Is public healthcare free for expats?

Public healthcare in Uzbekistan is primarily designed for citizens. Expats can access emergency services, but routine care requires private clinics or international health insurance. With private care being so affordable ($10–$30 for a GP visit), most expats don't use the public system.

Are there English-speaking doctors in Uzbekistan?

In Tashkent, yes — clinics like the International Medical Center (IMC) and Gatling-Med have English-speaking doctors accustomed to treating foreigners. Outside Tashkent, English-speaking medical staff is very rare. Russian is more commonly used as a second medical language.

What vaccinations do I need before moving to Uzbekistan?

No vaccinations are strictly required, but the CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. Rabies vaccination is recommended if you plan extensive outdoor activities or will be in rural areas. Tap water is not safe to drink — always use bottled or filtered water.

Can I get dental work done cheaply in Uzbekistan?

Yes — dental care in Uzbekistan is remarkably affordable. A cleaning costs $15–$30, fillings $20–$50, and even root canals run $50–$150 at quality private clinics in Tashkent. Several clinics cater to medical tourists specifically for dental work.

What should I do in a medical emergency?

Call 103 for an ambulance. In Tashkent, response times are generally adequate, but in an emergency, taking a taxi to the nearest private clinic may be faster. The Tashkent International Medical Center handles emergencies for expats. For life-threatening conditions requiring specialist surgery, medical evacuation to Turkey or Dubai may be necessary.

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🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

Healthcare

Uzbekistan's healthcare system is rapidly modernizing with €16.3 billion in government investment (2021–2025), the growth of private clinics from 3,500 to 9,000+, and a national electronic health record system. Most expats use private healthcare, which is affordable by international standards..

9,000+

Private Clinics

Tripled since 2017

$10–$30

GP Visit (Private)

Without insurance

$50–$150/mo

Int'l Health Insurance

Comprehensive coverage

80,000/yr

Medical Tourism

Foreign patients (2025)

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Tashkent 🕌Samarkand

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Public healthcare: free for Uzbek citizens; variable quality, especially outside Tashkent
Tashkent International Medical Center (IMC): English-speaking staff, international standard, expat-focused
Required for digital nomad visa application — must be valid for Uzbekistan
Pharmacies open: typically 8am–8pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in Tashkent

Healthcare System Overview

Uzbekistan has a dual healthcare system: a free public system available to citizens and residents, and a rapidly expanding private sector. The government's 'Uzbekistan 2030' strategy has invested €16.3 billion in healthcare modernization. Private clinics have tripled from 3,500 in 2017 to over 9,000 in 2025, now accounting for 30–35% of all healthcare services. Most expats rely on private clinics in Tashkent for quality care.

Public healthcare: free for Uzbek citizens; variable quality, especially outside Tashkent
Private healthcare: rapidly expanding — 9,000+ clinics, modern equipment, shorter wait times
Digital health: DMED national system with 37 million electronic records and MED-ID cards
Emergency services: ambulance (103), generally responsive in cities but slower in rural areas
Pharmacies: widely available — many medications available without prescription at very low cost
Medical tourism: 80,000 foreign patients visited Uzbekistan for treatment in 2025

Private Healthcare for Expats

Private healthcare is the recommended option for expats in Uzbekistan. Tashkent has several modern clinics with English-speaking doctors, imported medications, and equipment meeting international standards. Costs are remarkably affordable — a GP visit runs $10–$30 without insurance, and dental care is a fraction of Western prices. For serious conditions, some expats travel to Turkey, South Korea, or the UAE.

Tashkent International Medical Center (IMC): English-speaking staff, international standard, expat-focused
AkfaMedline: Uzbekistan's largest private healthcare chain with modern facilities
Gatling-Med: popular with diplomats and international organizations
GP consultation: $10–$30 without insurance
Dental cleaning: $15–$30; fillings: $20–$50; root canal: $50–$150
Blood tests and diagnostics: $5–$30 per test — very affordable
For serious or complex medical issues, consider medical evacuation to Turkey, Dubai, or South Korea

Health Insurance for Expats

International health insurance is required for the digital nomad visa and strongly recommended for all expats. Global providers like Cigna, Allianz, and SafetyWing offer plans covering Uzbekistan. Local insurance is available but typically provides limited coverage.

Required for digital nomad visa application — must be valid for Uzbekistan
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: ~$45/month — popular with digital nomads, covers Uzbekistan
Cigna Global: comprehensive plans from $100–$200/month — best for families and long-term expats
Local insurance (Uzbekinvest, Kafolat): $20–$50/month but limited coverage and network
Dental coverage: often excluded from basic plans — consider adding dental rider
Medical evacuation coverage: strongly recommended given limited specialist care

Pharmacies & Medications

Pharmacies (apteka) are abundant throughout Uzbek cities and many medications are available over the counter at very low prices. However, some Western-brand medications may not be available, so bring a supply of any prescription medications you regularly take.

Pharmacies open: typically 8am–8pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in Tashkent
Many medications available without prescription — including antibiotics
Prices extremely low: common medications cost $0.50–$5
Bring prescription medications from home — Western brands may not be available
Dori-Darmon chain: Uzbekistan's largest pharmacy network with consistent stock
Always check expiration dates and buy from reputable chain pharmacies

FAQs