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Azerbaijan: the health system

Knowing how the health system is organised saves time and stress: where to go, how to get a referral, what insurance pays for. This chapter explains the main parts of Azerbaijan’s health system in plain language.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, a stepped translucent glass pyramid: a polyclinic at the base, a hospital in the middle, a large centre at the top.
Figure 1.The health system has primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

01Short answer

Health care in Azerbaijan has public and private sectors. Most public hospitals and polyclinics are run by TƏBİB (the Administration of Regional Medical Divisions), while health policy is set by the Ministry of Health. Since 1 April 2021, compulsory health insurance has covered the whole country; it is run by the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance. The first contact is usually a family doctor or polyclinic, and a referral is issued for specialised care. Some medicines and services are provided through separate state programmes.

02Simple explanation

The Ministry of Health sets rules and policy; TƏBİB runs public hospitals.

Compulsory health insurance covers residents; the service package is defined.

Usually you see a family doctor or polyclinic first, then a specialised centre on referral.

There are also private clinics; services there are usually paid for.

03Scientific explanation

Insurance: according to the Ministry of Health, compulsory insurance was phased in from January 2020 and has covered the entire country since 1 April 2021.

Service package: according to the WHO European Observatory, the package includes emergency, primary, outpatient and inpatient care; outpatient medicines are mainly provided through state programmes.

For visitors: the UK Foreign Office notes that medical facilities outside Baku may be limited and advises foreigners to have full travel insurance.

04What happens in the body?

Levels

Primary level — family doctor and polyclinic; secondary — district and city hospitals; tertiary — specialised centres in Baku, including the national haematology centre. Leukaemia is treated at the tertiary level.

How insurance works

Residents are covered by compulsory health insurance. Care is given at participating institutions and on referral. You can find out what the package includes from the institution and from the agency’s official website.

On a dark navy background, a teal shield of light arching over a home with warm windows.
Figure 2.Compulsory health insurance covers residents.

Public and private

For some tests people also use private laboratories and clinics. Always show results from private providers to your haematologist so that all information is in one place.

On a dark navy background, two paths of light, teal and gold, joining in the distance.
Figure 3.Public and private paths lead to the same goal.

05Moving through the system

From first visit to back home.

Family doctor — First visit and tests.1Family doctorFirst visit and tests.
Referral — Referral to specialised care.2ReferralReferral to specialised care.
Centre — Haematology tests and treatment.3CentreHaematology tests and treatment.
At home — Follow-up continues according to plan.4At homeFollow-up continues according to plan.
Fewer wasted tripsLess running around.
Clear paymentYou ask what insurance covers.
The full pictureAll results in one folder.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
LevelsPrimary level — family doctor and polyclinic; secondary — district and city hospitals; tertiary — specialised centres in Baku, including the national haematology centre. Leukaemia is treated at the tertiary level.
How insurance worksResidents are covered by compulsory health insurance. Care is given at participating institutions and on referral. You can find out what the package includes from the institution and from the agency’s official website.
Public and privateFor some tests people also use private laboratories and clinics. Always show results from private providers to your haematologist so that all information is in one place.

07Key terms

Ministry of Health
The state body that sets health policy.
TƏBİB
The body that runs public medical institutions.
Compulsory health insurance
State health insurance covering residents.
Referral
An official request from one doctor to another specialist.

08Key points

  • Ministry sets policy; TƏBİB runs hospitals.
  • Compulsory insurance nationwide since 2021.
  • The path usually starts with a family doctor.
  • Leukaemia is treated at the tertiary level.
  • Check payment details with the institution.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I see a haematologist without a referral?

Rules can change; in an emergency you go directly. For a planned appointment, ask the institution.

Are results from a private clinic accepted?

They are usually reviewed, but the centre may repeat some tests. That is normal.

I am a foreigner — does the insurance cover me?

It depends on your status. Travellers are advised to have full travel insurance.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I see a haematologist without a referral?

  2. Are results from a private clinic accepted?

  3. I am a foreigner — does the insurance cover me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (WHO). Azerbaijan: health system information and resources
  2. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: health
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Finding Health Care Services
  4. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: getting help
  5. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
  6. Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Decree on the establishment of the national haematology centre, 23 December 2019 (in Azerbaijani)
  7. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). The Oncology Team
  9. Tibbqazeti.az (AZERTAC). International conference marking ten years of bone marrow transplantation in Azerbaijan, 2024 (in Azerbaijani)
  10. European Reference Network on Rare Haematological Diseases. EuroBloodNet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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