Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Mongolia
- Health insurance with evacuation is essential—Ulaanbaatar has decent clinics, but serious cases require Beijing, Seoul, or Bangkok.
- SOS Medica and Intermed are the main expat clinics in Ulaanbaatar with English-speaking doctors.
- Outside Ulaanbaatar, healthcare is extremely basic—rural Mongolia and Gobi trips need evacuation coverage.
- Winter air pollution in UB is among the world's worst—respiratory coverage matters.
- Most expats work in mining, NGOs, or diplomacy—corporate coverage is common but verify evacuation.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Mongolia?
Mongolia requires health insurance for work permits and long-term visas. The requirement ensures coverage during your stay, but specific minimums aren't strictly enforced. More importantly, international insurance with robust evacuation coverage is essential because Mongolia has limited advanced medical facilities. Serious trauma, cardiac events, cancer, and complex surgeries require evacuation to Beijing (2-hour flight), Seoul, or Bangkok.
Insurance is required for:
- Everyone—even with Ulaanbaatar's private clinics, evacuation coverage is essential for serious conditions
- Mining sector workers—remote mine sites have only basic first aid; helicopter evacuation may be needed
- Adventure travelers—Gobi Desert trips, horseback expeditions, and winter activities carry real risks
- Those with respiratory conditions—Ulaanbaatar's winter air pollution is severe
- Anyone living outside Ulaanbaatar—aimag (provincial) hospitals are basic
Public vs Private Healthcare in Mongolia
Public Healthcare
State Healthcare System
- Access: Mongolian citizens with social insurance; limited foreigner access
- Cost: Social insurance contribution if employed locally
Public hospitals in Ulaanbaatar include the Third State Central Hospital and National Cancer Center—basic by international standards with limited equipment and English. Provincial (aimag) hospitals have severe resource constraints. The Soviet-era healthcare infrastructure has improved but remains inadequate for complex care. Most expats avoid public facilities entirely.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $60-120/month (international plans with evacuation)
Ulaanbaatar has a small but functional private healthcare sector. SOS Medica (International SOS clinic) is the primary expat facility with Western-trained staff, English service, and evacuation coordination. Intermed Hospital is a well-equipped private hospital popular with expats and middle-class Mongolians. Songdo Hospital (Korean-run) offers good surgical capabilities. These facilities handle routine care and stabilization but cannot perform complex surgeries or advanced cancer treatment.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Mongolia. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Mongolia
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Mongolia
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Mongolia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Winter in Mongolia is brutal: -30°C to -40°C in Ulaanbaatar, colder in rural areas. Cold-related emergencies (frostbite, hypothermia) and the challenges of emergency response in extreme cold are real considerations.
- Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar during winter (October-April) is among the world's worst—worse than Beijing. Ger district heating with coal causes PM2.5 levels 10-20× WHO limits. Respiratory conditions are common.
- Outside Ulaanbaatar, healthcare essentially doesn't exist for expats. Aimag centers have basic hospitals; rural areas have nothing. Any serious illness or injury requires evacuation to UB first.
- Evacuation destinations: Beijing (closest major hub, 2 hours), Seoul (excellent healthcare), Bangkok (if regional plan). Air ambulance from UB costs $25,000-60,000.
- Mining sites are remote. Companies operating mines should have comprehensive medevac arrangements—verify coverage before accepting a remote posting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What healthcare options exist in Ulaanbaatar?
SOS Medica (International SOS) is the primary expat clinic with Western-trained doctors, 24/7 emergency service, and evacuation coordination. Intermed Hospital offers broader services including surgery and diagnostics. Songdo Hospital (Korean-run) has good surgical capabilities. These facilities handle routine care, minor procedures, and stabilization. For major surgery, oncology, cardiac care, or complex trauma, evacuation to Beijing, Seoul, or Bangkok is standard.
How does evacuation from Mongolia work?
Medical evacuation typically routes through Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. Common destinations: Beijing (2 hours, closest major medical hub), Seoul (3 hours, excellent Korean hospitals), Bangkok (5 hours, regional medical tourism hub). Air ambulance costs $25,000-60,000 depending on destination and medical needs. SOS International and other providers coordinate evacuations—ensure your insurer has Mongolia experience.
What visa options exist for working in Mongolia?
Mongolia has no digital nomad visa. Options: Work Permit (requires employer sponsorship, most common for mining/NGO/diplomatic sectors), Business Visa (HG category, for business activities), Investor Visa (for those with investments). Tourist visas allow 30 days, extendable once. Long-term expats need work permits or business visas—the process requires local sponsorship.
Is Mongolia safe for expats with health conditions?
Mongolia is challenging for those with serious health conditions. Limited specialist care, extreme climate, and air pollution make it unsuitable for people with cardiac, respiratory, or complex chronic conditions. Healthy expats do fine with proper insurance. If you have significant health needs, ensure your employer provides robust coverage with easy evacuation, or consider whether Mongolia is the right posting.
How much does private healthcare cost in Mongolia?
Ulaanbaatar private costs are moderate: GP consultation MNT 100,000-200,000 ($30-60), specialist MNT 150,000-300,000 ($45-90), private hospital room MNT 300,000-600,000/day ($90-180), basic surgery MNT 2-5 million ($600-1,500). SOS Medica charges higher (international rates) for the convenience and English service. These costs make out-of-pocket viable for routine care, but evacuation insurance is essential for serious conditions.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.