Healthcare in Armenia: What Expats and Locals Need to Know
Armenia has made significant investments in its healthcare system since independence. Today, Yerevan has a range of modern private hospitals alongside state facilities, with a growing telemedicine sector. This guide explains how the system works and how to access quality care.
Last updated 2026-04-24 · 8 min read
Medical Disclaimer: GeraClinic provides access to qualified clinicians. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For emergencies in Armenia, call 103 (ambulance) or 911.
Overview of the Armenian healthcare system
Armenia operates a mixed public-private healthcare system. The Ministry of Health of Armenia oversees licensing, regulation, and public health policy. The state provides a Basic Benefits Package (BBP) covering emergency services, specific maternal and child health services, and certain disease programs for eligible citizens. However, most specialist care, elective procedures, and medications require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance.
Armenia's healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP is lower than European averages, resulting in relatively limited public hospital infrastructure outside Yerevan. Rural access to specialist care remains a significant challenge — one telemedicine is actively addressing.
The private sector has expanded substantially since 2000, with modern multispecialty hospitals in Yerevan offering facilities and standards comparable to neighbouring countries. Medical education is provided by Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), which produces Armenian physicians trained to international standards, many of whom also trained in Russia, Europe, or the US.
Public vs private healthcare in Armenia
Public Healthcare
- Free emergency care for all residents
- Covered for some chronic diseases and maternal care
- Long waiting times for elective procedures
- Equipment and infrastructure varies significantly
- Most medications not covered — out-of-pocket cost
- Better in Yerevan than regional cities
Private Healthcare
- Consultation fees from ~5,000-30,000 AMD (£10-60)
- Modern facilities at leading Yerevan hospitals
- Same-day or next-day specialist access
- English-speaking doctors available (especially diaspora-trained)
- Transparent pricing before treatment
- Preferred by expats, diaspora, and middle-class Armenians
Healthcare costs in Armenia
Armenia offers significantly lower private healthcare costs than Western Europe, making it attractive for medical tourism and for diaspora Armenians combining family visits with healthcare. Typical private consultation fees:
| Consultation type | AMD | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|
| GP / General Practice | 5,000 – 8,000 AMD | £10 – £15 |
| Cardiologist | 12,000 – 20,000 AMD | £23 – £38 |
| Endocrinologist | 12,000 – 18,000 AMD | £23 – £34 |
| Dermatologist | 10,000 – 15,000 AMD | £19 – £29 |
| Gynaecologist | 10,000 – 15,000 AMD | £19 – £29 |
| Psychiatrist / Psychologist | 8,000 – 15,000 AMD | £15 – £29 |
| Ultrasound scan | 8,000 – 15,000 AMD | £15 – £29 |
| Blood panel (standard) | 5,000 – 12,000 AMD | £10 – £23 |
Approximate prices based on Yerevan private clinics, 2026. Prices vary by provider.
Major hospitals in Yerevan
Surb Astvatsamayr Medical Centre
National Reference Hospital · Yerevan
Largest hospital in Armenia. Multispecialty. Emergency care 24/7.
Erebuni Medical Centre
Private Multispecialty · Yerevan (Erebuni District)
One of the leading private hospitals. Cardiology, oncology, trauma. English-speaking staff available.
Muratsan University Hospital
University Teaching Hospital · Yerevan (Arabkir District)
Part of Yerevan State Medical University. Strong internal medicine and surgical departments.
Nairi Medical Centre
Private Hospital · Yerevan
Modern facilities, wide specialist range, English spoken, popular with expats and diaspora.
National Center of Oncology
Specialist Cancer Centre · Yerevan
Primary oncology referral centre in Armenia.
Emergency services in Armenia
Emergency numbers in Armenia:
- 103 — Ambulance (Շտապ Բժշկական Օգնություն)
- 101 — Fire service
- 102 — Police
- 911 — Unified emergency number (also works)
Emergency care at state hospitals is free for all residents and visitors. For serious emergencies, the nearest major hospital emergency department is the appropriate destination. Private hospitals also have emergency departments with faster response times and modern equipment.
Healthcare for expats and diaspora in Armenia
Armenia has seen a significant influx of expats and diaspora returnees in recent years. Healthcare in Yerevan is accessible for English speakers, particularly in private hospitals where many doctors trained abroad and are comfortable consulting in English, Russian, or Armenian.
For expats without local language skills, challenges can arise in regional areas outside Yerevan where English-speaking doctors are rare. Telemedicine solves this effectively — GeraClinic doctors consulting in Armenia are available in English, Armenian, and Russian, providing specialist access that is independent of geography.
Travel insurance for Armenia typically includes emergency medical evacuation, which is relevant for serious conditions where treatment would be significantly better in a European centre. Standard expat health insurance covers private consultations and hospital care in Yerevan at Armenian rates — far lower cost than equivalent UK or European coverage.
GeraClinic in Armenia
GeraClinic launched in Armenia with a focus on Yerevan, providing online consultations with locally-registered and internationally-trained doctors in Armenian, Russian, and English. Key benefits for patients in Armenia:
- •Access to specialists not available locally — neurology, endocrinology, psychiatry, sports medicine, and more
- •Evening and weekend appointments for working professionals
- •Consultations in Armenian, Russian, or English
- •Payment via Idram, TelCell, or card — fully integrated with Armenian payment infrastructure
- •Second opinions from UK and internationally-trained specialists for complex cases
- •Continuity of care for diaspora visiting Armenia who already have GeraClinic records from the UK or elsewhere
- •Rural access — patients in Gyumri, Vanadzor, and other cities can access Yerevan specialist care remotely
See a doctor in Armenia online
GeraClinic doctors available in Armenian, Russian, and English. Same-day appointments from ֏8,000.