In 2023, amendments were made to the Law "On Medical Insurance for Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic," adopted in 1999. These amendments concern foreign citizens and their medical insurance on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. All foreigners, including students from the CIS and EAEU, are required to have a mandatory health insurance policy. The cost of the policy for 12 months is 11,900 soms.
The reader indicated that according to the amendments, citizens of EAEU countries can obtain insurance at the rate for Kyrgyz citizens, which is 1,840 soms.
However, as the reader noted, universities and the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund enter into agreements under which foreign students must receive medical services only in state institutions and purchase policies at the price of 11,900 soms. At the same time, many students use private health insurance policies. Over five years of study, the total amount to be paid for the policy is 59,500 soms," he explained.
The editorial office sought a comment from the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, where it was confirmed that changes to the law were indeed made in 2023.
The department noted: "According to Article 8 of the above-mentioned law, mandatory health insurance applies to citizens of the states participating in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and their families; foreign citizens, including students, studying and working in educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan. Thus, all foreign citizens are required to comply with the laws of the host country."
The MHIF reminded that the mandatory health insurance policy provides access to medical services under the state program, which includes free and preferential services:
- 20 preventive services;
- 21 diagnostic services;
- 12 basic services;
- 42 additional laboratory and diagnostic studies.
"It should be noted that free medical examinations for foreign students are available once a year," the MHIF added.
Furthermore, as clarified by the fund, medical assistance in hospitals is provided with a co-payment ranging from 840 to 1,510 soms, depending on the disease profile and the level of the healthcare institution. At the same time, uninsured foreigners receive services according to the price list.
"The cost of the mandatory health insurance policy for foreign citizens is determined by the regulation on the policy, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on 20.09.2023 No. 491, and is calculated according to an established formula. The Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, as a state body implementing policy in the field of health insurance, cannot influence the cost of the health insurance policy," the department concluded.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: brgu.ru.
