Iraq's healthcare system has undergone significant challenges and rebuilding efforts over the past decades. It operates as a dual system, comprising public facilities managed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and a growing private sector. While the public system aims to provide universal access, its resources and quality can vary significantly, especially outside major urban centers. For foreigners and expats, understanding this landscape is crucial, as reliance on private healthcare and comprehensive international insurance is often necessary. The government has recently introduced a national health insurance system, which mandates coverage for foreign residents and is being rolled out in phases across the country. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on citizens and improve service delivery by contracting with both public and private providers. Despite these efforts, challenges persist in infrastructure, human resources, and the availability and cost of medicines.

The public healthcare system in Iraq is primarily managed by the Ministry of Health and its directorates across governorates. Historically, public health facilities have provided services at very low or nominal costs, sometimes as little as one to one and a half dollars for certain services. For refugees and asylum-seekers, public health facilities offer services free of charge, including emergency services, though a minimal fee might be required in some circumstances. A valid resident permit is necessary for chronic medical conditions and surgical interventions in public facilities for these groups. Basic services such as consultations, emergency care, medications, laboratory tests, dental care, screenings, vaccinations, and maternal and child care are generally available.

However, the public system faces significant challenges, including weak resources, low staff morale, and structural deficiencies. Waiting times can be long, and the quality of care may vary. The system has suffered from underfunding, political interference, and a shortage of skilled medical personnel due to brain drain. While efforts are underway to strengthen the public sector, expats often find its services inadequate for their needs, leading many to seek care in the private sector or even abroad.

Private healthcare in Iraq is a growing sector, particularly in major cities like Baghdad and within the Kurdistan Region, offering a higher standard of care and shorter waiting times compared to public facilities. Many urban medical buildings have been reconstructed, with promising developments such as Baghdad Medical City, which includes multiple teaching hospitals. Expats frequently opt for private facilities, especially those with high-security precautions in Baghdad or Western-run clinics in the South.

Recommended Private Hospital Networks and Facilities:

• Baghdad: Al-Andalus Hospital, Al Khayal Private Hospital, Al Waziria Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital, Saint Raphael (Al Rahibat) Hospital, Ibn Al-Bitar Hospital.
• Erbil (Kurdistan Region): Faruk Medical City, Swedish Specialist Hospital, PAR Hospital, Maryamana Hospital, Erbil International Hospital. These facilities are often highlighted for their modern equipment, internationally trained specialists, and comprehensive services.
• Basra: Basra Hospital, Mouwasat Hospital.
• Specialized Clinics: International SOS operates clinics in Erbil and Basra, providing expatriate medical teams, emergency stabilization, and access to diagnostic services, often catering specifically to international organizations and their employees.

Typical Costs: Specific consultation and procedure costs for private facilities are not widely published. However, private care is generally expensive. For context, a spinal injury surgery in Kirkuk was quoted at $7,000, leading the patient to seek care abroad for $10,000 due to better post-operative care. This indicates that significant out-of-pocket expenses can be incurred in the private sector, underscoring the importance of robust health insurance.

Foreigners and expats in Iraq have specific requirements for accessing healthcare. As of February 2025, foreign nationals traveling to Iraq for business or tourism purposes via the Iraqi e-visa platform are mandated to obtain Iraqi health insurance. This insurance must be acquired through a federal online platform, and a hard copy of the policy must be presented to immigration authorities upon arrival. The visa activation fee is now integrated into this health insurance fee.

For foreign residents, the new national health insurance system, operating under Health Insurance Law No. 22 of 2020, mandates health insurance coverage. This is funded by salary-based premiums and employer contributions. While public health facilities offer services, a valid resident permit may be required for chronic medical conditions and surgical interventions, even for refugees and asylum seekers who generally receive free care. There are no widely reported reciprocal health agreements with other countries, making comprehensive private or international health insurance essential for most expats. It is also advisable to carry an English-to-Arabic dictionary or phrasebook for communication, especially outside of major private facilities.

Expats in Iraq have several insurance options, with a strong recommendation for comprehensive coverage due to the complexities of the local healthcare system.

• Mandatory National Health Insurance: The Iraqi government has implemented a national health insurance system, which mandates coverage for foreign residents, alongside government employees and other citizens. Premiums for this system range from 10,000 to 100,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $7.64 to $76.40) per month, with lower-income individuals and the unemployed potentially receiving free coverage. This scheme covers a wide range of services, including surgeries, consultations, and medical tests.

• Voluntary Private Plans: Given the limitations of the public system and the security situation, comprehensive private health insurance is highly recommended for expats. These plans should ideally include:

  • International Health Insurance: Providers like International SOS offer expatriate medical services and facilities within Iraq.
  • War and Terrorism Coverage: This is considered essential for any foreign individual or company operating in Iraq due to the high incidence of terrorism.
  • Medical Evacuation Coverage: Due to the varying quality of local facilities and the potential need for specialized treatment not available locally, coverage for medical evacuation by air ambulance to a neighboring country (e.g., UAE, Europe) is critical.

