How does the healthcare system work in Mongolia?

What is the quality of healthcare in Mongolia?

• The healthcare system in Mongolia has made great strides in recent years. The old Soviet model has disappeared and a centralized system has taken it's place. However, there are still many challenges in the healthcare system, especially in remote areas.
• Since the 1990s, the country has had a growing private sector in addition to the public sector. This is mainly due to rising incomes and the increase in medical tourism. The government is therefore investing a lot in the quality and infrastructure of healthcare.
• The national emergency number for an ambulance is 103, but don't expect it to work, when you are somewhere in the steppes...
• Pharmacies are mainly found in the city. In the countryside this is a different story. It also often happens that certain medicines are out of stock and that staff do not speak English. As a non-Mongolian speaker, who uses medicines, it is therefore wise to check in advance whether you can bring your own medicines.

How does the public healthcare system work in Mongolia?

• In the 1990s, the government set up a healthcare fund that is financed from various sources; employees, employers and government subsidies.
• Health insurance is mandatory and covers the majority of the population. The contribution is income-dependent and is paid by both employee and employer. There are government subsidies for vulnerable groups. However, health insurance does not cover all care and direct contributions are often required.
• The aim of the public health care system is to make it accessible to everyone, including people in rural areas. Unfortunately, the latter is particularly difficult, which is reflected in the shortages of staff and facilities. There are also differences between the quality of care in the city and in the countryside.
• Public health insurance is also mandatory for expats who are legal residents of Mongolia. Your employer usually arranges this for you, but if you are not an employee (but an owner or pensioner, for example), you must arrange it yourself.

How does the private healthcare system work in Mongolia?

• Private care has been on the rise since the 1990s. Mongolians are becoming increasingly wealthy, especially in the city, which means there is more demand for and money for the conveniences of private care. Unfortunately, this also means fairly high costs, making private healthcare virtually inaccessible to the less affluent population.
• Private healthcare is mainly concentrated in Ulaanbaatar.
• In the private healthcare sector, you will generally find better/specialized doctors, modern facilities and shorter waiting times. Several institutions, including the Intermed Hospital, SOS Medica Mongolia and the Grandmed Hospital, offer care that meets international standards.
• It is possible to take out local private health insurance that is specifically aimed at local healthcare. However, many expats and emigrants opt for international health insurance because this can also provide coverage in neighboring countries and for matters such as medical repatriation.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Mongolia?

• As in other countries in Asia, there is no real GP system. People usually go straight to a specialist. The closest thing to a GP is a doctor at a private medical clinic. Here you can generally receive personal care and return to the same doctor several times. A good (reviewed) clinic with a general practitioner or family doctor is SOS Medica Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.

How is the dentist arranged in Mongolia?

• Dental care is available in both the public and private sectors. Dental care is generally of excellent quality.
• Public health insurance covers (part of) basic dental care and emergency dental care. Think of things like check-ups, filling cavities and fluoride bites.
• The private sector generally offers more modern care and options. The range of treatments is also usually larger. It is also more expensive, but offers advantages such as faster treatments and dentists who use the most modern techniques. An international health insurance with dental coverage is certainly not a bad choice in Mongolia.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Mongolia?

• If you live in a big city, there is certainly good pregnancy care available. Both public and private care is available, but it will be more difficult to find an English-speaking doctor in public care. The best place to start looking for a doctor during pregnancy is in (social media) groups and fora with other expats. Meet with the doctor in advance to see if they have the same ideas as you and if there is not a big language barrier.
• The quality of maternity care is higher in private than in public healthcare facilities. You can expect good prenatal care, with the necessary tests and examinations. However, the costs are also a lot higher than in public institutions.
• In general, doctors prefer a natural birth, which means that a caesarean section is mainly performed, when it is really medically necessary.
• Abortion on request is legal in the first trimester of pregnancy.

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

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

• When people think of safety in Mongolia, they may not immediately think of crime, but rather of the endless steppes and a capital that is usually colder than the average freezer...
• In general, the country is a safe country in terms of crime. The people are friendly and hospitable, there are very few violent crimes against foreigners and there is little political unrest. But it is still wise to be a bit streetwise, especially in Ulaanbaatar, where fraud and theft certainly occur in busy areas. You may also encounter the vodka-induced night-time brawl. So it is a good idea to stay away from the small streets and dark alleys in Ulaanbaatar at night.
• Another safety issue is the total emptiness of the country. If you get stuck in the Gobi desert with car- or horsetrouble, it can take days before someone finds you.
• Also be prepared for the very harsh winters. Temperatures down to -40°C are not uncommon, and neither is hypothermia.

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

• In the winter, Ulaanbaatar often has to deal with heavy air pollution, which can have consequences for people with respiratory problems.
• Due to the cold temperatures, you do not have to worry about tropical diseases.
• Rabies is a problem in the country. So be careful with stray dogs, and react immediately if you are bitten, licked or scratched.
• Tap water is not drinkable. Always use bottled water.
• Dairy products are fresh, and your stomach may need some time getting used to it.

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

• Ulaanbaatar is pure anarchy on four wheels. Don't expect any traffic rules, hours of traffic jams and pedestrians crossing on a whim.
• In the countryside it's a different story. There are few (to no) roads and if you have a breakdown on the road, you can only hope that you meet a handy nomad.
• 4x4s are a must and GPS is more than essential.
• Buses are a good option if you don't plan on driving yourself. They are generally a bit crowded and chaotic.
• Be careful with special (foreigner) prices in taxis. Try to negotiate and agree on an amount in advance.

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

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

• If you work and live legally in Mongolia, it is mandatory to have national insurance. However, many foreigners who live in Mongolia also opt for international health insurance. This offers the certainty that the higher costs of private (and therefore faster, better) care are covered and that things like care in neighbouring countries, medical evacuation and repatriation are also covered. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.