Azerbaijan Health Insurance
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The Republic of Azerbaijan is located between Eastern Europe and
Western Asia, bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran,
Turkey and the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan is a developing nation
with a population of approximately 9.5 million (CIA, 2012).
Its capital, Baku is located on the Caspian Sea and is home to
approximately 25percent of the country’s population.
Architectural extremes provide an interesting backdrop to
daily life in the Republic, with modern skyscrapers mixed with
former Soviet Union block buildings and ancient structures
from earlier civilizations, clear examples of the diverse make
up of major cities. The weather is as diverse as the culture
and the country holds the unique honor of experiencing 9 of
the 11 climate types found around the planet. As a general
rule, the weather in Azerbaijan would be considered mild and
dry during the summer months and mild yet wet in the winter
months. Azerbaijani, the official language, is spoken by over
90percent of the country’s inhabitants, and hails from
the Turkic family, being similar to Turkish and Qashqai. It is
a language also spoken by people in northwest Iran. The
tourism industry is still emerging, and tourist facilities are
therefore limited, however in a boost to its potential for
hosting larger scale events, the country is expecting to
attract a large number of tourists in 2012 as it hosts the
Eurovision Song Contest, a European singing competition that
singers from Azerbaijan won in 2011. Azerbaijan’s
tourist slogan sums up the country’s unique character;
‘Azerbaijan, a Land of Magic Colors’.
Azerbaijan Health Care and Insurance
Following independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the
quality of Azerbaijan’s health system deteriorated
significantly, after which the country did not have the
resources to implement significant changes in the delivery of
health or welfare services, resulting in the basic Soviet-era
framework remaining in place. The formal structure is highly
centralized and most decisions regarding key health policy
initiatives are undertaken at a national level. The Ministry
of Health has overall responsibility for the management of
Azerbaijan’s health system, however it is limited in its
ability to influence providers of healthcare at the local
level, due to the fact they are financially dependent on local
district health authorities, which control much of the public
funding. Overall financing of the system is primarily provided
through general government revenues, including money from the
State Oil Fund. Reform of the health system has been
incremental therefore many of the main hallmarks of the Soviet
model are evident. The majority of health providers in the
country are state owned, although over recent years a growing
share of health services are being provided through the
flourishing private sector, particularly in the capital.
Access to private hospitals and treatment clinics is limited
however to those able to afford such care. Basic check-ups in
private facilities are estimated to cost more than the average
wage, highlighting the need for Azerbaijan health insurance in
order to offset the high cost of treatment.
Within the main cities and district centres, the delivery of
primary healthcare is administered through paediatric clinics,
polyclinics and consultation centres. City hospitals provide
inpatient care and a wide variety of specialist services.
Primary care in rural areas is delivered through a network of
village doctor clinics and outpatient departments of village
facilities. The gap between the quality-of-care offered in
urban areas and that of rural areas is evident, with only
44percent of children in rural areas under the age of one
year, having had the measles vaccination compared with
64percent in urban areas. Relatively low levels of expenditure
by the Government, both in absolute terms and as a proportion
of GDP has meant that out-of-pocket payments account for a
significant portion of health expenses for the populace,
resulting in access to healthcare being limited for vulnerable
households. The prevention of communicable diseases remains a
significant issue for the Republic, particularly in regard to
diseases such as tuberculosis. Reducing the burden of maternal
and infant mortality has also been identified as a key health
priority. Diphtheria and Hepatitis B are prevalent. Estimated
life expectancy of the populace is lower than that of
neighbouring Turkey, Armenia and Georgia, at 68.38 years for
males and 74.68 years for females.
Improvements in overall health outcomes and the delivery of
services have occurred over the last decade, the government
having worked with UNICEF, the World Health Organization and a
number of other international agencies to improve the health
of Azerbaijanis through better addressing specific diseases
and institutionalizing health sector reforms. Despite the
improvements there is still a lack of basic medical supplies
and a desperate need for modern equipment. Around 11percent of
the population still lives below the poverty line which has a
direct negative impact on their health. Expatriates living in
Azerbaijan today often travel outside of the country for child
birth and other major operations in order to receive a high
standard of care. Comprehensive medical insurance should be
purchased by all expatriates and visitors to the country which
includes evacuation by air. Air evacuation is often the only
option for treatment; costs for this service can total tens of
thousands of dollars.
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Azerbaijan's medical insurance industry is a fast paced ever evolving market however our staff are experts and at your disposal. |
Expatriates and Travelers in Azerbaijan
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Azerbaijan Health Insurance Concerns
One of the leading causes of illness among travelers to
Azerbaijan is food and water-borne diseases. Expatriates and
visitors should choose their eateries carefully, wash hands
regularly, ensure only bottled water is consumed and all food
is fully cooked. Prior to arriving in the Republic, it is
important for travelers to visit a medical professional to
arrange necessary vaccinations for the destination. Hepatitis
A and Hepatitis B are recommended by the US Centers for
Disease Control, as well as any routine childhood inoculations
which are not already up-to-date. Rabies is also advised for
those intending to spend considerable time outdoors. An
additional risk in the country is mosquito-borne malaria.
Malaria is present in several regions during the months of May
to October. Those planning to visit an area with a risk of
malaria should take precautions to avoid infection.
Expatriates and visitors should consider taking an
anti-malarial drug, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers and
sleep in an air conditioned room in order to limit the
potential for insect bites. For those who enjoy spending time
at the sea side, the beaches on the Caspian, around Baku
should be avoided. Based on details from the Republic's Centre
for Hygiene and Epidemiology, a high level of pollution is
reported with a significantly high bacterial content in the
sea. Due to the limited medical supplies and poor facilities
in Azerbaijan, travel advisories recommend visitors carry a
comprehensive first aid kit at all times, but particularly
when outside the capital, as well as purchase comprehensive
medical insurance.
Overall crime levels in Azerbaijan are low however visitors
and expatriates should remain cautious at all times and alert
to their surroundings, ensuring the safety of themselves and
personal belongings. Advisories note that travelling alone at
night should be avoided, when crimes against foreigners are
most common, generally targeted at lone males and typically
following a night out involving alcohol. Due to an ongoing
dispute with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, travel
warnings are in place advising against all travel to the area
without the required approval from the Azerbaijan government.
A cease fire has been in place since 1994 however gunfire is
still exchanged across the border. The upkeep of the roads in
Azerbaijan, especially those outside the capital are of poor
repair, and badly lit. During winter, snowfall can make
driving particularly hazardous, highlighting the need for
personal emergency provisions such as a kit containing
blankets, torch, shovel and snacks. Vehicles in Azerbaijan
commonly lack maintenance and the overall standard of driving
is unpredictable, with drivers often ignoring one-way signs
and other basic rules. Diversions and road closures are
generally difficult to identify, often remaining unsigned. In
the event of serious trauma from a road accident, medical
evacuation to a country with a quality emergency response is
more than likely necessary, highlighting the need for
international medical insurance in order to cover such costs.
Azerbaijan Expat Health Insurance
The overall health service in Azerbaijan is poor. There are
limited medical supplies and a lack of modern medical
equipment. Many expatriates choose to receive medical services
outside of Azerbaijan. Visitors and expatriates should ensure
they arrange comprehensive medical insurance prior to arrival
in the country which covers air ambulance as well as all
planned activities. Air evacuation to Turkey or other
neighboring countries is often the only option for quality
medical assistance. International Medical Insurance can
provide a free quotation to cover all your medical needs,
including emergency evacuation and repatriation,
doctors’ fees, hospital services and specialist
consultations. Call one of our experienced advisors today.
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