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Uzbekistan International Health Insurance / Healthcare System
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 The former
Soviet republic of Uzbekistan is one of the largest countries in
central Asia. Interestingly, it is one of only two “doubly
landlocked” countries in the world; in other words, Uzbekistan and
Liechtenstein the only landlocked countries which are entirely
surrounded by landlocked countries. Uzbekistan is largely dry,
with desert covering much of the country. Intensive agriculture
via irrigation dating back to the Soviet era has caused serious
environmental damage from which the country has yet to recover.
Although it is a relatively poor country, Uzbekistan does have
considerable natural resources, including minerals and various
other commodities. Its position on the ancient silk road
connecting Europe and Asia have left its mark on Uzbek culture,
cuisine, art and music; its current population is majority Uzbek,
but several other central Asian ethnic groups make up significant
minorities. While Uzbek is the national language, Karakalpak is a
recognized regional language and Russian is often used for
communication between ethnic groups.
Life expectancy in Uzbekistan is about in line with the average
for countries with similar economic status; 66 years for males and
71 for females. Total annual per capita health expenditure is
USD152, which represents 5.2 percent of GDP and about 11 percent
of the government budget. The overall spending figure represents a
decline of about 50 percent in real terms since the collapse of
the Soviet Union. According to World Health Organisation
classification, Uzbekistan is considered part of the European
region, hence its health care spending represents only a small
fraction of the regional average. Government spending accounts for
47.4 percent of total health expenditure, while the remainder
comes almost entirely from out of pocket spending. Although a plan
to introduce private insurance was announced in 2001, to date
there is no local private health insurance in Uzbekistan. Private
dental clinics began to emerge following the fall of the Soviet
Union.
As a legacy from Soviet times, Uzbekistan does offer universal
health care; hence the Uzbek utilisation of health care services
is above the European average. According to WHO figures, 100
percent of Uzbek births are attended by a skilled health care
professional, compared to a regional average of 98 percent. There
is little inequity in the provision of basic health care services,
with poor and rural Uzbeks having equal access to health clinics
and hospitals. The Uzbek healthcare workforce is adequately
staffed; its 26.2 doctors and 108.1 nurses per 10,000 population
are in line with European norms. There are over 3,000
“polyclinics” in the country, plus 59 private hospitals where
payment must be made in cash.
In terms of infectious diseases, Uzbekistan’s rate of HIV
infection is very low, with only one case per 1000 adults (only
about one fourth of the European average). However, upgraded
patient registration and increasing drug abuse may see this figure
grow in the future. Tuberculosis infection rates are much higher
than the global rate, with 227 cases per 100,000 population.
Also, public health investment has led to near universal access to
improved drinking water sources in urban areas, although rural
Uzbeks have seen access to clean water decline since the collapse
of the Soviet Union. Uzbeks also have near universal access to
improved sanitation, although it must be said that toilet
facilities would rarely meet developing world standards. Despite
these figures, Uzbeks suffer from several diseases attributed to
unclean drinking water, such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and
hepatitis.
The US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) have issued a number of
travel warnings on polio outbreaks in central Asia, most recently
in March 2011. Although most people are vaccinated against this, a
booster immunsation shot may be required. The Uzbekistan Embassy
recommends a Hepatitis A shot, although no other immunsation is
legally required to enter the country. Furthermore, the CDC has
drafted a number of guidelines for visitors to Uzbekistan.
As with a visit to any developing country, seeing a travel health
specialist four to six weeks before your journey is highly
recommended to ensure that routine immunisations are up to date.
Although malaria cases are rare in Uzbekistan, there have been
reported cases near the Afghan and Tajik borders. Since malaria
risk is very low, prophylactic anti-malarial pills are not
recommended, but using insect repellent with DEET and wearing
long-sleeved clothing are suggested.
In Uzbekistan, as with any exotic destination, communicable
diseases tend to inspire the most fear in travellers, but the
greatest health risks there (or anywhere) come from
gastrointestinal distress from undercooked food or unclean water.
Over the counter medication can be taken for acute cases, but
persistent diarrheoa or vomiting should be treated by a physician.
Another major cause of health problems for tourists is automobile
accidents; these are often attributed to unfamiliarity with local
terrain, traffic laws and regulations, or drink driving.
Although Uzbekistan does provide universal health care, the
standard of care does not measure up to that in developed
countries. In emergency medical situations, costly evacuation by
airlift may be required. To be prepared for such cases, it is
critically important that insurance and other health care
arrangements are planned beforehand.
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Uzbekistan International Health Insurance |
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Before visiting central Asia and Uzbekistan, make a call to
Globalsurance. Our dedicated roster of experienced health
insurance advisors can provide detailed options on policies for
solo travelers, families and tour groups. Insurance policies
available through Globalsurance cover a full range of medical
services including: dental, maternity, specialist consultation,
transportation, inpatient services and more. Contact a
Globalsurance advisor today for a free international medical
insurance consultation.
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