high infant mortality rates, maternal mortality rates and high pregnancy rates (also many among teenagers).
• Most births take place at home in the absence of medical staff.
• Local women face many challenges during their pregnancy. For example, care is inaccessible or too expensive, the risk of death for mother and child is high and there is much gender inequality.
• A program “Liga Inan - Connecting Mums” has been set up where local women can get in touch with health workers by phone. Thanks to this program, there is now more guidance and help during pregnancy.
• Timor-Leste is far from an ideal country for a pregnancy. Not only because of the limited health care (especially in a medical emergency), but also because of the health risks that the country poses.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Timor-Leste?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Timor-Leste?

• In general, the country is safe for foreigners, but there are some things that are important to be aware of.
• Theft occurs, both pickpocketing and theft from a vehicle (often a scooter). Try not to use your phone in public on the street to prevent this. House break-ins also occur, so make sure that as an expat you lock everything properly, even when you are inside.
• It does not happen often, but sometimes there are gang-related conflicts.
• Women can receive unwanted attention, which sometimes leads to uncomfortable and undesirable situations. It is wise not to travel alone as a woman, especially at night.
• The country is reasonably politically stable, but demonstrations do occur, especially during elections. Demonstrations can get out of hand and become violent. Several crocodile attacks have been reported in the eastern districts, the southern coast and Dili.
• During the rainy season, there can be severe storms and flooding that can disrupt services.
• There is also a risk of earthquakes and tsunamis in Timor-Leste. Make sure you know what to do in such cases.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Timor-Leste?

• Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are common, with peaks in the rainy season. Wear protective clothing and use spray if necessary.
• Infections from food and water are common due to poor hygiene. Drink only bottled water and avoid uncooked food.
• The country has one of the highest tuberculosis rates in the world.
• Stray dogs and monkeys can carry rabies.
• Discuss the latest vaccination advice well in advance with a vaccination doctor/centre.
• For the divers among us: there is no recompression chamber in Timor-Leste.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Timor-Leste?

• Driving in Timor-Leste is probably a bit different than you are used to. The infrastructure is underdeveloped and many roads are unpaved. Many drivers ignore traffic rules, and accidents are common.
• It is wise to rent a 4x4 if you plan to travel outside the city.
• There are buses and vans. These are cheap, but do not expect a strict schedule or a spacious seat.
• Discuss the price in advance when you get into a taxi. Meters are hardly used.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Timor-Leste?

• Is the trip to Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste if you are going to live there for a while?

• An international health insurance is absolutely essential in Timor-Leste. The healthcare is of poor quality and for more serious conditions, medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia is absolutely necessary. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and costs in other countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.