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Located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountain range, Azerbaijan is a fusion of European and Asian cultural practices, cuisine, and architecture. A former Soviet Republic, it attracts visitors not only for its medieval architecture and natural wonders but also for its advances in medical care. Baku, the city's capital, is home to a great number of private and public hospitals offering comprehensive diagnostic care, surgery, and rehabilitation. Visitors desiring to obtain medical treatment can easily apply for a Republic of Azerbaijan visa online. Opening a gateway to affordable and comprehensive health care that goes beyond what is available at home.
Overview of Healthcare in Azerbaijan
Since April 1st, 2021, the country has instituted full medical insurance for all its citizens. Originally paid for by the government, the payment for this new policy has been gradually directed to employers and Azerbaijani citizens. The government has partnered with both public and private healthcare providers, enabling its citizens to access care across a wide range of institutions and service providers. Although public health care units are the primary system utilized, specialized treatments are occasionally covered through private clinics. Travelers are welcome to visit both public and private healthcare facilities. However, the vast majority of foreign visitors apply for a Republic of Azerbaijan visa to access private care facilities. This is due to their advanced medical treatments and newer facilities and equipment.
Public vs. private healthcare: Key differences
Medical tourism has been increasing in Azerbaijan, offering incentives for the private medical sector to offer competitive health services. Public Hospitals typically have older medical equipment and infrastructure and are less attractive than private healthcare centers offering the latest technologies. Wealthier citizens frequently select private clinics for their care due to shorter wait times and improved equipment. This means that foreigners who have applied for a medical Republic of Azerbaijan visa and are seeking medical treatment will typically have a better experience in a private facility.
Accessing Healthcare as a Foreigner
If you are interested in accessing medical services in Azerbaijan, you will first be required to obtain an ASAN visa. This visa will authorize you to enter the country for medical purposes.
The capital, Baku, is the location of the majority of the country's high-end medical facilities. The countryside has limited health care access, so access to a reputable care provider in the city is recommended. Here are the top healthcare facilities available in Baku, as per Google Reviews.
Dünyagöz Hastanesi Bakı
A Turkish-based hospital that provides specialized ocular and periocular care, including surgery.
Location: Səbail rayonu, Bayıl Qəsəbəsi, Mikayıl Useynov, ev 39 Bakı, şəhəri 1003, Azerbaijan
Phone: +994 12 404 44 69
Liv Bona Dea Hospital
A western-based health care facility offering emergency, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, surgical, orthopedic, and other medical services.
Location: 2 Mehdi Abbasov, Baku 1060, Azerbaijan
Phone: +994 12 525 09 00
Premium Clinic & Hospital
A modern clinic offering emergency, family, surgery, and pediatric care.
Location: 25B Asif Maharramov, Baku, Azerbaijan
Phone: +994 50 707 05 01
Booking Your Appointment
Once you have selected the best healthcare facility for your needs, contact the facility directly. You may be able to book a telehealth appointment and/or secure an in-person appointment with a specialist before your arrival. This will ensure that the specialist or service you require is available during your approved visa period. Customs may also require your hospital or doctor's contact information upon entry to Azerbaijan. This is to confirm the legitimacy of your medical tourism visa.
Emergency Numbers
If you find yourself in an emergency medical situation while in Azerbaijan, call 103 for ambulance services. Due to limited availability in the countryside, faster response times can be expected in Baku. If you have any concerns about your health while traveling, contact your doctor before departure.
Necessary Documents
To apply for your Azerbaijan medical visa, you will be required to have a valid passport, a complete visa application form, medical documentation (if requested), and your travel itinerary. You also may be required to show proof of medical insurance or financial means to cover your medical treatment.
Medical Insurance and Costs
Azerbaijan's healthcare costs are very competitive and far lower than Western nations. Even so, surprise medical costs can cause unintended stress. This is why all tourists and expatriates are encouraged to obtain health insurance prior to travel. Do not let unexpected health expenses or complications cause unintended stress during your stay, and always obtain medical insurance.
Treatment costs vary depending on the clinic selected. On average, the cost of laser eye surgery in Azerbaijan is $1000, In Vitro Fertilization is $1,500, and an EEG costs $150. Foreigners will typically only use private facilities due to limited access and care available at public hospitals. Public hospitals provide limited procedures and do not offer the same standard of care available in private clinics. Medical travelers can confirm pricing prior to travel by contacting the healthcare facilities directly.
Tips for Tourists
In Baku, tourists will find pharmacies carrying well-known and popular medications. Specialized medication may not be readily available, so travelers should pack all essential medications before travel. Travelers should include prescriptions, receipts, and a doctor's note detailing the medication type, dosage, usage, and reason for needing the medication with their travel documentation.
If an emergency is to occur, contact 103 for ambulance services. If an ambulance is not necessary, but you do need urgent medical care, proceed to the closest medical facility. If possible, Baku has the best hospitals and medical care available in Azerbaijan, so proceed to one of these facilities.
Visa and Healthcare Connection
Ensure that you are able to access the advanced health care available in this country by obtaining a Republic of Azerbaijan visa. Your health and security are important, and a medical visa allows you access to medical assistance from Azerbaijan’s world-renowned medical institutions. Today, it is easier than ever before to access these services by applying for an e-visa. Whether you are traveling in need of a cosmetic procedure, comprehensive care, physiotherapy, or an advanced surgical procedure, the country has become a location for travelers' medical needs.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan has seen a sharp rise in healthcare travelers. Innovative technologies, high-end private hospitals, and world-class doctors are only a few of the exceptional offerings in its health sector. Safer and more accessible than before, the country has become a location scouted out by foreigners for its advanced healthcare services. Take the next step in your healthcare journey and apply for an Azerbaijan medical visa today.