Healthcare in Algeria

The standard of healthcare in Algeria varies widely, and public healthcare may not meet the expectations of most expats. This is because the public system is chronically underfunded and hindered by bureaucratic obstacles. While services in the major cities, such as Algiers or Oran, are generally considered adequate, healthcare provision in remote areas is poor to non-existent, prompting most expats to choose pricey private healthcare.

Public healthcare in Algeria

Public healthcare is provided for free to all Algerian citizens and permanent residents. However, due to a host of issues, the standards of public healthcare in Algeria remain poor. The majority of medical staff will speak French or Arabic, with English not widely spoken.

Expats working in Algeria have access to free public healthcare via the social security system. The employer is responsible for registering their foreign staff, and will pay monthly contributions and deduct them from the employee's salary.

Private healthcare in Algeria

Private healthcare in Algeria has rapidly grown to fill the gaps in the public healthcare system, and standards are generally higher than what expats can find within the public domain. Due to local staff shortages, private clinics are often staffed by foreign medical professionals, and expats are more likely to encounter doctors who speak English.

Hospitals and clinics typically expect cash payments up front for treatments, and the cost of private healthcare in Algeria makes it inaccessible for many locals.

Health insurance in Algeria

The national medical insurance scheme is available for salaried and independent workers and their dependants, granting access to the public healthcare system for a large portion of the population. There is no existing national private health insurance scheme in Algeria.

Expats should arrange comprehensive health insurance before arriving in the country, especially if they're working in remote areas. Expat health insurance in Algeria should include local emergency care and possible repatriation to a country with better health facilities.

Pharmacies and medication in Algeria

Pharmacies are widely available in Algerian towns and cities, and they're considered a well-trusted source of medical advice. They're open daily during the week and in shifts on weekends and evenings.

Getting over-the-counter medicines in Algeria is fairly easy, but filling prescriptions may be difficult. It may also be challenging to get prescription drugs of good quality in Algeria, especially beyond Algiers. To avoid running out, you should try to bring along any chronic medicines you need in large quantities.

Be sure to take copies of prescriptions in case of immigration or customs queries over the importation of medication. It is also advisable to have these translated into French.

Health hazards in Algeria

Heatstroke and dehydration are significant health risks for expats due to the extreme heat in parts of the country. It's essential to stay well-hydrated at all times. Bottled water is recommended, as tap water in Algeria isn't potable. Sand and dust storms are also a health risk for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Vaccinations for Algeria

Before travelling to Algeria, you should consult a healthcare provider to ensure that you've received the appropriate vaccinations to safeguard your health. Vaccinations are not mandatory for entering the country, but we recommend keeping the following vaccinations up to date:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDAP)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Annual flu shot

Emergency services in Algeria

• Police: 17 or 1548
• Fire: 14
• Ambulance 14
• Gendarme (national police operating in rural areas): 1055

Emergency operators may only speak French or Arabic, and emergency response times may be slow, especially in remote regions. It is also recommended to keep your embassy's emergency contact number saved.