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International Health Insurance in Lebanon for Expats
Expats living in Lebanon should consider an international medical insurance plan because most expats don’t qualify for a public Lebanon insurance policy. Plus, international plans are specifically designed for the unique circumstances of living abroad.
International health insurance can cover you in every country, offer services in most languages, and provide customizable options to fit your individual needs. International health insurance plans can include coverage for:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Vision
- Dental
- Maternity
- Preventative care
You get to choose your insurance provider, level of coverage, and add-on benefits. Unlike a public insurance plan that is handed to you, with a private international plan you get to customize it to your needs and budget.
In this Pacific Prime article, we'll explain what health insurance options are available to expats, how Lebanon's healthcare system is set up, what expats should consider when picking their insurance policy, and what health and safety tips travelers should know before departure.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Lebanon
The Healthcare System in Lebanon
Lebanon’s healthcare system is a mixed public-private model, but private healthcare dominates in terms of quality and access. Public hospitals are underfunded and may lack resources, while private facilities—especially in Beirut—offer high-quality care, modern equipment, and English-speaking staff.
Compared to most parts of the world, Lebanon has a very high ratio of doctors to patients.
Lebanon Public Sector and Hospitals
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) runs and regulates the public healthcare sector in Lebanon, and public services tend to be limited. The MOPH is making a push to increase access to healthcare in rural areas since the majority of care tends to be concentrated in cities.
Rural areas also have less access to advanced care, so it’s essential for expats to have coverage for emergency evacuation in the event they need to be transported to Beirut or out of the country.
Positive characteristics of the public sector:
- Affordable for eligible citizens
- Wide geographical reach in most regions of Lebanon
- Emergency care availability in times of national crisis
Negative characteristics of the public sector:
- Underfunded and suffers from resource shortages
- Lower-quality facilities and overcrowding
- Expats have limited access for healthcare subsidies and must pay fees in full
- Staff shortages and strikes
Expats rarely use public healthcare since it is geared toward low-income citizens, and it lacks consistency in service.
Lebanon Private Sector and Hospitals
Lebanon’s healthcare system heavily relies on the services and providers of the private health sector. Private hospitals and clinics have better infrastructure and medical equipment than public facilities, and the private sector dominates primary healthcare services.
Expats tend to prefer the private sector and hospitals, which means they need private health insurance to have access to pay for these private facilities.
Positive characteristics of the private sector:
- High quality of care
- Shorter wait times
- English-speaking staff
- Advanced technology and services
Negative characteristics of the private sector:
- High cost of care
- Insurance compatibility varies
- Urban-centered access
- System strain during crises
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Health Insurance Options in Lebanon for Expats
Most expatriates will not qualify for the two public health insurance schemes in Lebanon: the National Security Fund and the Ministry of Public Health. Instead, expats are required to get a private insurance plan, either through a local Lebanon provider or through an international provider.
Public Insurance in Lebanon
The National Security Fund (NSSF) provides public health coverage for employees who contribute to the fund. The NSSF allows individuals to seek care in both public and private facilities. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) provides last resort hospital coverage for individuals not insured.
The National Social Security Fund offers some healthcare coverage for Lebanon citizens, including the following benefits:
- Sickness insurance
- Maternity insurance
- Labor accident insurance
- Occupational disease insurance
- Family benefits
- Termination-of-service benefits
- Private consultations, medications, and hospitalizations
Some expats will be eligible to access NSSF coverage if their citizenship country has a reciprocal social security agreement with Lebanon. If yours doesn’t, you likely won’t qualify for public insurance.
Private Insurance in Lebanon
Expats are exempted from social security contributions in Lebanon, so they must secure a private health insurance policy. It is critical to secure a plan that has emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage that doesn’t exempt war or terrorism since Lebanon has a high risk of civil unrest.
It is highly recommended for expats in Lebanon to get an international health insurance plan that can travel with them and whose benefits are applicable in any country of the world. This ensures that when you travel, you can seek covered care in any country or be emergency evacuated if needed.
Some of the common benefits and add-ons that are available through private insurance include:
- Inpatient and day-patient care
- Outpatient and specialist visits
- Emergency medical care and transportation
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Maternity and infertility treatments
- Preventative care
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- A wider range of prescriptive medications
- Mental health care and various therapy modalities
- 24/7 virtual doctor appointments
- 24/7 support from insurance experts
- Some travel insurance benefits
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Best Private Insurance for Expats in Lebanon
GeoBlue, Cigna Global, Allianz Care, NOW Health International, and IMG are the best private international health insurance providers for expatriates living and/or working in Lebanon.
Let’s learn a little more about each provider below. Feel free to read our article detailing the Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers for more suggestions.
GeoBlue
GeoBlue’s international network of providers spans more than 180 countries and territories and includes more than 1.7 million providers. GeoBlue offers the Xplorer Essential and the Xplorer Premier expat health insurance plans. These plans are favorites for U.S. expats.
Their exclusive deals for U.S. citizens make getting coverage within the U.S. more affordable than many other providers.
Here are some more GeoBlue highlights:
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers international health insurance to expats living in more than 200 markets and territories around the world. Cigna has 1.5 million health professionals and 24/7 customer support workers who speak more than 50 languages. Individuals, families, and businesses can get Cigna coverage.
Here are some more Cigna highlights:
Allianz Care
Allianz Care is a world-leading health insurance provider for expats living globally. As the international health brand of the larger Allianz Partners, Allianz Care offers health, life, critical illness, and disability insurance around the globe in 75 countries and over 58 languages.
