Healthcare in Azerbaijan

The healthcare system in Azerbaijan has seen steady improvements as the government, backed by the World Bank, continues to develop it. New facilities have sprung up across the country, and medical staff training and equipment upgrades form key parts of ongoing healthcare projects. Public spending on healthcare now stands at about 4 percent of GDP, reflecting the government’s increased focus on the sector.

Despite these efforts, the Azerbaijan healthcare system remains less developed than in most European countries. You’ll find most expats opt for private healthcare in Baku, with serious medical cases often requiring treatment abroad, primarily in Turkey or elsewhere in Europe.

Public healthcare in Azerbaijan

When it comes to public healthcare in Azerbaijan, you'll have access to state-run facilities that provide free medical services to residents. You’ll encounter various types of facilities, including polyclinics for outpatient care, hospitals, dispensaries, and specialised clinics offering both outpatient and inpatient services.

Since 2021, Azerbaijan has rolled out a nationwide compulsory health insurance system, and public health spending has quadrupled between 2018 and 2023. The Azerbaijani Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) now oversees public medical institutions under this insurance scheme. 

Despite this financial boost, quality gaps persist in the public system. Baku is home to most of the decent facilities, with options practically non-existent elsewhere – the few facilities outside the capital tend to lack proper services, equipment and trained staff. Living outside Baku means you’ll likely need to travel to the capital for any meaningful public healthcare.

Private healthcare in Azerbaijan

Private healthcare in Azerbaijan delivers significantly higher standards, with modern equipment and qualified professionals at your disposal. Expats usually choose private hospitals during their stays. This sector has grown substantially in recent years, giving you more options for your health needs.

Azerbaijan’s standing as a medical tourism destination continues to rise, drawing patients from Georgia, Iran, Turkey, Russia and beyond. TABIB’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan emphasises further development of medical tourism, including bringing back Azerbaijani doctors from abroad, enhancing staff language skills, and pursuing international hospital certifications. Private health costs remain relatively reasonable, with treatments spanning conventional to alternative approaches.

While private facilities handle basic health issues well, serious conditions might still require treatment outside Azerbaijan. Make sure your medical insurance covers evacuation costs, as this can prove essential in emergencies.

Cost of Living in Azerbaijan

Pharmacies in Azerbaijan

Finding pharmacies in Azerbaijan poses little challenge, particularly in major cities where aptek (the local term for pharmacies) stock a wide range of medications. Baku’s pharmacies often operate round-the-clock, making emergency medication access straightforward at any hour.

You’ll notice many medications sold without prescriptions here – a stark difference from stricter Western regulations. This practice makes self-medication common among locals. As of 2024, Azerbaijan implemented the first phase of medicinal product serialisation for psychotropic and potent drugs, potentially affecting certain medication availability. When in doubt about medication needs, consulting a healthcare professional remains your safest approach.

Health insurance in Azerbaijan

Health insurance in Azerbaijan operates under a mandatory system. Azerbaijani citizens receive coverage through the national universal healthcare policy, which grants access to free medical services. The nationwide compulsory system, launched in 2021, covers primary care, hospital stays, outpatient services, emergency treatment, vaccinations and lab work. The insurance package has expanded impressively.

Moving to Azerbaijan typically means arranging private health insurance – this isn’t optional but essential. Expat employers typically handle this arrangement, but take time to examine your policy documents thoroughly to understand your exact coverage.

UK citizens should know that no reciprocal healthcare agreement exists between the UK and Azerbaijan anymore, making comprehensive private insurance even more critical.

Health hazards and pre-travel vaccines in Azerbaijan

Health hazards in Azerbaijan remain relatively few, although safety concerns like road dangers and regional conflicts deserve your attention.

Malaria exists in specific southern regions, primarily in lowland areas between the Kura and Arax rivers from June to October, exclusively from P. vivax. Prophylaxis might be necessary if your travels take you to these areas.

Tap water safety varies across the country, with Baku suffering from lower water quality. Stick to bottled water, boil tap water, or use filters/purification tablets to stay safe.

Before travelling to Azerbaijan, consider updating all your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), flu and polio. Medical professionals sometimes also recommend Hepatitis A and B vaccines. Schedule a pre-travel consultation with a travel health specialist several weeks before departure to receive personalised advice based on your health history and specific itinerary.

Safety Concerns in Azerbaijan

Emergency services in Azerbaijan

Emergency services in Azerbaijan function reliably in Baku but become sparse outside the capital. For medical emergencies, dial 103 to summon an ambulance. Other essential numbers include 101 for fire services, 102 for police, and 112 for the Ministry of Emergency Situations (handling natural and man-made disasters). Keep these numbers saved in your phone, as emergency services might fall short of Western standards, especially beyond Baku’s city limits.