Azerbaijan.US
Recent discussions on social media have raised concerns over how foreign nationals are treated when seeking medical care in Azerbaijan.
Some posts claim that non-citizens, including tourists, have faced difficulties accessing healthcare services due to the absence of Azerbaijani citizenship or health insurance.
Experts note that foreign visitors and temporary residents typically receive medical services on a paid basis or through their private travel insurance. This is standard international practice and one of the main reasons travelers are advised to obtain medical insurance before traveling abroad, as treatment costs without coverage can be substantial.
According to the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance (TƏBİB), certain categories of foreign nationals are considered insured under Azerbaijan’s compulsory health insurance system.
These include individuals granted refugee status, those under the protection of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), specific categories of incarcerated foreigners, as well as foreign citizens who officially earn income in Azerbaijan. Individuals falling under these categories may access healthcare services at TƏBİB-affiliated medical institutions within the scope of the approved benefits package.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized that Azerbaijani legislation guarantees equal rights in healthcare for foreign nationals and stateless persons in specific cases. Under the Law on Protection of Public Health, emergency and urgent medical care must be provided to everyone without exception – regardless of citizenship, insurance status, or the ownership form of the medical institution.
In cases involving accidents, trauma, poisoning, or other life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention, medical facilities and healthcare professionals are legally obligated to provide assistance. The preservation of human life and health remains the primary criterion in all such situations.
Experts stress that to avoid misunderstandings and prevent similar claims in the future, strict adherence to existing regulations and better public awareness of healthcare rules for foreign nationals are essential.
