Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Expatriating to Myanmar means dealing with an underdeveloped healthcare system, marked by stark inequalities between major cities and rural areas, heavy reliance on the private sector, and a frequent dependence on medical evacuations to Thailand, Singapore, or other neighboring countries for serious cases. For expatriates, being well-informed—and well-insured—is not a luxury; it is a basic safety requirement.
Myanmar’s healthcare system has a clear distinction between the public and private sectors. Referral facilities are mainly located in Yangon, Mandalay, and tourist areas. It is crucial to consider teleconsultations, assess local health risks, update vaccinations, obtain suitable health insurance covering potential medical evacuations, and not neglect mental health aspects for a medium- to long-term stay or relocation.
A Healthcare System Under Strain, Ill-Suited to Expatriate Needs
Myanmar’s healthcare system relies on a mix of public and private facilities but remains overall underfunded and underperforming. The World Health Organization ranks Myanmar near the bottom of its health system performance index, close to the end of the list of member states. The country spends about 5% of its GDP on health, with modest per capita spending, and has one of the highest proportions of out-of-pocket payments in the world: nearly three-quarters of health spending comes directly from patients’ pockets.
That’s the percentage of Myanmar’s population living in rural areas, where access to care is very limited.
For expatriates, this reality translates into a fairly clear course of action: use the public sector only as a last resort, rely primarily on urban private hospitals and clinics, and always consider the possibility of evacuation abroad in the event of a serious or complex condition.
Public vs. Private: What Expatriates Need to Know
In theory, expatriates have access to both sectors. But in practice, public and private care operate under very different logics.
The Public Sector: Low Cost, but Rarely Suitable for Foreigners
Public hospitals, managed by the Ministry of Health, offer citizens care that is theoretically free or cheap. In reality, patients very often have to pay out-of-pocket for medications, consumables, tests, and sometimes even certain procedures. As for expatriates, they frequently face higher rates than locals.
Major public hospitals (Yangon, Mandalay) have emergency departments, but these are unsuitable for foreigners due to long wait times, outdated equipment, inconsistent hygiene, overworked staff, and a lack of English-speaking personnel. They are primarily intended for the local population.
An important point, often overlooked by newcomers: in some major cities, the law requires that any foreigner injured in an incident involving the police must first be taken to the general public hospital. In Yangon, it is Yangon General Hospital that must receive these patients first; in Mandalay, Mandalay General Hospital; in Naypyidaw, Naypyidaw General Hospital. Transfer to a private facility is only possible with police authorization.
The Private Sector: The Go-To for Expatriates
Given the limits of the public system, the private sector has grown, especially in major urban centers. In Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, several private hospitals and international clinics offer more modern equipment, shorter wait times, cleaner environments, and a frequent presence of English-speaking doctors, some even trained abroad.
Expatriates and wealthy locals almost systematically choose private healthcare facilities. They are more expensive than public hospitals and, in the vast majority of cases, require direct and immediate payment, before or at the time of treatment. Acceptance of third-party payment through international insurance remains limited, although some facilities cooperate with major insurers for billing.
The other crucial limitation, from an expatriation perspective, is that even the best private hospitals in the country remain relatively limited for certain advanced specialties (complex interventional cardiology, kidney transplantation, highly specialized neurosurgery, advanced urology, etc.). This is one reason why many expatriates and affluent Burmese seek treatment in Thailand, Singapore, India, or Malaysia for major procedures.
The following table summarizes the main contrasts between public and private care for an expatriate.
| Aspect | Public Sector in Myanmar | Private Sector in Myanmar |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for locals | Low or theoretically free | High |
| Cost for expatriates | Higher than for citizens, frequent direct payment | Significantly higher, advance payment almost systematic |
| Geographic availability | National network, including rural areas | Primarily Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw |
| Quality and equipment | Often basic, limited supplies | Better equipment, but still below major Asian centers |
| Language | Few English-speaking staff | More frequent presence of English-speaking doctors and staff |
| Insurance acceptance | Very limited | More common, especially with large international companies |
| Suitability for expatriates | Last resort use, especially for legal emergencies | Preferred option for consultations, follow-ups, and non-life-threatening emergencies |
Where to Get Treatment? Focus on Key Cities and Regions
Even within the private sector, it is essential to know which facilities to turn to based on your place of residence or travel.
