Healthcare in Myanmar

This guide was written prior to the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Myanmar is currently not advisable due to ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict, and severe restrictions on communications and transportation.

Healthcare in Myanmar is chronically underfunded, and the country is rated as having one of the poorest health systems in the world. The country was making great steps towards improving its healthcare infrastructure, but the 2021 military coup and ongoing political instability have severely disrupted these efforts. Myanmar’s healthcare system has faced additional strain following a major earthquake in March 2025.

Expats generally consider the public health system inadequate, and you will need to secure comprehensive health insurance to access private healthcare.

Public healthcare in Myanmar

Myanmar’s previous National Health Plan (2017–2021) aimed to increase access to basic healthcare and financial protection for Myanmar’s citizens by reducing out-of-pocket spending. However, this plan has ended, and the current political situation has disrupted healthcare planning. Myanmar spends approximately 5 percent of its GDP on healthcare, but there is still a shortage of critical healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses.

Most of Myanmar’s hospitals are located in its major cities, but 70 percent of the population lives in its rural areas. The country’s facilities and equipment are also lacking, particularly in rural areas. In some of the most remote parts of Myanmar, healthcare is almost non-existent.

Private healthcare in Myanmar

While the public sector accounts for over 80 percent of health services in Myanmar, the country’s private healthcare was rapidly developing before the 2021 coup. The country allows foreign healthcare practitioners to work in Myanmar, and foreign investment in healthcare was on the rise. This makes for good private healthcare services with modern equipment and qualified staff, although the current political situation has affected operations.

Most private hospitals in Myanmar are located in Yangon and have English-speaking staff, which caters well for expats. Medical costs in the country can be affordable compared to international standards, although you’ll likely pay for services through medical insurance.

Health insurance in Myanmar

There are two kinds of health insurance in Myanmar: offshore and onshore insurance. You should organise offshore international health insurance before your arrival in the country.

International medical insurance offers comprehensive services. These typically include medical evacuation to neighbouring Singapore or Thailand for emergency and critical care. Ensure your medical insurance covers medical evacuation and provides access to global medical treatment, as health services in Myanmar are limited and have become increasingly unreliable.

Pharmacies and medication in Myanmar

Most pharmacies in Myanmar are located in Yangon and are generally open late into the evening. There is usually a range of medications available, but since the 2021 military coup, there have been widespread reports of medication shortages. Myanmar’s pharmacies are also known for selling counterfeit drugs, so you should thoroughly check medication bought in the country before taking it.

We recommend you bring an extra supply of permitted prescription medication and a doctor’s note for the first three months of your stay.

Health hazards in Myanmar

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis are endemic in Myanmar. You should mosquito-proof your accommodation and ensure all your vaccinations are up-to-date.

Many animals in the country carry rabies, so avoid petting or feeding dogs or monkeys. Other health hazards you need to be aware of are the increased risks of typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and HIV/AIDS in the country.

Avoid untreated tap water and raw or undercooked food, as water and food safety in the country is questionable.

Emergency services in Myanmar

In a medical emergency, you can call 192. That said, emergency services in Myanmar are generally considered inadequate, and it is unlikely that you will reach an English-speaking operator. Paramedics generally lack training and do not have the necessary equipment for medical emergencies.

Private hospitals usually have ambulance services, and you can call the facility directly to arrange medical transport.