Expat Healthcare in Tunisia

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In a world where international mobility is constantly increasing, understanding the specific challenges related to healthcare for expatriates becomes essential.

Tunisia, with its Mediterranean climate and its rapidly developing medical system, is emerging as a sought-after destination for many expatriates looking to settle abroad.

However, navigating through the nuances of health insurance, local medical facilities, and international care options can prove complex.

This article will guide you through the intricacies of the Tunisian healthcare system, providing key information to ensure you have access to quality care and to help you fully enjoy your living experience in this welcoming country.

Enjoying Quality Healthcare in Tunisia: A Health Destination for Expatriates

Tunisia’s medical infrastructure is undergoing significant transformation, driven by major public and private investments, digital modernization, and the development of new hospital hubs. Tunisia stands out for its quality of care, the competence of its healthcare professionals, and attractive costs for expatriates and international patients.

Asset	Details
Hospital Modernization	Construction of new university hospitals, creation of regional medical hubs, equipment modernization, and digitalization of healthcare facilities.
Quality of Care	Medical practices compliant with international standards, strict treatment protocols, personalized follow-up.
Qualified Professionals	Doctors trained locally and abroad, numerous recognized experts in surgery, dentistry, fertility, etc.
Affordable Costs	Prices 40-60% lower than in Western Europe for the same procedures, without compromising on quality.
Accreditations	Several private clinics certified ISO 9001, national and sometimes international accreditations, regular monitoring by the Ministry of Health.
Accessibility	Direct flights from Europe, simplified administrative procedures, facilitated care for expatriates.

Most Popular Medical Procedures Among Expatriates:

• Cosmetic Surgery: rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation.
• Dentistry: implants, prosthetics, whitening, restorative care.
• Fertility Treatments: IVF, artificial insemination, specialized consultations.
• Other areas: orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, interventional cardiology, rehabilitation care.

Testimonials and Examples:

• A French-Italian couple chose a clinic in Tunis for IVF, highlighting the team’s competence and quick response time.
• A Swiss expatriate underwent cosmetic surgery in Sousse, emphasizing the surgeon’s attentiveness, facility cleanliness, and rigorous post-operative follow-up.
• A Belgian retiree living in Hammamet reports the ease of getting an appointment for specialized dental care at a cost three times lower than in Belgium.

Facility Quality and Recent Innovations:

• Hospital centers equipped with modern operating rooms, intensive care units, state-of-the-art laboratories.
• Deployment of telemedicine, digitalization of medical records, introduction of artificial intelligence for diagnosis and patient flow management.
• Creation of the future Aghlabid Medical City in Kairouan, integrating hospitals, private clinics, research and training centers.

Geographic Accessibility and Administrative Procedures:

• International airports in Tunis, Sousse, Monastir, Djerba, facilitating access for foreign patients.
• Simplified procedures: online quotes, clinics handling formalities, multilingual support, quick medical visa issuance if needed.

Key Takeaway:

Tunisia is establishing itself as a reference destination for quality medical care, combining expertise, modernity, accessibility, and competitive prices.

Anticipating Medical Expenses: Preparing Your Health Budget in Tunisia

Anticipating Medical Expenses: Preparing Your Health Budget in Tunisia

Analysis of Common Healthcare Costs in Tunisia

• Public Sector Medical Consultation: between 10 and 30 TND
• Private Sector Medical Consultation: between 40 and 100 TND depending on specialty and region
• Medications: prices vary, but a common prescription typically costs between 20 and 80 TND. Some imported or specific medications may be more expensive.
• Emergency Services (Private): immediate access, admission fees starting at 100 TND, excluding medical procedures and hospitalization.
• Public Sector Hospitalization: moderate rates, partial coverage by CNAM.
• Private Sector Hospitalization: high cost, can exceed 500 TND per day for a private room, excluding care and procedures.

Comparative Table of Public vs. Private Sector Rates:

Service	Public Sector	Private Sector
General Practitioner Consultation	10-30 TND	40-100 TND
Common Medications	20-80 TND	20-80 TND
Emergency Services	0-50 TND	100 TND +
Hospitalization (per day)	50-150 TND	500 TND +

Importance and Options for Expatriate Health Insurance

• Enrollment in CNAM (National Health Insurance Fund) is mandatory for resident and employed expatriates.
• Two main options for optimal coverage:
  • First-Euro Contract: reimbursement from the first dinar spent, adapted to the actual cost of care in Tunisia, flexible and often high-end.
  • CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger): reimbursement based on French rates, less suited to private sector costs in Tunisia, often requires supplemental health insurance.