Here are some more Allianz highlights:
NOW Health International
NOW Health International offers coverage in over 200 territories, and expats choose NOW Health because of their customer-focused services and extensive worldwide provider network. SimpleCare plans are designed to be cost-effective for expats, and Worldcare plans offer more comprehensive coverage.
Here are some NOW Health International highlights:
IMG
IMG Global offers worldwide coverage through their expat international health insurance plans so you’re covered wherever you travel. Four tiers of coverage allow you to select $1,000,000 in total coverage per individual up to $8,000,000. IMG plans cover medical evacuation and prescription drugs.
Here are some more IMG highlights:
Consider This When Picking Health Insurance in Lebanon
Expats need to consider public vs. private healthcare, if they or their dependents have pre-existing medical conditions, and if a plan includes emergency medical evacuation when they’re picking the right health insurance plan for their travels.
Here are some more topics expats should consider:
- Public vs. Private Healthcare: Lebanon has both public and private healthcare, but private facilities are more commonly used by expats due to better quality and shorter wait times. Most expats choose private health insurance to access top-tier care.
- Network Coverage: Make sure your insurance includes a wide hospital and doctor network in Lebanon—especially in Beirut and other major cities where quality care is concentrated. Check if direct billing is available to avoid paying upfront.
- Emergency and Evacuation Coverage: Lebanon’s healthcare is strong in urban areas but limited in rural regions. Choose a plan that includes emergency evacuation to another country if advanced care or political instability requires urgent relocation.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Many insurers either exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you have chronic health issues, look for a policy that covers ongoing treatment or offers special add-ons.
- Access to Medication: Some medications may be unavailable or inconsistent in Lebanon. Confirm that your plan covers the cost of prescriptions or allows for international pharmacy support and refills.
- Local vs. International Plans: Local insurers may be cheaper but offer limited international coverage. If you plan to travel frequently or may need care abroad, international insurance is more flexible and comprehensive.
- Mental Health and Maternity: Not all policies include mental health services or maternity care. If these are priorities, ensure your plan explicitly covers counseling, psychiatric support, prenatal care, and delivery.
- Claim and Support Services: Choose an insurer with responsive customer service and easy-to-manage claims, especially if you don’t speak Arabic. English-language support and a digital claims portal can make a big difference.
- Political Risk and Flexibility: Given Lebanon’s sometimes volatile political environment, consider a policy that allows mid-term cancellation or region-wide coverage, in case you need to relocate on short notice.
Health & Safety Tips for Travelers in Lebanon
Travelers heading to Lebanon should check their government’s travel advisories and the local news before entering the country since the country’s political and security climate can change unexpectedly. Travelers should also be up to date on all their vaccines and follow CDC health guidelines.
Here are some more health and safety tips for travelers in Lebanon:
- Check Travel Advisories Before You Go: Lebanon’s political and security situation can change rapidly. Always consult your government’s travel advisories and register your trip if possible. Avoid areas with recent unrest or military activity.
- Drink Bottled or Filtered Water: Tap water in Lebanon may not always be safe to drink, especially in rural areas. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
- Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccines are current and consider hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and tetanus. Depending on your travel plans, additional vaccines may be recommended by a travel clinic.
- Use Caution in Crowds and Protests: Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, as they can become unpredictable. Stay alert in busy public areas and follow local news for updates.
- Protect Against Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes can carry diseases like leishmaniasis in certain regions. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evening, and sleep with a net if staying in rural areas.
- Practice Road Safety: Traffic can be chaotic, with limited enforcement of road rules. Use seat belts, avoid nighttime driving when possible, and hire a trusted driver if unfamiliar with local roads.
- Secure Personal Belongings: Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen, especially in tourist spots. Keep valuables close, use hotel safes, and avoid displaying wealth.
- Be Respectful of Local Customs: Lebanon is diverse, with both conservative and liberal areas. Dress modestly, especially in religious or rural areas, and respect cultural norms around gender and public behavior.
- Know Emergency Numbers and Hospitals: The general emergency number in Lebanon is 112. Have contact info for nearby hospitals, especially if you have a medical condition or are traveling outside major cities.
- Consider Travel and Medical Insurance: Healthcare in Lebanon is generally good in cities but can be costly for foreigners. Travel insurance with coverage for illness, accidents, and evacuation is highly recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need international health insurance in Lebanon as an expat?
International health insurance is highly recommended in Lebanon for expats. While Lebanon has good private healthcare, treatment can be expensive, and public services are limited. Insurance ensures access to quality care and protects you from unexpected medical costs.
Are private hospitals in Lebanon covered by international insurers?
Most international insurers include major private hospitals in Beirut and other cities in their networks. Always confirm that your preferred provider offers direct billing with these hospitals to avoid paying large amounts upfront and filing claims later.
Does expat health insurance in Lebanon cover emergency evacuation?
Many expat health plans offer emergency evacuation in Lebanon, but not all include it by default. Given Lebanon’s limited rural healthcare and political instability, choose a policy that covers evacuation to a nearby country for specialized treatment or in case of crisis.
Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now
We’ve now reviewed how Lebanon’s healthcare system is set up, the pros and cons of both the public and private sectors, which public insurance schemes are available, and the best private insurance options for expats.
Since it can feel overwhelming to know which provider and plan to go with, consulting with a professional who knows the market and the options can simplify and speed up the process. There are many benefits for using a broker when getting insurance, including saving money and time!
As an insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime offers a wide spectrum of health insurance policies. From family insurance to travel insurance, we are more than capable of finding the perfect plan that balances your budget with your needs.
Get a free quote now with our online comparison tool that features over 50,000 insurance plans. For tailored, impartial advice, contact our team of expert insurance advisors today!
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