Yangon: Main Medical Hub for Expatriates
Yangon concentrates the largest share of medical offerings suited to foreigners. Several hospitals and clinics have developed expertise in caring for international patients, with staff accustomed to treating Western nationals and interacting with insurers.
Among the facilities frequently cited by foreign embassies and insurers are: banks, insurance companies, credit institutions, and management companies.
List of main private international hospitals and clinics in Yangon, offering services adapted to expatriates, including 24/7 emergency care, teleconsultations, and medical evacuation capabilities.
Private clinic open 24/7 with permanent general practitioner and nurses. Benefits from an international network, extensive experience with foreign nationals, and can arrange medical evacuations to other countries.
Located within Parami Hospital, this recent private facility is connected to the Samitivej hospital network in Thailand. Capable of arranging transfers to Bangkok and equipped with telemedicine services.
Well-established private hospital group offering 24/7 emergency services, specialist consultations, and teleconsultations. Proven experience with expatriates.
Private hospital offering, among other services, telephone consultations with certain specialists.
English-speaking private clinic located at Victoria Hospital, open continuously for emergencies. Capable of coordinating medical evacuations.
Yangon General Hospital, the city’s major public hospital, plays a specific role in incidents involving the police but remains poorly suited to an expatriate’s needs outside that legal framework.
For a foreign resident in Yangon, a good practice is to identify a reference private facility in advance—for example Pun Hlaing Siloam or International SOS—and to keep all associated emergency numbers (hospital, private ambulance, international assistance, insurance).
Mandalay: A Smaller but Growing Offering
Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, has several hospitals and clinics, some of which can meet expatriate expectations, though the level of service is less dense than in Yangon.
Mandalay General Hospital plays the same role as Yangon General in police-related matters, with emergency services and imaging capabilities (radiology, etc.), but few English-speaking staff and limited quality of care.
For expatriates, two private facilities stand out: these are typically international schools or organizations specialized in supporting families abroad, offering adapted educational services and logistical support.
– Mandalay City Hospital, a private hospital with a 24/7 emergency department, English-speaking staff, the ability to arrange medical transport from outside the city, and requiring payment for all treatment.
– Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital – Mandalay Clinic, an extension of the Pun Hlaing group, offering specialist consultations and connectivity with the group’s network.
The city is also home to many specialist doctors partially trained abroad (United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand) and affiliated with the University of Medicine, Mandalay or Mandalay General Hospital. Individual skills can therefore be high, but overall infrastructure remains limited for the most complex cases.
Tourist Areas: Bagan, Ngapali, Inle, and Others
Outside the major cities, the availability of quality medical care drops sharply. However, in some tourist areas, a few hospitals and clinics can provide first-line care or even manage simple emergencies before transfer to Yangon or Mandalay.
In Bagan and Nyaung-U, several facilities are worth knowing:
List of main hospitals and clinics available in the Bagan area for medical care and emergencies.
Private clinic open 24/7 for emergencies. Includes some English-speaking staff and has a small on-site pharmacy.
Another private clinic with some English-speaking staff. It also has an internal pharmacy.
Public hospital with a 24/7 emergency department and basic equipment (X-ray, ultrasound). Limited number of English-speaking staff.
On the coast, in Ngapali, Thandwe General Hospital, a small public hospital, offers basic care for minor injuries, with most services free for locals, though sometimes fees apply for certain procedures or medications. This center can arrange a transfer to Yangon if needed.
In Naypyidaw, the administrative capital, Naypyidaw General Hospital is again the public hospital of reference for legal cases. Bawga Theiddhi Hospital, a private hospital, has a basic emergency department but cannot organize medical evacuations abroad.
For travel on the Naypyidaw–Mandalay highway, an emergency call center (1000 Bedded Hospital for Highway) can be reached at 192, the national medical emergency number.
In these regions, the rule is simple: local facilities can handle mild to moderate issues, but a serious problem must be transferred quickly to Yangon—or directly to a third country if the situation warrants it and insurance allows.
Teleconsultation and Digital Health: A Useful but Limited Tool
To relieve pressure on facilities and better serve remote areas, the Myanmar Ministry of Health has launched a telehealth program accessible via the Doxy platform. Patients can book a slot or join a virtual queue to consult remotely with specialist doctors (surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, cardiology, nephrology, among others), with fairly broad daily hours.
