How does the healthcare system work in Uzbekistan?

What is the quality of healthcare in Uzbekistan?

• After the Soviet era, healthcare in Uzbekistan has deteriorated. This has resulted in a shortage of hospital beds and staff, as well as medicines and vaccinations. Fortunately, the government is working on this, and is spending more on improving healthcare every year.
• In Uzbekistan, you will find both public and private healthcare institutions. However, private institutions are limited in the care they are allowed to provide.
• Traditional medicines are still very popular in Uzbekistan. Think of mud baths, acupuncture, spas and even the use of leeches.
• In case of emergency, you can call 03 or 1050. Foreigners, just like locals, are entitled to free emergency care.

How does the public healthcare system work in Uzbekistan?

• Uzbekistan has a universal healthcare system. This works somewhat in the cities (shortages aside), but in rural areas there is often a shortage of medical staff or they are even completely absent.
• There are three different levels of public healthcare in Uzbekistan: national, regional and local (mostly rural areas). Each district has a central hospital for primary care, while the capital cities are home to more advanced hospitals that provide specialist care.
• Expats can also use public healthcare, but often have to pay a lot more.

How does the private healthcare system work in Uzbekistan?

• Tashkent International Medical Clinic is the best private hospital in Uzbekistan.
• Private hospitals are limited in the treatments they are allowed to perform. For example, treatment for tuberculosis, rabies, blood donation and forensic examination are not permitted in private institutions. Many foreigners living in Uzbekistan travel to other countries to receive care. Good health insurance that also offers coverage outside Uzbekistan and covers things like medical evacuation is therefore essential due to the state of public healthcare and the limitations of private healthcare.
• There are few private clinics outside the capital.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Uzbekistan?

• GP care is still relatively new in Uzbekistan. In recent years, several family doctors and general practitioners have been trained.
• As an expat, you can go to private clinics or hospitals for general ailments.

How is the dentist arranged in Uzbekistan?

• There is both public and private dental care available in Uzbekistan. The best care can be found in Tashkent. As a foreigner living in Uzbekistan, it is best to ask other expats their experiences with dentist(s).

How is pregnancy care arranged in Uzbekistan?

• Since 2004, maternal and infant mortality rates have fallen dramatically, largely due to improved care immediately after a baby is born. Various international organizations are working to improve care for mother and child.
• Deliveries and abortions can (only) take place in public healthcare institutions.
• The facilities are often substandard and the quality of care is inconsistent. Also, the necessary equipment is sometimes absent, especially in rural areas. Almost all deliveries take place in maternity hospitals in the presence of professionals. The costs for locals are covered by the government.
• More and more midwives are being trained to provide good pre- and postnatal care. It is not possible everywhere to get all the examinations and tests in advance, at least not to the level that one would expect in the West, for example.

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

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

• Uzbekistan is one of the safer countries in Central Asia. Crime against foreigners is relatively low, and the government maintains strict control over society. Cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara are generally safe to explore, both during the day and at night.
• Pickpockets can be active in busy tourist areas and markets such as the Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent.
• Uzbek authorities carry out regular checks. Make sure you always have a copy of your passport with you.
• The border area with Afghanistan is not recommended due to possible security risks. Homosexuality is illegal in Uzbekistan, and open LGBTQ+ expression can lead to serious problems.
• Uzbekistan is located in a seismically active region, and earthquakes can occur. Make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake.

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

• In summer, temperatures can rise above 40°C. This can lead to dehydration and sunstroke.
• Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea are common. Drink filtered water and eat well-cooked or washed food.
• Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites (and therefore diseases such as leishmaniasis).

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

• Although there are official rules, many Uzbek drivers do not take them too seriously. Expect reckless driving, little respect for traffic lights and overtaking in dangerous places.
• In the big cities, the roads are reasonably good, but in rural areas they are often in poor condition.
• Avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads and unexpected obstacles such as animals on the road.
• Use Yandex Go (the Central Asian version of Uber) for a safe and fair taxi price.
• The high-speed train "Afrosiyob" is a safe and comfortable way to travel between cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

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

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

• Health insurance is generally not mandatory for expats in Uzbekistan, but it is highly recommended. With international insurance, you can also receive care in other countries if the care in Uzbekistan is not sufficient.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.