Mongolia Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Mongolia

Expats should consider international health insurance for their move to Mongolia, as the country lacks various basic infrastructures. With the right coverage, expats can enjoy Mongolia’s colorful traditions and beautiful mountains for a unique living and traveling experience.

This guide by Pacific Prime will take you through all the key pointers on Mongolia’s healthcare system that expats need to know, such as private hospitals, essential vaccinations, and health insurance.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Mongolia

The Healthcare System in Mongolia

Mongolia provides free and universal healthcare to citizens, but basic healthcare services are not equally distributed throughout the country. Medical facilities are focused mainly in key hubs such as Ulaanbaatar.

The Mongolian healthcare system is administered centrally. The Ministry of Health and the prime minister are responsible for developing healthcare policies, regulations, and strategies.

The Ministry of Health is then responsible for the implementation and assessment of these orders. These responsibilities are also delegated to the heads of each province, which are often made up of several districts.

The healthcare facilities in Mongolia’s urban areas are still below that of Western standards. Serious injuries or illnesses may require evacuation to Korea or China, so be sure to take out a medical insurance policy that covers evacuation transportation costs.

Tiers in Healthcare Services

Healthcare services are divided into three tiers: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

• Primary: At the primary level are family group practices (FGP), mainly found in the urban areas. These are groups of primary care physicians that provide primary healthcare services in Ulaanbaatar, province centers, and other cities.
• Secondary: Rural areas tend to have more facilities that belong in the secondary level, which is made up of district hospitals. These health centers can be quite large and offer a wide range of services. District hospitals may not be able to offer complicated medical procedures.
• Tertiary: At the tertiary level are the major hospitals and specialized facilities. These include centers for cancer, maternity care, psychiatric care, infectious diseases, and many more. These centers offer a higher level of care, but still remain poorly equipped relative to Western standards.

Patients with more serious injuries or illnesses may have to be evacuated to Beijing or Seoul.

Public Hospitals in Mongolia

Some of Mongolia’s top public hospitals include First Central Hospital and State Third Clinical Hospital.

• First Central Hospital: The First Central Hospital is one of the key public hospitals in Ulaanbaatar offering a range of medical services to the public.
• State Third Clinical Hospital: The State Third Clinical Hospital is another important public hospital in Ulaanbaatar. It provides various medical services from inpatient and outpatient services to specialty care and emergency care.

Private Hospitals in Mongolia

Private hospitals are preferred by expats thanks to their higher-quality services and English-speaking staff. Here are two key private hospitals in Mongolia that you should keep in mind.

• Intermed Hospital (Ulaanbaatar): Opened in 2014, the hospital has the capacity to receive around 90 inpatients at a time and has 16 outpatient clinics (except spinal). Annually, the hospital can receive up to 5,000 inpatients and 100,000 outpatient visits.
• Songdo Hospital (Ulaanbaatar): Songdo hospital is the first private general hospital in Mongolia that provides comprehensive medical services including outpatient, inpatient surgery, radiology, clinical, and pathological laboratory services to meet Mongolia’s healthcare needs.

Health Insurance Options for Expats in Mongolia

Expats in Mongolia are required to make contributions to the public insurance system whilst working in the country. Private insurance is also an option for expats and are generally preferred due to private health insurance plans having more comprehensive coverage.

Health Insurance Reforms

Health insurance reforms, the expansion of the health insurance package to outpatient services, high-cost diagnostics and treatments, and medicine reimbursement have combined to push down the share of inpatient care covered by health insurance from 66.3% in 2011 to 47.1% in 2016.

Public Insurance in Mongolia

Public insurance in Mongolia comes in the form of compulsory income-based contributions. The public health insurance scheme applies to those working in Mongolia and even retirees. There are also government subsidies for low-income individuals for their health insurance premiums.

Private Insurance in Mongolia

Expats have multiple options when seeking private health insurance in Mongolia including local and international health insurance providers. For expats, an international health insurance provider is often recommended due to their comprehensive coverage and global benefits.

The Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Mongolia

The best private insurance providers in Mongolia for expats include Cigna, AXA, Allianz, and Now Health International. These providers are known for their comprehensive coverage and superior services.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global offers expats in Mongolia flexible insurance plans with 24/7 access to their customer care team. In addition to comprehensive international health insurance options, foreigners visiting Mongolia can also benefit from their short-term expat health insurance options.

AXA

For expats in Mongolia, AXA offers five main international health insurance plans, Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. These different plans offer different benefit limits and coverage so expats can choose a plan that suits them.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care offers expats and travelers to Mongolia international health insurance plans and travel insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage during their stay. Their international health insurance plans cover inpatient and outpatient treatments, dental care, and medical evacuations.

Now Health International

Now Health International gives expats in Mongolia comprehensive health insurance solutions. Their international health insurance plans are available in two categories, SimpleCare and WorldCare. Simple Care is a more budget-friendly option while WorldCare offers more comprehensive coverage.

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Mongolia

When picking an insurance plan in Mongolia, the first thing you need to do is consider your needs and requirements. Once you have determined what you need covered, you will be able to look for a plan that suits your needs and requirements the most.

Important factors to consider when picking health insurance in Mongolia include:

Premiums and Payment Options

Premiums are an important factor you need to consider when picking the right insurance plan in Mongolia. Choosing a plan with flexible payment options such as deductibles and copayments will allow you to adjust your plan to have the most coverage whilst still staying within budget.

Plan Customizations

Customizability is another key factor to consider when picking insurance in Mongolia. The ability to add or drop benefits from a plan will allow you to customize your benefits and create a plan that covers you the way you need it to.

Exclusions

The benefits and coverage of a plan are important, and it is also equally important that you look at a plan’s exclusions when picking an insurance plan that’s right for you in Mongolia. Those with chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions should pay particular attention to this factor.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Mongolia

Mongolia is generally considered safe for travelers and expats, butit is important to be aware of the extreme weather conditions and sudden changes in temperature. Expats should also take preventative measures such as vaccinations for hepatitis and tetanus.

Recommended vaccinations include:

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

Expats and travelers should memorize emergency contact numbers in Mongolia when visiting the country so they can seek aid in the case of an emergency.

In case of emergency, these are the emergency contact numbers in Mongolia:

• Ambulance: 103
• Directory assistance: 109
• Police: 102
• Immigration Office: 1882

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about the weather in Mongolia?

The climate in Mongolia can change drastically and suddenly throughout the day. It is important to dress appropriately and bring additional clothing with you to prepare for the sudden change in temperature particularly from day to night.

What healthcare facilities are there for expats in Mongolia?

Expats can expect access to public healthcare facilities when in Mongolia. If medical aid is needed, expats are recommended to seek private healthcare facilities due to their ability to cater to international patient needs.

What language is spoken in Mongolia?

Mongolian is the official language of Mongolia. Across the country there will be different dialects. As the country shares a border with several countries, Chinese, Kazakh, and Tuvan are also spoken.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Mongolia can offer expats and travelers a once in a lifetime experience but it is important to keep in mind that accidents can happen any time and a good health insurance plan can give you the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your stay.

If you are looking to move or travel to Mongolia, we strongly advise that you purchase international health insurance before they arrive.

This is where Pacific Prime comes in. As a global insurance brokerage, we offer professional advice at no cost. No matter your budget or your requirements, our professional consultants can help find a policy that fits you or your group.

Our health insurance policies can cover a wide range of services including dental, maternity, expat health insurance, and many more. Please contact us today for a free consultation or click the button below for a no-obligation, free quote.