This service, reportedly available without daily interruption, is nonetheless designed for the local population. The language barrier, internet connection quality, and the limitations of a still-developing system reduce its usefulness for an expatriate who does not speak Burmese.
In parallel, several private hospitals (Pun Hlaing Siloam, Samitivej in Yangon, some clinics in Bagan or Ngapali) and international apps like Air Doctor offer teleconsultations in English with general practitioners or specialists. For an expatriate, these solutions can be useful for a quick opinion, interpreting results, or initial guidance before deciding on a trip or evacuation.
Health Risks, Vaccination, and Prevention: Essential Preparation
Living in Myanmar or spending several months there requires particular attention to prevention. A travel medicine consultation 4 to 8 weeks before departure is recommended by major health agencies (CDC, UK health authorities, etc.) to tailor vaccines and preventive treatments to the specific itinerary.
Recommended and Required Vaccines
General recommendations for an extended stay in Myanmar cover a wide range of vaccines. The logic differs for a two-week tourist versus a long-term expatriate.
Key vaccines include:
Before your departure, several vaccines are advised: hepatitis A (for everyone, with a booster), typhoid (if eating street food or staying in rural areas), a single adult polio booster, and a ten-year booster of the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis combination. Hepatitis B is strongly recommended, especially if there is potential exposure to blood or fluids. The rabies vaccine should be considered for extended stays or those with high animal exposure. Japanese encephalitis is recommended for stays of one month or more in rural areas. Also make sure your routine vaccines are up to date (MMR, varicella, flu, COVID-19, etc.) based on your age and risk factors.
Regarding yellow fever, the situation is specific: the vaccine is not recommended for a stay in Myanmar itself, as the disease does not circulate there. However, a vaccination certificate is required for travelers over one year old arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, or who have transited for more than twelve hours in an airport in a risk area. The certificate is valid for life.
The table below summarizes, in a simplified way, some key points of these recommendations for a typical expatriate.
| Vaccine | Status for Myanmar (Expatriate) |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all |
| Typhoid | Recommended if eating outside safe establishments or rural stay |
| Polio (adult booster) | Recommended if not done |
| Tetanus–diphtheria–pertussis | Booster every 10 years |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all, strongly for at-risk groups |
| Rabies | Recommended if high animal exposure |
| Japanese encephalitis | Recommended if prolonged rural stay / high outdoor exposure |
| Yellow fever | Required only if arriving from a risk area |
| MMR, varicella, flu, COVID, etc. | Up to date per national schedule and individual situation |
These elements should be individually validated with a doctor or vaccination center, who will consider age, medical history, possible pregnancy, chronic conditions, and exact itinerary.
Malaria, Dengue, and Other Vector-Borne Diseases
Malaria is present in much of Myanmar below 1,000 meters in altitude, with important nuances. Major cities like Yangon and Mandalay are considered risk-free for transmission, which limits the concern for those who live there and rarely leave.
Border areas with Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, and certain regions of Shan, Kayin, Kayah, Tanintharyi, and Kachin have an increased risk of malaria, sometimes with drug resistance. It is recommended to use atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline in areas resistant to mefloquine. Always follow the ABCD of malaria: Awareness (know the risks), Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis (appropriate prophylaxis), Diagnosis (rapid diagnosis if fever).
Other mosquito-borne diseases circulate in the country, particularly dengue and chikungunya, especially in urban areas for dengue, and Japanese encephalitis in rural areas. There is no medication to prevent dengue; protection relies on anti-mosquito measures. Vaccines exist for dengue or chikungunya, but their prescription is very targeted (e.g., for dengue, only after a confirmed prior infection).
Hygiene, Water, and Food
Traveler’s diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections (giardiasis, dysentery, occasional cholera) are common. Strict hygiene is a must: bottled water, sealed drinks, frequent hand washing, caution with ice cubes, raw vegetables, and undercooked food, especially in rural areas.
For a long stay, some expatriates choose to carry a small sterile medical kit (needles, syringes, etc.) for very remote areas, though in major cities this precaution is less critical.
Medications and Pharmacies: Availability and Counterfeits
Yangon and Mandalay have a significant number of pharmacies, often open late into the evening, with a wide range of generic medications imported from India or Europe. However, several major issues concern the pharmaceutical supply chain in Myanmar.
