Syria Health Insurance

Located on the western bank of the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic is currently seeing violent and dramatic times. Modern history in Syria would hardly be classified as peaceful, as military coups have repeatedly ousted ruling parties since it gained independence in 1946, and 2011 was marked by intense fighting. The death toll continues to rise as rival forces frequently clash and rioters and protestors have taken to the streets demanding improvements in standards of living and freedom, and insist that the current president, Bashar al-Assad, step down. Presently its Arab League status is revoked, and global pressure is being put on more powerful nations to step in to end the violence. The future for Syria, as of this writing, remains extremely uncertain for the population of over 20 million.

Syria Healthcare and Health Insurance

Over the past decade, some significant improvements have been made in the quality of healthcare available in Syria. A multiphase healthcare reform plan was started in 2001, a joint partnership with the state government and the European Union, with the aim of increasing the number and capability of public hospitals in rural areas, and improving conditions and expanding offerings of urban facilities to provide more easily accessible care to the Syrian public. This is much needed, as it was reported in 1991 that 99 percent of the population had access to necessary healthcare, though sadly through the 1990's healthcare services and offerings were steadily declining, with hospitals closing and medical staff leaving the country. While conditions today are considerably improved compared to ten years prior, medical care is still insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

In 2008 it was reported there were about 470 hospitals (355 private and 115 public) and over 1,300 health centers in Syria. Doctor to patient ratios are are about 14:10,000 with nurse ratios roughly doubling that at 28:10,000. As a result of major efforts by charitable foundations and the WHO, some communicable diseases such as malaria have been virtually eradicated, and thanks to improved sanitation fecal-borne and bacterial disease is greatly reduced. Life expectancy is much higher than years past, at 75 years and on par for the region. Maternal and infant mortality rates are much reduced as well.

On the surface, it would seem that Syria is on the right track, unfortunately the obstacles of a rapidly growing population, a huge number of foreign refugees, over 20 percent of the population living below the poverty line, soaring national debt, a raging revolutionary war and drastically reduced foreign aid money in response to oppressive politics are all taking a huge toll on the healthcare system, and stretching the already weak government health care budget very thin. Most experts admit that without further radical changes, little hope of continued progress exists.

For expatriates and visitors in need of care, the best option is to go to a private facility in one of the major cities, Damascus having the largest number of options available. Through Syria's hundreds of private hospitals, emergency, diagnostic, tertiary care, and a wide range of specialist care is offered, though all at cost to the patient. Conditions tend to be much more acceptable than their public counterparts, and thanks to much higher wages, staff are typically more experienced and friendly. Public hospitals will treat non-residents as well, though due to the large number of impoverished Syrians and Iraqi refugees seeking free treatment, wait times tend to be long and care unsatisfactory.

Syria Medical Insurance Information

To date, the only segment of society that is covered by a nationalized Syrian health insurance scheme are government employees. In 2010, plans were announced to do away with the deeply discounted pricing for treatment most of the population has benefited from through public healthcare outlets and switch to a government subsidized system wherein the patient would pay out of pocket and then be reimbursed later. This has been met with opposition as about 70 percent of employees only earn around US$100 per month, and do not have sufficient funds to pay out of pocket. The poorest segment of society; children, disabled, unemployed, pregnant, and refugees will still continue to receive free care through the planned Social Fund. The purpose for this plan is to create more revenue for the public hospitals and therefore have more capital to use for healthcare professional's salaries, to buy equipment, and perform maintenance, however it is feared that it will only serve to keep most away from much needed care.

Private Syrian medical insurance is available as well, though it is typically only bought by the wealthiest portion of society as cost is prohibitive for most. This is a shame, as the private medical sector has a lot more to offer than its public counterpart, but will never be used by most Syrians due to cost. For all expatriates, a comprehensive Syria health insurance plan with emergency air evacuation is strongly recommended as conditions within the country are volatile, and in an emergency situation, it is critical that you be able to access the best care available, without worrying whether or not you can arrange payment.

Syria Travel Insurance Concerns

Currently, throughout Syria, riots, protests, and violence are common. Reports have been made of kidnappings by rebel forces of Syrian officials, thus escalating the fighting, and fire and car bombs have been widely implemented by guerrilla fighters. Gunfire is common and has claimed the lives of numerous civilians. The threat of terrorism is considered to be very high, and as a result of these factors many countries have issued warnings against any travel to Syrian until peace is reestablished. Road blockades and long delays in travel and issuance of travel documents are not uncommon.

As a developing country, prior to the fighting, about 90 percent of Syrians had access to improved water sources and sanitation, though these figures may be outdated as some infrastructure has reportedly been damaged. All traveling to Syria should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, and may consider vaccines against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies as a precaution.

Most nationalities require a visa for entry into Syria, contact your consulate office for full details. All persons with entry stamps into Israel in their passport will not be permitted entry into Syria. Additionally, be aware that according to Syrian law, all women married to Syrian men, regardless of their nationality, must receive prior approval from their husbands if they wish to leave the country without him, this also applies to any minor children traveling with their mother, even if she has full legal custody of the child. Lastly, it is not uncommon for women who are not dressed modestly by Muslim standards to be ostracized and taunted, this will apply to foreigners as well.

Syria Expat Medical Insurance

If planning to visit or permanently relocate to Syria, it is best to consider seriously the risks to your personal safety. Since no one can guarantee that you will never find yourself in harm's way, it is wise to make sure that you are protected to the fullest extent possible for any situation. Expat Medical Insurance offers insurance brokerage services for the entire world and we will work to create the best possible health insurance solution to fit your needs, be it a Syrian Medical Insurance Plan, or an International Health Coverage Package that goes everywhere you go. We have coverage available for any itinerary, travel group size and budget. Contact one of our advisers today for complete details and a free price quote.

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