Mongolia Health Insurance

Located in East Asia bordering Russia and China, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated county in the world. It is the world’s 19th largest country by landmass, with a population of 2.75 million. The population is over 95 percent ethnic Mongolian, with a small minority of Kazakhs. Although the country does not border Kazakhstan, Mongolia is less than 50 kilometers from the easternmost point of Kazakhstan. Following its transition to market economy status in 1992, Mongolia has joined the World Trade Organization and has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies, largely focused on agriculture and mining. Mongolia’s transport infrastructure has been under rapid development, although unpaved roads still predominate outside of the capital city of Ulan Bator. Mongolia also serves as the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian railway.

Although it is a rapidly emerging market, Mongolia remains quite poor. Annual health care expenditure per capita is only USD 167, which represents 4.7 percent of GDP. There is a broad disparity between life expectancy for males and females in Mongolia. Men can expect to live 65 years from birth; women’s life expectancy is 74 years. Government expenditure makes up about four fifths of overall health care spending in Mongolia, and private Mongolia health insurance is non-existent. Non-government health care expenditure comes from overseas aid and out of pocket spending.

Mongolia Health Insurance and Health Care Indices

As Mongolia’s economy develops, it is shifting from the burden of communicable diseases as a proportion of overall morbidity and mortality. Today, although HIV infection rates are low relative to global norms, with one case per 1,000 adults, tuberculosis remains a major public health problem. There are 323 cases of tuberculosis in Mongolia per 100,000 people, which is more than 50 percent higher than the global average. This is probably Mongolia’s top preventable health risk. Less than half of the Mongolian population has access to improved sanitation facilities, which may further contribute to the spread of communicable diseases. High rates of tobacco smoking, particularly among males, and an increasing obesity rate among females are causes for concern and growth of non-communicable disease. Outbreaks of SARS and avian flu in Asia over the past decade have also affected Mongolia.

For the purposes of World Health Organization classification, Mongolia is considered part of the Western Pacific region. Relative to the rest of the region, Mongolia boasts a high number of health care professionals, with 27.6 doctors and 35.0 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people, far exceeding the regional average. Hence, Mongolian births are almost universally attended by a qualified health care provider, which is very unusual in a developing country. Increasing economic growth has increased the disparity in access to health care between rural and urban Mongolians. The lack of private Mongolia health insurance means that private care is generally only available to wealthy Mongolians. The WHO, in conjunction with the Mongolian Ministry of Health, has set out a number of targets to improve public health in the country. These include: improving access to drinking water and sanitation, increasing the number of health centres in remote areas and increasing life expectancy.

Mongolia Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

With the decline in the cost of global air travel, visiting Mongolia has become much more accessible for tourists. The sparsely populated wide open country appeals to those seeking to travel by horseback or four wheel drive vehicle. Treks across the Gobi desert on Bactrian camels also provide an exotic holiday. Following Mongolia’s entry to the WTO in 1997, business travelers and expatriates have made up a rapidly increasing number of visitors to the country. Many of these are involved in mining or commodities trading, but there is also a significant portion involved in textiles, manufacturing and the services sector. A number of preventative measures are strongly suggested before visiting Mongolia, including vaccination against several communicable diseases. Rabies is very common in the region, especially outside of urban areas.

While visiting Mongolia, protection against the sun is strongly recommended, even in winter. Wearing polarized sunglasses and wearing sunblock with a high SPF number will prevent serious sun and weather burn and protect your skin. Insect borne diseases are also fairly common in east Asia, and may be prevented with insect repellent with DEET. Common tourist health complaints include diarrhoea and traffic accidents. Drinking only sealed bottles of water and obeying the local rules of the road are suggested. Given the low quality of local health care facilities and lack of Mongolia medical insurance, an international health insurance plan is strongly recommended for visitors to Mongolia. A serious medical emergency in Mongolia may require air evacuation; without insurance coverage, this can cost tens of thousands of US dollars.

Mongolia Health Insurance & International Health Insurance Plans

With so many different options on the market, choosing an international health insurance plan can be confusing. Expat Medical Insurance has been advising tourists, travelers and expatriates for years, offering a wide range of plans to individuals, families, tour groups and companies. Our comprehensive range of plans can include alternative, dental and maternal care and air evacuation riders are also available. Expat Medical Insurance representatives are available around the clock to answer any health coverage question you may have. Contact Expat Medical Insurance today for a detailed assessment of your health insurance requirements and give yourself peace of mind that you and your family will be covered should the unthinkable happen while you are away from home.