Margins, taxes, and distribution costs can represent 30 to 45% of the final price of medications.
For expatriates on chronic treatment, this implies several precautions:
It is crucial to bring your own medications in sufficient quantity, in their original packaging, with a prescription and a letter from your doctor. Before departure, verify the legality of their importation with the Myanmar embassy. Know the international name of the molecule, not just the brand name. Avoid neighborhood pharmacies and prioritize those in major hospitals or reputable clinics. If a treatment change is necessary, consult a local doctor (ideally at an international clinic) to choose a reliable generic and adjust dosages.
It is also wise to set aside a small emergency fund for medical and pharmaceutical expenses, separate from insurance, since many providers require cash payments and do not accept cards or direct insurer payments.
Health Insurance: An Indispensable Safety Net
Myanmar does not have a public health insurance system comparable to that of many Western countries. Public coverage is limited to citizens and permanent residents under a modest social security scheme, with no real equivalent for foreigners. Expatriates must therefore turn to private solutions.
Local Insurance: Limited Coverage
Local health insurance options exist, offered notably by Myanma Insurance, Grand Guardian, AIA, or Prudential. They are mainly aimed at civil servants and citizens, with relatively low premiums but restricted coverage, focused on basic hospitalization within a limited network of in-country facilities. Repatriation or international medical evacuation services are rare, if not nonexistent.
These policies may interest some local employers for meeting administrative requirements or providing minimal protection, but they poorly meet the expectations of an expatriate who wants to be treated in Bangkok, Singapore, or their home country in the event of serious illness.
International Insurance: The Standard for Expatriates
Studies among expatriates indicate that approximately 75% of them in Myanmar opt for international health insurance, i.e., an “offshore” coverage designed for people living abroad, valid in multiple countries, with high reimbursement limits and services like medical evacuation, repatriation, and a global network of providers.
Players like Cigna Global, William Russell, Allianz Care, NOW Health International, AXA, A+ International, Luma, Expacare, or Bupa offer this type of policy. Coverage may include, depending on options:
– Hospitalization and clinic procedures (inpatient and day-patient).
– Outpatient consultations and specialists.
– Advanced tests (imaging, specialized lab work).
– Medical emergencies and emergency transport.
– Medical evacuation and repatriation.
– Dental and eye care (often optional).
– Maternity, sometimes only on high-end plans and after a waiting period.
– Mental health, psychotherapy, 24/7 teleconsultation.
– Preventive medicine, screenings, and vaccinations.
The minimum amount in dollars of monthly premiums for local insurance, though their value for an expatriate is limited.
For a foreign resident, a few criteria should guide the choice:
– Coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation, absolutely essential given the limits of the local system.
– Access to private hospitals in Yangon and Mandalay, and explicit authorization to be treated in Thailand or Singapore if needed.
– Terms for covering chronic conditions or pre-existing medical history (waiting periods, exclusions, surcharges).
– Simplicity of the reimbursement process and existence of a direct billing network with certain hospitals.
– Customer service reachable 24/7 in English or the expatriate’s language.
The following table illustrates some main differences between a typical local insurance and an international insurance for an expatriate in Myanmar.
| Feature | Local Myanmar Insurance | International Health Insurance for Expatriates |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Citizens, civil servants | Expatriates, mobile families, international employees |
| Coverage area | Primarily Myanmar | Multi-country, often worldwide |
| Reimbursement ceiling | Relatively low | High, compatible with costs in Thailand / Singapore |
| Medical evacuation / repatriation | Rarely included | Almost always included |
| Hospital network | Mostly local, variable quality | Major regional and global private hospitals |
| Average cost | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Coverage for chronic conditions | Limited | Possible, with conditions |
For a short stay (a few weeks to a few months), travel insurance with medical coverage may suffice, especially if it includes a medical evacuation clause. Beyond six months and for a lasting relocation, a true international health insurance appears to be a prudent investment.
Medical Evacuations and Assistance: A Critical Link
In a country where even the best private hospitals are sometimes overwhelmed by certain serious conditions, medical evacuation to a better-equipped center is often the solution for severe cases (complex trauma, stroke, heart attack, advanced cardiac or neurological surgery, etc.).
Several players are involved in this chain:
Overview of the main players specialized in coordinating care, medical evacuation, and health assistance for expatriates and travelers in Myanmar.
