Overview

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and emerging economy. The country’s main urban centers, including Yangon (the former capital and largest city), Mandalay, and Naypyidaw (the current capital), have seen a growth in foreign investment and expatriate communities. However, expats considering a move to Myanmar should be aware of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living in this developing nation.

One of the most critical aspects for expats to consider is the state of healthcare and insurance in Myanmar. The country’s healthcare system has been undergoing significant changes and improvements, but it still lags behind many developed nations. As of 2024, Myanmar’s healthcare expenditure remains relatively low compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that the country spends approximately 5% of its GDP on healthcare.

For expats, understanding the intricacies of the local healthcare system, available insurance options, and potential health risks is crucial. Myanmar faces challenges such as a high prevalence of infectious diseases, limited access to quality healthcare in rural areas, and a shortage of medical professionals and equipment. These factors make it essential for expatriates to secure comprehensive health insurance coverage and be prepared for potential medical emergencies. This guide aims to provide valuable insights to help expatriates make informed decisions about their insurance needs while residing in Myanmar.

Myanmar Health Care System

If you plan to become an expat in Myanmar, there are many different things you need to consider when it comes to medical care. The Myanmar health system is still developing throughout the country so here we have provided you with a practical checklist on using the healthcare system of The Land of the Golden Pagoda. 

Public Healthcare in Myanmar

Public hospitals in Myanmar lack many basic medical facilities and equipment and can often be understaffed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Myanmar ranks 190th out of 191 member states in overall health system performance. This assessment was based on various performance indicators, and it highlights the challenges faced by Myanmar’s health system. The country’s health system faces significant issues related to financing, fairness, and access to quality care.

Medical inequities in Myanmar are obvious which is evident from the distribution of health care facilities and beds across the country. Even though most Burmese people reside in rural areas, most healthcare facilities continue to be concentrated in larger towns and cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2024, Myanmar has approximately 1.3 physicians and 1.1 hospital beds per 1,000 population in the public sector, which is below the global average.

Private Healthcare in Myanmar

In Myanmar, there is a handful of private hospitals that have a wide range of specialists, modern equipment which is necessary to deal with emergency patients. The private healthcare sector in Myanmar has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in urban areas. It often provides higher quality care but at a higher cost. Private healthcare providers are more in favor of expats residing in Myanmar because of their provision of superior quality medical services. Most of these private healthcare providers are located in Yangon.  

Despite local medical care being available many wealthy Burmese locals and expats with comprehensive international insurance seek medical treatment abroad, mainly in India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The shortage of hospitals that have expertise in cardiology, kidney transplants, neurology and urology in Myanmar is a major reason for this.

As of 2024, the Myanmar Investment Commission reports that foreign investment in private healthcare has increased by 30% over the past five years, leading to improvements in the quality and availability of private healthcare services.

Cost of Medical Treatment in Myanmar

In Myanmar, health insurance is only provided for government employees by the government. For employees of international organizations this is catered for by private health insurance providers. Myanmar’s medical costs are fairly affordable. However, the availability of medical facilities is limited, particularly in the rural areas of the country, resulting in a necessity in medical evacuation and subsequently higher medical costs for both locals and expats. In recent years the Burmese government has increased financial allocation to the health sector, however, the proportion locals and expats need to pay out-of-pocket is still one of the highest in the world.

While Myanmar’s healthcare system has made significant strides in recent years, it still faces many challenges. For expats, private healthcare in major cities generally offers the best quality of care, but it comes at a higher cost. This underscores the importance of comprehensive health insurance coverage for expats living in Myanmar.