Healthcare & Health Insurance in Yemen
Summary: Digital Nomads in Yemen share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Yemen, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
What are healthcare services like in Yemen?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Yemen, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Yemen are limited due to the ongoing civil war and the resulting economic crisis. The public healthcare system is inadequate and underfunded, leading to poor quality services and limited access to medical care. Foreign residents have limited access to the public healthcare system, as it is mainly reserved for Yemeni citizens. Expats in Yemen typically rely on private healthcare services, which are more expensive but offer better quality care. Private clinics and hospitals are available in major cities, but access to these services is limited in rural areas," wrote one digital nomad living in Yemen.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What is the quality of medical care in Yemen like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Yemen, they replied:
"Medical services in Yemen are severely limited due to the ongoing conflict and lack of resources. Many hospitals and clinics have been destroyed or lack the necessary equipment and supplies to provide adequate care. Access to medical care is further hindered by the lack of trained medical personnel and the difficulty of travelling to medical facilities due to the insecurity of the country. In addition, the cost of medical care is often prohibitively expensive for many Yemenis. Despite these challenges, some organizations are working to provide medical assistance to those in need," wrote one digital nomad living in Yemen.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Yemen?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Yemen are very expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the quality of care is often inadequate. Many people in Yemen cannot afford health insurance, and those who can often find that the coverage is inadequate. The lack of access to quality healthcare has led to a rise in preventable diseases and deaths in Yemen," said a member in Yemen.
What are emergency services like in Yemen?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Yemen wrote:
"Emergency services in Yemen are limited due to the ongoing civil war. In some areas, there are emergency services available, but they are often understaffed and lack the necessary resources to provide adequate care. To call for an ambulance, one can contact the local police station or the nearest hospital. In some cases, it may be necessary to contact a private ambulance service," remarked one member in Yemen.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"The cities of Sana'a and Aden are known for having a wide range of medical specialists, including specialists in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Additionally, the cities of Taiz and Al Hudaydah have a good selection of medical specialists, particularly in the fields of orthopedics and ophthalmology. Other cities in Yemen, such as Ibb, Dhamar, and Amran, also have a variety of medical specialists available," said one member in Yemen.
Are common prescription medications available in Yemen?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Yemen. However, due to the ongoing conflict in the country, access to medications is limited and the availability of certain medications may vary. In addition, the quality of medications may not be up to international standards. As a result, it is important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications in Yemen," wrote one digital nomad living in Yemen.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Yemen?
"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Yemen is generally poor. Many medical facilities lack basic equipment and supplies, and medical staff are often undertrained and underpaid. Access to medical care is limited, particularly in rural areas, and the cost of medical care is often prohibitively expensive for many Yemenis. The ongoing conflict in the country has further exacerbated the situation, with many medical facilities destroyed or damaged, and medical staff unable to access certain areas," explained one expat living in Yemen.
As a foreigner living in Yemen, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"As a foreigner living in Yemen, you may have access to public healthcare, depending on the type of visa you have. Generally, public healthcare in Yemen is of a lower quality than in other countries, with limited access to medical supplies and equipment. Additionally, the healthcare system is often underfunded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and overcrowded facilities. Despite these challenges, the public healthcare system in Yemen is still able to provide basic medical care to those in need," explained one expat living in Yemen.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Yemen if they have access to public healthcare in Yemen. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a devastating impact on Yemen's already fragile healthcare system. Many healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing conflict, leaving many people without access to basic medical care. The pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with limited resources and a lack of medical personnel making it difficult to provide adequate care. The limited availability of testing and treatment for COVID-19 has also been a major challenge, with many people unable to access the care they need. The situation has been further complicated by the lack of reliable information about the virus, making it difficult for people to protect themselves and their families," explained one expat living in Yemen.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Digital Nomads in Yemen offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Yemen.