Healthcare

Iraq's public healthcare system has been severely impacted by decades of conflict and underinvestment. While the government provides free healthcare to citizens and residents, the quality varies dramatically by region. Kurdistan offers the best healthcare infrastructure in Iraq, while rural areas often lack basic medical services. Most expats use private facilities and carry international insurance.

Private healthcare in Iraq is the primary option for expats seeking reliable medical treatment. The best private facilities are found in Erbil, Baghdad's Al-Mansour and Karrada districts, and some southern cities. However, even the best Iraqi hospitals may not meet Western standards for complex procedures, making medical evacuation coverage essential.

Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign residents under Iraq's Health Insurance Law. The mandatory government-approved plan costs approximately $300/year. However, most expats supplement this with comprehensive international health insurance that includes medical evacuation — the single most important coverage element given Iraq's healthcare limitations.

The Kurdistan Region offers notably better healthcare than the rest of Iraq, with newer facilities, better-trained staff, and more reliable supplies. Erbil in particular has several modern private hospitals that serve the expat community. However, for serious or complex medical conditions, evacuation to Turkey, UAE, or Europe remains the recommended course of action.