Comparative Table of Main Expatriate Health Insurance Options:

Criterion	First-Euro Contract	CFE Offer
Reimbursement	Based on actual costs	Based on Social Security rates
Flexibility	High	Low
Repatriation Assistance	Frequently included	Not included
Medical Selection	Mandatory	Not required (CFE)
Possible Supplemental	Not necessary	Recommended

Practical Tips for Optimizing Your Health Budget

• Set up a health emergency fund: set aside the equivalent of 1 to 3 months of typical medical expenses.
• Choose your healthcare network wisely: prefer CNAM-contracted facilities and doctors for optimized reimbursements.
• Compare international health insurance offers: adjust coverage to your actual needs (hospitalization, vision, dental).
• Take advantage of local networks: some practices and pharmacies offer preferential rates to regular residents or through corporate agreements.
• Learn about Franco-Tunisian conventions: they facilitate coverage and continuity of rights for French expatriates.

List of Recommended Steps:

• Learn about CNAM coverage and its terms.
• Request quotes from several specialized expatriate insurers.
• Set aside a financial reserve for unexpected expenses (e.g., private hospitalization).
• Identify recognized medical facilities near your home.

Expatriate Testimonials

“During my first hospitalization in a private clinic in Tunis, the cost exceeded 2,000 TND for three days. My first-euro insurance reimbursed the full amount, whereas CNAM would have covered less than 20%. I highly recommend taking out comprehensive international insurance.”

“As a salaried expatriate, my company provides private health coverage that covers most consultations and medications, allowing me to avoid public sector waiting lists and freely choose my practitioners.”

“I needed urgent surgery; the emergency fund I had set up allowed me to pay the advance requested by the clinic while waiting for reimbursement from my insurer.”

Tip:
Frame your health budget in Tunisia as follows:
Plan for comprehensive insurance + an emergency fund + regular monitoring of local networks and rates for peaceful management of your medical expenses.

Top Clinics: Where to Get Treated in a Private Setting in Tunisia

Main Recognized Private Clinics in Tunisia

Clinic	City	Reputation and Main Specialties	Services for Expatriates
Clinique La Rose	Tunis	Multidisciplinary, Canada accredited, gynecology, surgery	VIP reception, multilingual staff, modern equipment
Clinique Taoufik	Tunis	Named best private clinic, surgery, oncology	International service, personalized care
Clinique Les Oliviers	Sousse	Regional reference, state-of-the-art equipment	Warm welcome, competent staff
Polyclinique Les Jasmins	Tunis	Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, multidisciplinary	Certified doctors, welcomes foreign patients
Clinique Amen	La Marsa	Excellent reputation, cosmetic surgery	Humane staff, personalized follow-up
Clinique Carthagène	Tunis	Large multidisciplinary center	International reception, all medical specialties
Clinique Pasteur	Tunis	Multidisciplinary, recent equipment	Welcomes expatriates, simplified administrative follow-up
Clinique Medhannibal	Tunis	Specialized in cosmetic surgery, liposuction, abdominoplasty	Long experience with foreign patients

Criteria for Choosing a Private Clinic in Tunisia

• Reputation: Research reviews, accreditations (e.g., Accreditation Canada for Clinique La Rose), and official distinctions.
• Location: Proximity to the airport, safe and accessible neighborhoods (e.g., La Marsa, Downtown Tunis, Sousse).
• Medical Specialties: Choose according to need (cosmetic surgery, oncology, cardiology, etc.).
• Multilingual Medical Staff: Prefer clinics where staff speak French, English, or other languages (often mentioned in expatriate feedback).
• Services for International Patients: Administrative assistance, interpretation, comprehensive care.
• Equipment and Technology: Ensure the modernity of technical platforms and compliance with international standards.

Expatriate Experiences and Testimonials

• Several expatriates highlight the quality of the welcome, staff availability, cleanliness, and room comfort.
• Testimonials emphasize personalized support, staff responsiveness, and transparency of procedures.
• Foreign patients particularly appreciate the quick response, rigorous post-operative follow-up, and the possibility of getting clear explanations in their language.
• Private clinics often offer a quieter environment and superior hotel services compared to the public sector.

Advantages of a Private Setting for Medical Care

• Quick care without long waiting lists.
• Optimal confidentiality and comfort.
• Easier access to specialists and cutting-edge technology.
• Complementary services: private rooms, adapted catering, administrative assistance.

Practical Tips for Preparing a Visit to a Private Clinic in Tunisia

Schedule an appointment in advance, especially for high-demand specialties.

Bring the following documents:

• ID or passport
• Proof of health insurance (if applicable)
• Medical records (tests, imaging, recent prescriptions)
• Accepted payment methods (international bank card, cash, sometimes wire transfer)

Check if the clinic offers a reception or shuttle service for international patients.

Anticipate the translation of medical documents if needed.

For extended stays, request a detailed quote and coverage terms.

Inquire about the possibility of being accompanied by a relative and accommodation conditions.

Key Takeaway

The choice of a private clinic in Tunisia should be based on reputation, specialties, quality of international reception, and the staff’s ability to communicate in multiple languages, thus ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency for expatriates.