NO MARMITE IN TUNISIA

Standards Equivalent To Europe
Tunisia has a developed healthcare system, where all public and private healthcare institutions are strictly monitored by the Ministry of Health and the medical standards are equivalent to anywhere in Europe.  Because of its excellent reputation, it is also proving to be a popular destination for cosmetic surgery.  A few years back the British newspaper The Daily Mail ran an article concerning the "Shortage of beds crisis in the UK" and quoted Tunisia as one of the destinations where patients were being sent to have their operation instead of being left on the waiting list for several years.

I have had experiences with both the private and public hospitals in Tunisia and have found them to be very satisfactory, with my son having an operation in a private clinic in Hammamet (Polyclinique Les Violettes).  This was much cheaper than the equivalent quoted price in England.  The building was spotless and the care, extremely professional.

Private Healthcare Or National Insurance
For an expat living in Tunisia, private healthcare is normally required. Those employed with a Tunisian company will find that the national insurance paid by them and by their employer will provide for their healthcare, covering the cost of doctor/hospital/dentist bills and a pension.  However, all medicines needed from the pharmacy are not included and will need to be paid for.

There are private and non-private doctor's surgeries in every town.  Those who can prove that they only receive a very low level of income should be able to use Tunisia's equivalent of the National Health Service which means a free doctor.

Children's innoculations are provided free at a local clinic and from school age onwards, the doctor will visit the school to immunise the children.

My daughter is currently receiving treatment from a private Tunisian orthodontist (18 months of wearing braces!)  For treatment such as this, most orthodontists will allow you to spread the cost of the treatment with manageable monthly amounts.

No Insurance, How Much Will I Pay?
Without any insurance, expect to currently pay around 10 dinars for an initial doctor's visit, roughly 25 dinars for an x-ray or 15 dinars for a dental checkup. (Summer 2006)

I will be actively seeking more information to continually update this page, in order to provide as much information as possible for expats living over here.  If you have had any experiences good or bad, have knowledge of English speaking doctors/surgeons/dentists, or know of any low cost, value for money local Tunisian private health insurance policies, please email me  nomarmiteintunisia@yahoo.fr
    with them or notify others in the guestbook.

Dr Mohamed Baha Telephone :  72228019/98342486
Address :     64 Avenue Habib Bourguiba
                   Beni Khiar 8060
English speaking doctor

Dr Olfa Bayar
Telephone : 72233950
Address :   3 Avenue Habib Thameur
                 Nabeul 8000
English speaking orthodontist

Ambulance (SAMU)
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