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 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Myanmar
- ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Myanmar's political situation since 2021 has severely impacted healthcare. Many international staff have left. Consider this before relocating.
- Medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore is ESSENTIAL. Myanmar's hospitals cannot handle serious conditions, and the situation has worsened since 2021.
- Some international insurers have restricted or excluded Myanmar coverage. Verify your policy covers Myanmar before relying on it.
- Yangon has private hospitals (Pun Hlaing, Victoria) but quality and supply chains have been affected. Outside Yangon, options are extremely limited.
- Banking restrictions make payments difficult. International insurance with direct billing (where still available) is strongly preferred.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Myanmar?
Myanmar does not require health insurance for visas. However, insurance with medical evacuation is absolutely essential given the healthcare limitations. Important: verify your insurer still covers Myanmar—some have added exclusions or restrictions since 2021. The political and security situation affects healthcare access, supply chains, and evacuation logistics.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Anyone in Myanmar—evacuation coverage is critical given healthcare limitations
- Expats outside Yangon where healthcare barely exists
- Anyone with chronic conditions—medication supply chains are disrupted
- Business travelers on short assignments
- NGO and humanitarian workers (often have organizational coverage)
Public vs Private Healthcare in Myanmar
Public Healthcare
Ministry of Health
- Access: Myanmar citizens. Expats do not use public facilities.
- Cost: Nominal fees but facilities are severely underfunded.
Myanmar's public healthcare was already limited before 2021 and has deteriorated further. Public hospitals lack equipment, medications, and trained staff. Many healthcare workers have left the country or joined civil disobedience movements. Expats should not rely on public healthcare under any circumstances.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Yangon clinics: $30-60 consultations where available. International insurance: $80-200/month (if coverage available).
Yangon's private hospitals (Pun Hlaing Siloam, Victoria Hospital, Asia Royal Hospital) continue operating but face challenges: staff shortages, supply chain issues, and banking restrictions affecting equipment/medication imports. Quality has declined from pre-2021 levels. International SOS and other medical assistance companies maintain limited presence. For anything serious, evacuation to Bangkok (1.5 hours) or Singapore is necessary.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Myanmar. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: ⚠️ Verify Myanmar coverage first—essential evacuation to Bangkok if policy covers Myanmar
Not ideal for: Anyone who hasn't confirmed Myanmar is covered—some insurers have added exclusions
Allianz Care
Best for: ⚠️ Confirm coverage—may provide evacuation to Singapore if Myanmar still covered
Not ideal for: Those assuming coverage exists—verify in writing before relying on it
BUPA Global
Best for: ⚠️ Check current policy terms—pre-existing conditions irrelevant if Myanmar excluded
Not ideal for: Anyone who hasn't contacted Bupa directly about Myanmar coverage status
IMG Global
Best for: ⚠️ May still cover Myanmar—verify before purchase as policies change frequently
Not ideal for: Those needing guaranteed direct billing—banking restrictions complicate payments
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Myanmar
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 | ⚠️ Verify Myanmar coverage | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | ⚠️ Confirm coverage—may provide | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | ⚠️ Check current policy | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | ⚠️ May still cover | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Myanmar
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- ⚠️ VERIFY COVERAGE: Some insurers have excluded or restricted Myanmar. Check your policy carefully—don't assume coverage exists.
- Banking is complicated. International transfers are restricted. Cash is king but US dollars may not be accepted everywhere. Direct billing arrangements may not work.
- Security situation varies by region. Some areas are effectively inaccessible. Insurance won't help if you can't safely reach a hospital or evacuation point.
- Evacuation logistics are challenging. Yangon airport operates but flight schedules are reduced. Land borders have restrictions. Plan evacuation routes in advance.
- Medication supply is unreliable. If you take regular medications, bring adequate supplies. Some medications are unavailable or counterfeit.
- The expat community has shrunk dramatically. Support networks and local knowledge are limited compared to pre-2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I move to Myanmar given the current situation?
This is a personal decision requiring careful consideration. Healthcare is one of many factors. The situation has significantly deteriorated since 2021: healthcare is limited, banking is restricted, and security varies by region. Most countries advise against non-essential travel. If you have specific compelling reasons (existing business, family, humanitarian work), consult with organizations experienced in the current environment.
Will my international insurance cover Myanmar?
Maybe not. Several insurers have added Myanmar exclusions or restrictions since 2021. Before traveling or relying on coverage, contact your insurer directly and get written confirmation of Myanmar coverage. Ask specifically about: general coverage, evacuation coverage, exclusions for civil unrest or political instability, and any geographic restrictions within Myanmar.
How does medical evacuation work from Myanmar currently?
Evacuation is still possible but more complicated than before. Yangon airport operates international flights, primarily to Bangkok and Singapore. Air ambulance services (International SOS, etc.) maintain limited capability. Evacuation planning should consider: current flight availability, security situation at your location, and whether you can reach Yangon safely. Having an evacuation plan before you need it is critical.
What if I'm already in Myanmar and need care?
For routine care in Yangon, private hospitals still operate—Pun Hlaing Siloam is generally considered the best option. Bring cash (USD or local currency). For anything serious, evacuate to Bangkok if at all possible. Contact your insurance evacuation line and/or embassy immediately. If you're outside Yangon, getting to Yangon or directly to Bangkok is the priority for any significant medical need.
Are NGO workers covered differently?
Most international NGOs and humanitarian organizations provide comprehensive coverage including evacuation for staff. If you're working for an organization, verify your organizational coverage details. Some organizations use specialized insurers experienced with high-risk environments. Independent contractors and volunteers should verify they have personal coverage—don't assume organizational coverage extends to you.
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.