Healthcare in Kazakhstan

The quality of healthcare in Kazakhstan is highly variable, especially in the public sector. While the government continues to implement reforms, public healthcare has struggled with chronic underfunding and inefficiencies since the end of the Soviet era. Bribery and corruption among underpaid medical professionals remain widespread.

Most people moving to Kazakhstan opt for private health insurance to access better-quality private hospitals and doctors. The public healthcare system, although improving, still faces long waiting times, a shortage of specialists, and inconsistent service delivery.

You may find that Kazakhstani doctors have a different bedside manner compared to Western medical professionals. They can sometimes seem brusque or impatient, particularly when facing language barriers and tight schedules. This is normal behaviour for doctors in Kazakhstan and not a personal slight.

Public healthcare in Kazakhstan

Public hospitals are widespread, with around 70 percent of Kazakhstan’s hospitals owned by the government. The quality of care varies significantly between urban and rural areas. Almaty and Astana offer better-equipped hospitals with more specialised care, and the services provided in remote regions are limited.

If you are a legal resident, you are entitled to public healthcare, but expect inconsistencies in service delivery. Some people report receiving good care, while others face long delays, equipment shortages, and out-of-pocket expenses for services that should be free.

English-speaking medical professionals are rare in the public sector. If you plan to use public healthcare, being proficient in a local language or having a translator can make a significant difference in your experience.

Useful links

• Kazakhstan Ministry of Healthcare
• eGov Public Healthcare Services

Private healthcare in Kazakhstan

Private hospitals in Kazakhstan provide a higher standard of care than public hospitals, with shorter wait times, modern equipment, and better-trained staff. However, costs can be high, and not all private facilities have English-speaking doctors, especially outside major cities.

Some of the most reputable private hospitals for foreigners include American Medical Centers in Almaty and Astana, which offer international standards and English-speaking staff. Kazakh-Russian Medical University Hospital is also known for its reliable services, particularly for international residents.

If you require major surgery or specialised treatment, you may need to consider medical evacuation to a nearby country. Private air ambulance services and international insurers offer evacuation coverage, although costs can be substantial.

Health insurance in Kazakhstan

Since 2020, Kazakhstan has required mandatory monthly public health insurance contributions from both employers and employees. This system, the Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), remains inefficient and comes with long waiting times, staff shortages, and bureaucratic hurdles.

Public insurance covers essential services, hospital stays, and emergency care, but many residents find its coverage limited, particularly for specialist treatments and certain medications. As a result, middle- and upper-class residents often choose private insurance for faster access and better quality care.

Private health insurance provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times, and a wider range of treatments. However, costs can vary significantly, and some policies may not cover all medical expenses.

Pharmacies and medication in Kazakhstan

Pharmacies, known as "Аптека" (Apteka) in Kazakh and Russian, are widely available in larger cities. The pharmacy symbol is typically a green cross, similar to many European countries. However, imported medications can be harder to find due to supply chain regulations, and some drugs that are over-the-counter (OTC) in Western countries may require a prescription in Kazakhstan.

Common medications like painkillers and antibiotics are generally available, but specialised medications like ADHD treatments and certain antidepressants, may be strictly regulated or unavailable.

If you plan to bring prescription medications into Kazakhstan, be aware that strict regulations apply. You should carry a doctor’s prescription along with a translated document in Russian or Kazakh. Verify the availability of any essential medication before travelling. Some controlled substances may need to be declared at customs, and certain strong painkillers or narcotics may be restricted or banned.

Social media discussions and forums indicate that imported medication prices can be high, and counterfeit drugs may be a concern in smaller, unverified pharmacies. When purchasing medication, stick to reputable pharmacies in major cities.

Health hazards in Kazakhstan

Health concerns in Kazakhstan range from chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and cancer to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. Approximately 40,000 people in the country are living with HIV, with new cases mostly linked to high-risk populations.

Environmental factors also play a role. Air pollution in major cities like Almaty and Astana has worsened due to industrial emissions and coal heating in winter, leading to respiratory issues. Frostbite and hypothermia are risks in the north, where temperatures can drop below -30°C (-22°F). Travellers spending time in rural areas should be aware of tick-borne encephalitis, especially in spring and summer.

Kazakhstan has also banned the sale of energy drinks to individuals under 21 to combat rising concerns over heart health and addiction.

Pre-travel vaccinations in Kazakhstan

Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling to Kazakhstan. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or engage in outdoor activities.

Travellers spending extended time in Kazakhstan may consider tuberculosis (TB) vaccination. Those planning outdoor adventures in forests or mountainous regions should get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. Polio vaccination is required for travellers arriving from polio-endemic countries.

Emergency services in Kazakhstan

In a medical emergency, dial 103 for an ambulance or 112 for general emergency assistance. Ambulance response times vary: in Almaty and Astana, they typically arrive within 10 to 20 minutes, but in rural areas, delays of 30 minutes or more are common due to resource limitations.

Many expats report challenges with emergency services due to a lack of English-speaking staff. As a result, private hospitals and international insurance policies offering emergency medical evacuation are popular options for foreigners seeking faster, higher-quality care.

Private ambulance services are available in major cities and generally provide quicker response times, although at a cost. For serious medical emergencies, air ambulance services can arrange evacuations to nearby countries with higher healthcare standards.