Get Information on Health Insurance for Expats in Kazakhstan
Just like many other Central Asian countries, there’s so much you can experience in and explore across the beautiful country of Kazakhstan. Of late, the country has also been attracting a lot of tourists from all around the world. The country’s healthcare system went downhill after the Soviet Union collapsed. However, in recent years, Kazakhstan has been making steady progress in the healthcare sector and is already looking forward to attracting investments from Russia, China, and other neighboring countries. Here’s the information on hospitals in Kazakhstan.
As an expat or global nomad, we strongly advise you to obtain a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers all your health-related costs while you continue enjoying your journey to the fullest. The CDC also has detailed information on the vaccinations you should get before traveling to the country.
Do Doctors Speak English in Kazakhstan?
You can find the best hospitals and clinics in only a few major cities in Kazakhstan. The level of healthcare in other cities and remote areas isn’t up to the mark, and finding someone who can speak English, if at all, is rare. On the other hand, doctors working in private hospitals and facilities are relatively fluent in English. However, finding them can be quite a task. You may contact an insurance company to recommend an English-speaking specialist. You may also contact the US Embassy in Kazakhstan that maintains a list of English-speaking doctors in the country.
Finding the Right Doctor at a Hospital in Kazakhstan
The most accurate source of this information is the US Embassy in Kazakhstan. You can use the embassy’s data as well as check out some online reviews to choose the most credible doctor to tend to your specific medical condition. Alternatively, you can also seek some recommendations from the staff of the hotel you are staying in. If you are in a major city, getting proper treatment shouldn’t be a problem. However, you may struggle to communicate due to the language barrier in other smaller towns. Despite that, you can expect professional treatment from the doctors.
Types of Hospitals in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s healthcare system used to be robust during the Soviet era. Since declaring its independence, the government of Kazakhstan has been making efforts to improve the quality of the country’s healthcare services. The overall standard of the hospitals at this point leaves a lot to be desired. Moreover, 70% of the hospitals in the country are currently managed by the Ministry of Health.
Difference between Public and Private Hospitals in Kazakhstan
Expats residing legally in Kazakhstan can access the country’s public healthcare system. However, the quality of treatment can vary depending upon the hospital’s location, the expertise of the staff, and the availability of proper medical supplies. Expats are also advised to bring along someone who knows both English and the native language to help with translation as needed.
Private hospitals in the country are better equipped than public hospitals, although not all of them may have English-speaking staff. Doctors at these facilities can provide treatment for most of the ailments. For most critical conditions, though, it’s advised that the concerned patients seek air evacuation to hospitals in other countries that have better infrastructure and facilities. Expats are advised to opt for an international health insurance plan that can cover all such unplanned costs.
Is Medical Care in Kazakhstan Free
Currently, medical care services are not free in the country but are expected to become free in due course of time.
Recently, Kazakhstan implemented a new law that makes it compulsory for all employers and employees in the country to make mandatory monthly deductions and contributions. This law is aimed at improving the quality of public healthcare in the country and making healthcare services free for all residents of the country.
How Much Does a Hospital Visit Cost in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has been making efforts to project itself as a preferred medical tourism destination in the years to come. For that, the country has introduced significant reforms in its healthcare policies. These reforms have also made obtaining treatment for several critical conditions a lot cheaper in Kazakhstan. For instance, bone marrow transplants cost about $51,000, which is close to half of its cost in Russia. Similarly, liver transplants that cost $20,000 in Kazakhstan cost almost double that amount in Turkey. Kazakhstan also aims to promote its traditional cures by way of medical tourism.
Finding a Suitable Hospital in Kazakhstan
Expats can always opt for public hospitals to seek highly subsidized treatment. However, public hospitals have an average quality of care, as compared to private hospitals in Kazakhstan. Therefore, most expats go for private hospitals and facilities that employ English-speaking staff and have better equipment and infrastructure. The charges can vary based upon the kind of treatment sought, and at times air evacuation may also become necessary due to a medical complication. Expats can ensure that they don’t have to struggle with such unplanned expenses by buying a comprehensive international health insurance policy from a reputed insurance company. Top plans include Cigna and Allianz.
Top-Ranked Private Hospitals in Kazakhstan
Almaty City Central Clinic Hospital
Zhandosova Street 6, corner with Manasa str., Almaty
Phone: +7 727 2749716
Astana City Hospital No 1
Koshkarbayev Street, 66, Astana
Phone: +7 7172 23 16 01
Central Clinical Hospital of President Medical Center
Panfilova Street 139, Almaty
Phone: +7 727 261 04 50
Center of Israeli Medicine
Markova Street 71, Almaty
Phone: +7 727 250 60 50
International SOS Clinic
62A Kosmonavtov Street, 5th Floor, Astana
Phone: +7 (7172) 476 911
International SOS Clinic
Luganskovo Street, 11, Almaty
Phone: +7 727 2581 911
International SOS Clinic
Microdistrict 26, Building #17/1, Issatay Business Center, Aktau
Phone: +7 7292 418 661
Interteach Clinic
Furmanova Street 275, Almaty
Phone: + 7 727 3 200 200
Interteach Clinic
Kabanbay Batyr Street, 7, Left Shore, Astana
Phone: +7 701 026 94 54
Karaganda Regional Hospital
Corner of St. Erubaeva, 15, and the Boulevard of Peace, 10, Karaganda
Phone: +77 212 42-60-45
The Mother and Child Hospital
Syganak Street, 2, Astana
Phone: +7 7172 70 14 14
For more details or to procure a comprehensive international health insurance plan, you can get in touch with experts at Expat Financial today.