Coordinate evacuation, manage logistics (ambulances, flights, hospitalization), and interface with the insurer. Examples: International SOS, Mondial Assistance, EMA Global.
Arrange 24/7 transfers from major Myanmar cities to hubs like Bangkok or Singapore, with a medical team and bed-to-bed care. Example: Global Assistant.
Rapid mobilization of a medical aircraft for transfer to a major regional hospital. Example: VIP Jets.
Help organize care, transfers, translation, liaison with insurers, and bilingual assistance (English-Burmese). Example: Myanmar Assistance.
In practice, the cost of a medical evacuation can reach several tens of thousands of dollars, depending on distance, type of aircraft, and required equipment (intensive care unit, neonatal incubator, COVID isolation, etc.). Without adequate insurance or the ability to advance funds immediately, organizing such an operation can become very difficult, if not impossible.
For expatriates, medical evacuation coverage is essential and non-negotiable in the insurance contract. It is crucial to know the procedure in advance: identify who to contact first (insurer, international assistance, reference hospital, embassy), know what documents to prepare, and be aware of local competent facilities (such as International SOS, Samitivej, or Pun Hlaing) for optimal stabilization before a transfer.
Mental Health: An Often Underestimated Issue
Myanmar is going through a period marked by political, economic, and health crises. COVID-19, followed by strong internal tensions, has fueled a climate of widespread uncertainty and anxiety. Studies conducted in the country and among the diaspora show a high prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress, both in local populations and among refugees and migrants.
For expatriates, the environment (instability, isolation, language barrier, family separation, difficult working conditions) can take a toll on mental health. However, the availability of psychiatric and psychological care in the public system is limited, with a very small dedicated budget, concentrated mainly in two large psychiatric hospitals and a few general hospital departments.
Fortunately, several initiatives complement this framework:
Several local and international platforms and organizations offer access to mental health and psychological support services, online or in person, with trained professionals.
Platforms like the UNFPA psychosocial support portal, which connect users with psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors trained in specialized approaches (cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR).
Structures like Jue Jue’s Safe Space, Serenity, Aung Mental Health Initiative, or Call Me Today, offering helplines, individual or group counseling sessions, often online, with adapted fees.
Dedicated platforms like Expathy, which connect international patients with therapists who speak their language and understand their culture.
For an expatriate, three reflexes can be helpful:
– Include mental health in your preparation, by identifying listening or therapy resources (in-country or remote) from the start.
– Check if your health insurance covers psychology or psychiatry consultations, including teleconsultations.
– Do not hesitate to seek help in case of distress, persistent anxiety, depressive symptoms, or adjustment difficulties.
Dental Care: Decent in Cities, Limited Elsewhere
Dental care is a particular area. Myanmar has about 5,000 dentists nationwide, a ratio below WHO recommendations. Free public offerings (dental universities, public hospitals, schools) focus mainly on basic care (exams, extractions, simple fillings), while more complex procedures (endodontics, prosthetics, orthodontics) are partially fee-based.
For expatriates, routine dental care (cleanings, fillings, gum treatment, simple prosthetics) is accessible in the private sector, especially in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. These clinics, often run by practitioners trained abroad and equipped with modern tools, generally offer costs lower than those in Western countries.
However, for major procedures (complex implantology, advanced surgeries), many expatriates still prefer Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore, renowned for their excellence in dental tourism.
Practical Preparation for an Expatriate Stay in Myanmar
Beyond general considerations, a few practical axes emerge from available data:
Before departure, get a health check-up, update your vaccinations, and consult a travel medicine doctor. Take out international health insurance covering evacuation and care in neighboring countries, and clarify coverage for chronic conditions. Identify reference hospitals in major cities in advance and note their contact details. Bring a supply of essential medications, their prescriptions, and the international names of the molecules. Memorize local emergency numbers (ambulance: 192, police: 199, fire: 191) as well as your embassy and insurer contacts. Finally, plan support for your mental health (remote psychologist, support groups) and be attentive to signs of stress.
Myanmar remains a fascinating country, rich in exceptional cultural and human diversity, but its health environment demands heightened vigilance. For an expatriate, a successful life project therefore depends as much on discovering the country as on rigorous medical and insurance preparation. Private facilities, international insurance, evacuation services, and new telehealth platforms together form a safety ecosystem without which it would be imprudent to settle long-term.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
