Kazakhstan (KZ)
Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by area and the largest landlocked nation — a vast Central Asian republic stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains, encompassing endless steppes, dramatic canyons, and the remnants of the ancient Silk Road.
Healthcare in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan operates a two-tier system: state healthcare funded by mandatory social health insurance (OSMS/СОМС), and a private sector offering significantly higher quality care. The OSMS was introduced in 2020 and covers basic medical services for all registered contributors. Expats employed in Kazakhstan contribute to and benefit from OSMS. Private hospitals in Almaty and Astana are internationally comparable and affordable by Western benchmarks. For complex specialised treatment, many expats travel to Germany, Turkey, or Thailand.
Almaty and Astana private clinics rank well regionally; state hospitals have improved significantly since 2018. The IMC (International Medical Centre) Almaty is well-regarded for expat care. Kazakhstan ranks mid-tier globally.
Public healthcare: Mandatory Social Health Insurance (OSMS)
Обязательное Социальное Медицинское Страхование (ОСМС)
- GP (primary care) consultations at registered poliklinika
- Emergency medical care
- Specialist referrals (via GP)
- Inpatient hospital treatment (general wards)
- Maternity care and childbirth
- Selected essential medications on the guaranteed benefit package list
- Preventive vaccinations (national schedule)
- Mental health emergency services
- Private clinic consultations
- Cosmetic procedures
- Elective surgery not medically indicated
- Most dental care (emergency only covered)
- Specialist medications not on the approved list
- Private room hospital accommodation
- Vision care and glasses
- Medical evacuation to another country
Private healthcare: Private Healthcare
Accessing care
Register with a state polyclinika (поликлиника) in your district of registration for OSMS access. Use eGov.kz to find your assigned clinic or change registration. Private GP: walk-in or book online/by phone at IMC, Interteach, or other private clinics — no registration required.
State system: GP referral required for specialist consultations. Wait 1–4 weeks. Private: directly book specialists without referral at private clinics. For highly specialised care (oncology, complex cardiac), Almaty National Scientific Cardiac Surgery Centre and National Oncology Centre are the main state centres.
Dial 103 (Skoraya Pomoshch / emergency ambulance). Response times: 5–15 minutes in Almaty/Astana. Private ambulance services also available (faster). For trauma: Almaty Emergency Hospital (Городская больница скорой помощи, Almaty) and equivalent in Astana are the main trauma centres.
Private clinics (IMC, Interteach) offer 24-hour emergency lines and on-call doctors. State emergency services via 103. Emergency departments at major hospitals operate 24/7.
Prescription drugs require a Kazakhstani physician prescription. Antibiotics regulations are tightening but some are still available without prescription. Generic medications are widely available and inexpensive. International brands stocked at Europharma (formerly Stary Doktor) and Damu Pharmacy chains.
Dental care is excellent quality and affordable. Modern clinics with European-trained dentists are widespread in Almaty/Astana. Basic consultation: ₸5,000–15,000. Cleaning: ₸8,000–20,000. Implant: ₸200,000–400,000 (vs €2,000–4,000 in Germany). OSMS covers dental emergency only — most patients pay out-of-pocket.
English-language psychotherapy available in Almaty from a small number of internationally trained practitioners. The public mental health system carries stigma and limited English capacity. Telehealth (BetterHelp, Alma) accessible for English speakers. Crisis: see mentalHealthResources for 150 (national helpline).
State maternity hospitals (роддом) are covered by OSMS for employed women. Private maternity care at Europharma or Mother & Child Medical Centre in Almaty is significantly more comfortable. Maternity leave: 126 calendar days (70+56, or 140 for complications). Benefits paid via МТСБ social insurance fund.
Expat-specific advice
- Verify your OSMS status at osms.kz with your IIN — confirm you are covered
- Register with your district polyclinika via eGov.kz or in person for OSMS access
- Register with a private clinic (IMC Almaty, Interteach) as a private patient — faster and English-friendly
- Obtain international private health insurance before arrival (or within first week) — for medical evacuation and complex care
- Bring a 3-month supply of any specialist or rare medications as they may not be available locally
Pharmacies (Apteka (Аптека))
- Paracetamol / Panadol
- Ibuprofen (Нурофен)
- Antihistamines (Suprastin, Claritin)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antacids
- Vitamin D and C supplements
- Basic wound care supplies
Typical costs
| GP visit (with insurance) | Free at state polyclinika (OSMS covered) |
| GP visit (private pay) | ₸8,000–20,000 at private clinic |
| Specialist visit | ₸12,000–35,000 at private clinic |
| Emergency visit | ₸10,000–30,000 at private emergency; free at state ER |
| MRI scan | ₸25,000–60,000 |
| Prescription average | ₸1,500–8,000 depending on medication |
| Dental check-up | ₸8,000–15,000 (cleaning included) |
| Baby delivery | State роддом: free (OSMS covered). Private maternity: ₸300,000–800,000 |
Healthcare
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