Health Insurance in Bhutan, Asia

Useful information for expatriates in Bhutan

Capital City: Thimphu
Total area: 47,000 km2
Population: 658,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +975 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Afghanistan

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health Insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
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Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Bhutan has a universal healthcare system provided by the government free of cost to all citizens.

·      It is funded through general tax revenues as well as donations from individuals and international organizations.

·      Primary care is delivered through a network of Basic Health Units (BHUs) spread across the country.

·      District hospitals and regional referral hospitals provide secondary and tertiary level care.

·      The system focuses on equitable access through a strong primary care foundation and health interventions tailored for the population's needs.

·      Healthcare infrastructure and outcomes have greatly improved but challenges remain in remote areas.

·      Non-communicable diseases are a growing concern due to changing lifestyles and an aging population.

·      Traditional Bhutanese medicine is integrated into the system alongside allopathic care.

·      Improvements are being made in medical education, digitization, and developing specialized departments.

·      Sustainability requires balancing limited resources against increasing costs of new technologies and specialized training.

·      Universal healthcare aligns with the nation's Gross National Happiness development philosophy.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      As a visitor, purchase travel insurance including coverage for medical costs and evacuation.

·      Register with a local BHU for basic care services, but advanced care requires travel to cities.

·      Rural areas have much less infrastructure - choose residence based on proximity to major hospitals.

·      Only drink bottled, boiled or treated water and thoroughly cook foods due to risks.

·      Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date, especially for travelers/tropical diseases.

·      Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications as availability varies.

·      Monitor potential impacts of altitude, isolation or lifestyle changes on physical/mental health.

·      Consider costs if specialized care unavailable domestically needs to be accessed abroad.

·      Natural disasters like landslides are rare risks - maintain basic emergency supplies.

·      Learn some basic medical terms in Dzongkha to communicate needs and for directions.

·      Register address and stays with your embassy in case evacuation from country becomes necessary.