Health Insurance in Syria, Asia

Information expatriation

Capital City: Damascus
Total area: 185,180 km2
Population: 19,929,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +963 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Syria

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:

·      Syria has a publicly funded universal healthcare system that aims to provide free comprehensive primary and secondary care services to all citizens.

·      Health services are paid through general taxation and employee/employer social insurance contributions.

·      The system is organized under the Ministry of Health with healthcare delivered via public hospitals and clinics nationwide.

·      However, the ongoing civil war has severely damaged infrastructure and access in many parts of the country.

·      Before the war, primary care services were widely available but specialized and hospital care was concentrated in cities.

·      There are also private healthcare providers including hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories.

·      Major health challenges include communicable diseases, malnutrition, injuries/wounds from violence.

·      Shortages of staff, supplies, equipment plague the system due to conflict and economic strains.

·      International aid plays a key role in supplementing services, especially for displaced populations.

·      Quality and access varies greatly based on location security—much of the system has been disrupted by war.

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

·      Purchase comprehensive evacuation insurance given unstable security situation and unpredictable access to care.

·      Strictly adhere to security protocols from employer/NGO as conflict areas carry extreme health and safety risks.

·      Only essential travel outside major cities where infrastructure may be damaged or minimal.

·      Ensure all vaccinations are fully up to date including for hepatitis, typhoid, meningitis which see outbreaks.

·      Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications and copies of valid prescriptions.

·      Water sources and food may be contaminated - only consume bottled/treated water and thoroughly cooked foods.

·      Medical facilities face severe shortages - be self-reliant in primary healthcare as much as possible.

·      Register location with your embassy and have an emergency evacuation plan in place.

·      Monitor stress/isolation impacts on mental health from living/working in conflict conditions.

·      Injury or communicable disease transmission risks are high - strictly follow security protocols.

·      Consider health impacts from lack of reliable services like electricity, sanitation.