Jordan is a popular destination for expatriates, tourists, and business professionals alike, offering a rich cultural heritage, a stable economy, and modern amenities. One of the key questions many foreigners have when moving to or visiting Jordan is whether they are required to have health insurance during their stay. This article explores the requirements for health insurance for foreigners in Jordan, the types of coverage available, and the advantages of having health insurance while living or traveling in the country.
Health Insurance in Jordan: An Overview
Jordan’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in the Middle East, with a well-developed network of public and private hospitals. The government invests heavily in healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that both its citizens and expatriates have access to high-quality medical services. While the Jordanian government provides health insurance for its citizens, foreigners are subject to different requirements depending on their residency status, employment situation, and type of stay in the country.
Do Foreigners Need Health Insurance in Jordan?
The short answer is yes. While there is no law that mandates all foreigners to have health insurance during their stay in Jordan, it is highly recommended and, in some cases, required by law or employers. The necessity for health insurance depends on several factors, including the length of stay, the type of visa or residency status, and the employer’s policies.
Let’s look at the specific situations in which health insurance is either required or recommended for foreigners in Jordan.
1. Short-Term Visitors (Tourists, Business Travelers, and Non-Residents)
For short-term visitors to Jordan, such as tourists or business travelers, health insurance is not always mandatory. However, it is strongly advised to obtain travel health insurance before arriving in the country. This is especially important for those traveling from countries without reciprocal healthcare agreements with Jordan.
While Jordan has excellent private healthcare facilities, without insurance, foreigners may face high out-of-pocket costs for medical treatment. For example, private hospitals may charge much higher fees compared to public hospitals, and treatment costs can accumulate quickly, particularly in case of emergencies, hospitalization, or complex medical procedures.
For tourists, many travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage, which typically covers medical treatment for accidents, illnesses, or emergencies that might occur during their stay. Ensuring that you have health insurance as part of your travel plan can save you from substantial financial burdens in case of unexpected medical needs.
2. Foreign Workers and Expatriates
Foreign workers and expatriates living and working in Jordan are generally required to have health insurance. The specific type of health insurance depends on the individual’s employer and the terms of their employment contract.
In Jordan, many employers provide health insurance as a part of their benefits package for foreign employees. This coverage typically extends to both the employee and their dependents. The health insurance offered by employers usually covers a range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and sometimes even more specialized treatments.
For those who are self-employed or do not receive employer-sponsored health insurance, obtaining private health insurance is essential. The Jordanian government does not provide public health insurance for expatriates who are not citizens or government employees, so foreigners must rely on private insurance providers to cover their medical needs.
Some private insurance companies in Jordan offer comprehensive health plans for expatriates, which can be tailored to their specific needs. These plans typically cover both outpatient and inpatient services, including emergency care, specialist consultations, surgery, and prescription medications.
3. Long-Term Residents and Investors
Long-term residents, investors, and their families are also encouraged to obtain health insurance during their stay in Jordan. Health insurance is not legally required for all long-term residents, but for those looking to establish permanent residence in the country, having coverage is crucial to ensure access to healthcare services and to avoid unexpected medical costs.
In the case of investors, it is highly advisable to have health insurance as part of their settlement plan. Comprehensive health coverage ensures access to both public and private healthcare services in Jordan, and it provides peace of mind knowing that healthcare costs are covered in the event of illness or injury.
4. Jordanian Health Insurance System for Foreigners
Although Jordan offers healthcare to foreign nationals, particularly those who are employed by the government or specific organizations, most expatriates and foreign nationals are required to obtain private health insurance. The government healthcare system primarily serves Jordanian citizens, and foreigners who are not employees of the state or public sector typically do not have automatic access to the state-funded healthcare system.
There are, however, exceptions for certain foreign nationals. For example, some foreign workers may be eligible for public healthcare services through their employer’s health insurance scheme. Additionally, children of foreign residents may receive healthcare services under the Jordanian public health system, depending on their residency status.
5. The Benefits of Health Insurance for Foreigners in Jordan
Regardless of whether it is required by law, there are many reasons why health insurance is a smart choice for foreigners staying in Jordan:
- Access to Quality Care: Health insurance ensures that foreigners can access high-quality healthcare services, both in public and private hospitals, without facing high out-of-pocket costs.
- Emergency Coverage: In case of an emergency, having health insurance provides immediate access to treatment, including emergency services, hospitalization, and surgeries.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Many private health insurance policies cover not only emergency care but also routine medical checkups, preventive care, and specialist treatments, offering peace of mind to expatriates and their families.
- Financial Protection: Healthcare in Jordan, particularly in private hospitals, can be expensive. Health insurance helps mitigate financial risks and protects individuals from large medical bills.
Conclusion
In summary, while health insurance is not universally mandatory for all foreigners in Jordan, it is highly recommended and, in some cases, required by law, employers, or visa conditions. Short-term visitors, expatriates, and long-term residents should all seriously consider obtaining health insurance to ensure they are covered in the event of an illness or medical emergency. By doing so, they can access the high-quality healthcare available in Jordan and protect themselves from financial hardship due to unexpected medical expenses.
Whether through employer-provided plans or private insurance, obtaining health coverage while in Jordan is an essential step for any foreigner looking to enjoy peace of mind and take full advantage of the healthcare services available in the country.
M. Rami Maki
Business Consultant