• Employer-Provided Plans: Many foreign companies operating in Iraq provide comprehensive health insurance packages for their expat employees, often including the critical war, terrorism, and evacuation coverage.

When selecting a plan, expats should ensure direct billing options with reputable private hospitals in Iraq and consider providers experienced in the region. While specific international private insurance premiums are not provided in the search results, they are expected to be significantly higher than the national scheme due to the extensive coverage required for the Iraqi context.

Understanding healthcare costs in Iraq is essential for expats, as out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial, particularly in the private sector.

• Public Healthcare: Historically, public health services have been provided at nominal fees, sometimes as low as $1 to $1.50 for certain services. For refugees and asylum seekers, emergency services and basic medical care are generally free, though minor fees may apply in some cases.

• Private Healthcare: Private facilities, while offering higher quality, come with significantly higher costs. While specific figures for typical GP visits or specialist consultations are not readily available, a reported spinal surgery in Kirkuk was quoted at $7,000, highlighting the potential for high costs for procedures. Out-of-pocket spending remains high in Iraq due to a historical lack of widespread health insurance.

• Prescriptions: The availability and cost of essential medicines are noted as significant challenges within Iraq's healthcare system. Expats should budget for potentially higher prescription costs or consider bringing essential medications with them, accompanied by a doctor's prescription.

• Dental and Vision Care: Public health facilities offer dental care, potentially with a minimal fee. Private dental and vision services are available, but costs will be higher and typically not fully covered by basic insurance plans. The new national health insurance covers 285 types of surgeries, 40 types of medical consultations, and all types of medical tests, along with maternal and child care and vaccinations. However, the extent of coverage for routine dental and vision care under this new scheme for expats would need to be confirmed.

Emergency medical services in Iraq are available, but expats should be prepared for potential challenges.

• How to Call for Help: The primary emergency number for police and ambulance is 911. Alternatively, you can dial 122 for ambulance/paramedics directly and 104 for police.

• What to Expect: Public health facilities provide emergency services, which may be free or incur minimal fees for certain populations like refugees. However, the quality and resources in public emergency rooms can vary. Private hospitals and clinics, such as those operated by International SOS, offer 24/7 ambulance and emergency stabilization services with advanced equipment and expatriate medical teams.

• Language Barriers: A significant consideration for foreigners is the potential for language barriers, as English-speaking operators may not always be available. It is advisable to have key phrases in Arabic or a local contact who can assist in an emergency.

• Cost for Foreigners: While public emergency services may have low costs, it is strongly recommended that expats have comprehensive health insurance that covers emergency treatment and, crucially, medical evacuation. The U.S. Embassy, for example, does not cover medical bills or evacuation costs.

• Ambulance Availability: Ambulance services are available, including ground ambulances. Private providers like International SOS also offer specialized ambulances, including armored vehicles in certain high-security areas. For severe injuries or illnesses, especially in remote areas or where local resources are limited, medical evacuation to a facility outside Iraq (e.g., in Europe or the UAE) is often recommended and should be covered by your insurance.

The quality of healthcare in Iraq presents a mixed and challenging picture for expats. According to the 2025 CEOWORLD Health Care Index, Iraq ranked 79th out of 110 countries globally with an overall score of 33.84. In the 2026 Numbeo Health Care Index, Iraq placed 12th among Arab countries with a score of 46.5.

Strengths:

• Medical Infrastructure and Professionals: Iraq scored relatively well in this category (70.73 points in CEOWORLD 2025), indicating a foundational capacity in hospitals, clinics, and the skills of health workers.
• Private Sector Excellence: Modern private centers in major cities, particularly in the Kurdistan Region (e.g., Faruk Medical City, Swedish Specialist Hospital), offer world-class medical expertise, advanced technology, and patient care, attracting medical tourism for specialties like oncology, trauma, pediatrics, and fertility treatments.
• International Partnerships: Many Iraqi surgeons and specialists have trained abroad, bringing global standards to local facilities.

Weaknesses:

• Systemic Deterioration: The healthcare system has suffered significantly over the past decades due to conflict, sanctions, corruption, and chronic underfunding, leading to tremendous challenges in access, quality, and equity of care.
• Medicine Availability and Cost: This is a critical weakness, with Iraq receiving a low score of 52.88 points in the CEOWORLD 2025 index, indicating substantial difficulties in accessing affordable and essential medicines.
• Government Readiness: The government's ability to regulate and manage health crises scored 64.43 points, highlighting areas for improvement.
• Human Resources: There is a shortage of skilled medical personnel, poor distribution, and an exodus of experts abroad.
• Public Sector Limitations: Public hospitals often experience long waiting times, resource limitations, and inconsistent quality, with many Iraqis seeking treatment abroad.

Comparison to Neighboring Countries: Iraq generally lags behind many of its regional peers in healthcare rankings. For instance, in the 2026 Numbeo index, countries like Qatar, UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia ranked significantly higher. This disparity often necessitates medical evacuation for complex or critical conditions.