Health Insurance in Pakistan, Asia
Information expatriation
Capital City: Islamabad
Total area: 796,095 km2
Population: 163,579,000 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +92 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Pakistan has a mix of public and private healthcare with the goal of universal health coverage.
· The public system includes primary care facilities, district hospitals, and specialized teaching hospitals run by provincial or federal governments.
· It focuses on primary care and maternal/child health but infrastructure varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
· About 25-30% rely on public services, while most utilize private providers through direct payment or voluntary health insurance.
· Combined government spending on health is only about 2.6% of GDP which is low for the region.
· Private sector includes small clinics, hospitals, and medical colleges/universities in major cities.
· Key issues include infectious diseases, malnutrition, limited access to healthcare in remote locations.
· Multiple reforms have aimed to strengthen the public system and increase health insurance coverage over time.
· In summary, Pakistan's system is a work in progress, combining under-resourced public primary care with extensive private providers and a goal of expanding universal access through community-based insurance schemes. Quality and access varies significantly nationwide.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Quality and access varies greatly between urban/rural areas. Consider private clinics/hospitals in major cities for quality care.
· Purchase comprehensive international health insurance that provides coverage anywhere in Pakistan. The public system has significant limitations.
· Bring needed prescription medications as availability may be limited outside major urban centers.
· Higher risks exist for infectious diseases depending on location. Follow standard hygiene/prevention protocols carefully.
· Rural infrastructure limitations mean self-evacuation planning may be prudent for remoteness emergencies.
· Mental health support options have more limited availability compared to physical healthcare.
· Learn basic Urdu/regional language phrases to assist with interactions, especially rurally.
· Register with your home country's embassy and know assistance/evacuation processes if required.
· Rural road safety differs substantially from international standards in some areas. Take precautions.
· With advance preparation and reliable health coverage, expats can access reasonable care options across most of Pakistan while minding the limitations of the system. Vigilance is important.