Jordan Health Insurance

Located in the historically turbulent Middle East, between Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Jordan has remained quite peaceful since its gained sovereignty in 1946. Despite centuries of fighting over rights to the region regarded as “Holy Land” by Jews, Christians and Muslims since the middle ages, today Jordan is a rapidly developing country with one of the most progressive and tolerant governments in the area. While not blessed with numerous natural resources - it has no deposits of petroleum and very little land suitable for agriculture – yet Jordan has still seen steady economic growth for the past decade. Investment incentives are in place and the massive privatization of industry that is occurring continues to attract foreign business, as well as tourism. Forward looking legislation has put these sources of income, along with large injections of foreign aid, to good use, enacting a three-pronged initiative to eradicate poverty, improve education and revolutionize healthcare. The country does however have a high employment rate, atclose to 27 per cent, as well as a per-capita income at only $5,400 (US). Jordan howver is still exceeding its objectives for improvement as outlined in the WHO's Millennium Challenge. One area of exceptional excellence, where it has even outpaced many more developed nations, is with regard to healthcare.

Jordan Health System

Jordan boasts some of the most modern and well-equipped healthcare facilities anywhere in the world; the World Bank estimates Jordan to have one of the top five healthcare systems worldwide. Thanks in large part to the excellent medical care available, Jordan's 6.5 million population are some of the healthiest people in the entire world.

Child preventable disease immunization is above 98 per cent helping infant and maternal mortality to steady decline in the last three decades, and now stands at 1.6 per cent and 0.06 per cent respectively. Average life expectancy is among the highest across the glove, at 80.5 years. Communicable disease is well controlled and early detection practices are strongly emphasized. Health risks that now primarily face the Jordanian public are typically due to lifestyle such as obesity, cardiac and vascular diseases and cancers, though tuberculosis remains a small concern. Further, the high number of refugees that have fled to Jordan from Palestine and Iraq have brought some risk of disease exposure.

Healthcare is highly diversified in Jordan, with hospital treatments being provided through 27 public, 11 Royal Medical military and 56 private hospitals. Additionally, there are approximately 2,400 clinics, both public and private, which offer emergency treatment, maternal and pediatric care, primary care with referral, dentistry, and family medicine. Doctor to patient ratios are very encouraging at 20:10,000 (exactly on the mark for adequate accessibility according to the WHO).

Realizing that undertaking the cost of providing world-class care throughout the entire realm of medical offerings would lead to financial bankruptcy for the government, the Ministry of Health over 30 years ago wisely chose to start improving basic care first, leaving specialty-care industry growth primarily to the private sector. This plan has seen remarkable success, and now thanks to agreements between both private and public sector outlets, referral and treatment between the two is relatively seamless for all. Public primary care is available throughout the country, 85 per cent of the population are able to access a clinic or primary care hospital within walking distance (5 km) of their home. For more serious treatment or specialty care travel to an urban center for treatment at one of the larger hospitals is generally required. This does not typically present a problem as travel is not difficult within the country and excellent care is available in all major cities.

The care offered in Jordan has earned it international accolades, and its history of successfully performing complex and cutting-edge procedures has resulted in worldwide recognition of its excellence. Open heart surgeries have been successfully accomplished since 1970 with the first heart-transplant in Jordan in 1985, in addition, Jordan has been a leader in fertilization and conception treatments for decades. This superior level of expertise and quality of care, paired with very competitive cost schedules when compared to many western countries, has resulted in a huge opportunity for medical tourism. In 2008, approximately 250,000 foreign nationals from the Middle East, Africa, North America and Europe chose to travel to Jordan to receive medical treatment at its numerous private medical facilities.

Jordan Medical Insurance

In Jordan, health insurance is not yet compulsory, but currently an estimated 87 per cent of Jordanians are covered by some form of health insurance, either public or private, and the Ministry of Health has stated its intent to expand coverage to all by 2012. For citizens and legal residents, the Jordanian government offers periodic open enrollment opportunities for its Civil Insurance Program (CIP), which has traditionally covered low-income elderly, all children under age six, the disabled and government employees. This is the most affordable form of insurance, though some have criticized that its lack of easy enrollment has led to some of the poorer population not having coverage. Due to announcements of future financial cut-backs in government spending however, many fear that the expansion of coverage to 100 per cent will not occur as some cannot afford private insurance and are hoping on free government provision.

Private Jordan medical insurance packages are available both domestically and from international sources which offer the same benefits as the CIP and open doors to the best care in Jordan while providing financial assistance for treatment. As government subsidized care is only available for citizens and legal residents, all visitors and non-resident expatriates are advised to ensure adequate private coverage for themselves for the extent of their stay as clinics and hospitals expect that payment be readied for any care needed, and are usually unwilling to extend payment plans to non-residents. Healthcare for the uninsured is still available of course, but cash payment is required at time of service and medical facilities are not obliged to care for patients who cannot offer financial surety.

Traveler's Information

Borders remain open with all countries neighboring Jordan, though prior arranged visas are required for most visitors, for visa requirements contact your local Jordan Consulate Office. The official language of Jordan is Arabic, though most of the younger generation and the majority of service staff speaks English. Further, medical tourists and expats will be happy to note that communication at hospitals and clinics will not be a major concern as all medical school classes are solely taught in English and doctors and care providers are required to speak it proficiently. The most common health issue faced by visitors is diarrhea; bring basic medications from you home country along with any required prescription medications.

Weather is seasonal with typically hot humid summers, and cool winters. Living conditions are much better than most surrounding countries. Infrastructure is reasonably sound and reliable and about 97 per cent of the population have access to improved water sources and sanitary sewer. Fresh water is extremely scarce in the country and most water is stored in cisterns where potentially harmful bacteria is present, visitors are advised to boil or filter their water prior to drinking, otherwise drink only bottled.

Expat Medical Insurance

With a fairly peaceful political climate, friendly locals, beautiful natural landscapes, millenniums old relics, modern cities, and great business opportunities, it is easy to understand why so many visit or relocate to Jordan. Expat Medical Insurance can make the trip even simpler and more secure by providing you and your family, travel group, or company with the Jordan Medical Insurance to have peace of mind. Non-residents who are considering Jordan for medical tourism, or persons frequently traveling abroad, can also protect themselves by purchasing an International Health Insurance plan that provides access to the best of medical care wherever they go. Our Expat Medical Insurance's advisers have access to comprehensive lists of available doctors, clinics, hospitals and specialty care providers to assist you in case of emergency in Jordan. Contact us today for full details regarding coverage and a free price quote.