Knowledge base / Living in Armenia
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Armenia for Foreigners
Where to go
- Private clinics. Yerevan has many, including large centres with labs and imaging. Same-day appointments by phone or messenger are common.
- Polyclinics. These are public primary-care centres with a family doctor, assigned by address. A referral from your polyclinic is usually needed for free state-funded treatment.
- Emergencies. Ambulance: 103. General emergency line: 911. In an acute case you can also go straight to a hospital emergency department.
- Language. In Yerevan, many doctors speak Russian, and private clinics increasingly offer English. Outside the capital, bring someone who speaks Armenian.
Universal health insurance from 2026
The law took effect on 25 December 2025. Coverage expands in stages until 2028.
- 2026, phase one.
Children under 18, people over 65, people with disabilities and some other groups, all state-funded. Also employees earning more than AMD 200,000 a month gross, and sole proprietors with 2025 revenue above AMD 2,400,000. - 2027, phase two.
Lower-paid employees, smaller sole proprietors, people on civil contracts, and recipients of dividends, rent or royalties. - 2028, phase three.
Some remaining groups and voluntary enrolment.
The premium is AMD 129,600 a year for everyone. Employers withhold it from salaries, and the state subsidises part of it for many earners. Phase-one sole proprietors had to pay the full 2026 amount by 20 April.
For foreigners the picture is still unclear. The government portal hartak.am refers to citizens and residents who spent at least 183 days in Armenia in the past year. EY Armenia says the system should reach some foreign nationals with a qualifying residence status by 2029. You can check your own status in the ArMed app or on the 8866 hotline. Read more about the 183-day rule in Tax residency in Armenia.
Key points about state cover
- It works only at clinics and pharmacies contracted with the fund. The list is on uhif.am.
- The package is limited. Most dental work, cosmetic procedures and home visits are excluded.
- The law allows waits of up to 6 months for planned care.
- You may hold state cover and a private policy at the same time.
Private health insurance
Armenian insurers sell voluntary health policies that usually cover outpatient visits, diagnostics and hospital stays at partner clinics. Before buying, check the annual limit, the clinic list, the deductible and the exclusions. Many people buy a policy in their first months, while their status under the state system is unclear. If you work for an Armenian company, ask whether it offers corporate cover.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are everywhere, and some open 24 hours. Since 2024, antibiotics and many other medicines are sold only with an Armenian electronic prescription, so a foreign prescription will not work. If you take regular medication, bring a supply and a doctor's summary to cover your first weeks.
Common mistakes
- Not checking whether your sole proprietorship owes the health premium. Unpaid premiums suspend coverage.
- Relying on a cheap travel policy for long-term life in Armenia. It usually covers emergencies only.
- Expecting to buy antibiotics over the counter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the emergency number for an ambulance in Armenia?
Call 103 for an ambulance or 911 for the general emergency line. In an acute case you can also go straight to a hospital emergency department.
Are foreigners covered by Armenia's universal health insurance?
Not automatically. hartak.am refers to citizens and residents who spent at least 183 days in Armenia in the past year. You can check your status in the ArMed app or on the 8866 hotline.
Do sole proprietors in Armenia pay the health insurance premium?
In 2026, sole proprietors with 2025 revenue above AMD 2,400,000 are covered and had to pay the full AMD 129,600 by 20 April. Smaller sole proprietors join in 2027.
Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in Armenia?
No. Since 2024 antibiotics and many other medicines need an Armenian electronic prescription, and foreign prescriptions do not work. Bring a supply and a doctor's summary for your first weeks.
Working in Armenia as a sole proprietor?
We register IEs and LLCs, explain your taxes and contributions, and keep your books in order.
Sources: universal health insurance — hartak.am, uhif.am, EY Armenia, CivilNet; electronic prescriptions — Armenpress; Ministry of Health — moh.am.