Expats living in Bahrain will have access to a solid healthcare infrastructure, with options for treatment in the public and private sectors. The island supports an assortment of state-sponsored hospitals, private institutions and clinics, and speciality hospitals.
That being said, the healthcare system in Bahrain still faces challenges. The economic boom has inspired a large population influx, which means the healthcare system must continually balance demand across both nationals and foreign workers.
Furthermore, although many health workers are fellow foreigners or have been trained overseas and do speak English, there still may be a language barrier to overcome if expats find themselves in an emergency.
Public healthcare in Bahrain
Bahrain has introduced a national health insurance scheme (known as SEHATI) that covers both Bahraini nationals and expats. Nationals receive government-funded coverage, while expats are covered through employer-provided or private insurance. The scheme introduces both compulsory and optional packages – these are provided to Bahraini nationals by the government and provided to expats by insurance companies.
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Private healthcare in Bahrain
While expats do have access to the public system in Bahrain, many also opt to take out private medical insurance and use private facilities instead of public ones. The standard of care is excellent in Bahrain, but it's important to be aware that specialist treatment centres may be limited. In such a case, it may be necessary to seek such treatment outside the country.
Health insurance in Bahrain
Although covered by Bahrain's national health insurance scheme, expats can still benefit from comprehensive health insurance, including medical evacuation insurance.
Many employers provide their employees with health insurance, but top-up insurance policies may be needed to ensure complete coverage.
Pharmacies and medicines in Bahrain
Pharmacies are easily found in Bahrain, some of which are open 24 hours a day.
Most medications are readily available at pharmacies. If a medicine is unavailable, the pharmacist should be able to order it. Expats should be aware that medications available over the counter in their home country may need a prescription in Bahrain, and vice versa.
Any prescription medicines being brought into Bahrain need to be accompanied by a letter signed and stamped by a registered medical practitioner. This letter must state that the medicine is for the personal use of the traveller or expat. It's also advisable to bring a copy of the original prescription.
Health hazards in Bahrain
Due to the extreme temperatures, heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration are the most common medical ailments affecting expats in Bahrain. In addition, continuous construction, accompanied by sand and dust from the island, can aggravate respiratory problems for expats, especially for those already suffering from conditions such as asthma.
Emergency services in Bahrain
Emergency medical services in Bahrain tend to be well-equipped but aren't always quick to respond. Expats may find it faster to arrange their own transport to the hospital in the case of a medical emergency.
The number to call in the event of a medical emergency is 999.