Jordan’s healthcare system features a dual structure of public and private health insurance that together aim to provide broad healthcare access, but with distinct roles, coverage scopes, and target populations.
Public Health Insurance in Jordan
The public health insurance system is primarily government-run and broadly accessible to Jordanian citizens and residents. The Ministry of Health (MOH) plays a central role, overseeing universal access to public healthcare facilities that include hospitals, clinics, and primary care centers nationwide. Public insurance schemes such as the Civil Insurance Program, Military and Security Forces Insurance, Social Security Corporation (SSC), and Royal Medical Services ensure coverage for government employees, military personnel, private sector workers, and vulnerable groups.
Public coverage typically includes a wide range of essential services such as outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services, chronic disease management, and preventive care. It is largely funded by government budgets supplemented by co-payments from patients, making care affordable. However, due to the scale and resource constraints, public facilities sometimes experience longer wait times and limited service flexibility compared to private providers.
Private Health Insurance in Jordan
Private health insurance, on the other hand, is more focused on providing supplemental and enhanced services, particularly favored by expatriates and higher-income Jordanians. International insurers like Cigna Global, AXA, and Allianz dominate this sector, offering customizable plans with broader coverage options that include faster access to care, more provider choice, outpatient specialist services, dental and maternity coverage, and international treatment options.
Local private insurers such as Jerusalem Insurance Company (JICO) and Medgulf offer extensive provider networks and rapid claims processing, catering to both individuals and corporates. Private insurance is typically premium-based, with premiums varying according to the level of coverage, age, and health status. It generally requires underwriting and is often purchased to complement or supplement public insurance, especially to avoid wait times or gain access to private hospitals.
Core Similarities
- Both sectors aim to provide healthcare access and financial protection against medical costs.
- They cover essential health services including outpatient, inpatient, maternity, and chronic disease care.
- Public and private insurers cooperate in some cases, with public schemes sometimes contracting private providers.
- Both offer plans with coverage for pre-existing conditions, though private insurers may have stricter underwriting.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Public Health Insurance | Private Health Insurance |
| Coverage Scope | Broad, essential services; mandatory for citizens and residents | Supplemental/enhanced; optional; often broader services (e.g., dental, international care) |
| Access & Speed | Often slower with longer wait times; access to public hospitals and clinics | Faster access, shorter wait times; access to private hospitals and specialists |
| Cost & Funding | Funded by government budgets + co-payments; low or subsidized cost to users | Premium-based; varies by plan, coverage, and risk factors; generally higher cost |
| Target Population | All citizens, government employees, private sector workers, military personnel | Expats, high-income individuals, those seeking additional or faster care |
| Flexibility | Limited plan options, standardized services | Customizable plans with add-ons and international coverage |
| Consumer Experience | Standardized services, possible resource constraints | More personalized service, digital tools, and faster claims |
Top 5 Public Health Insurances in Jordan: Cost, Coverage, and Features
Jordan’s public health insurance system is primarily government-operated, providing broad coverage to citizens and residents through several key programs. These schemes focus on affordability, accessibility, and essential health services across the country.
1. Ministry of Health (MOH) Public Health Insurance(Official website: https://www.moh.gov.jo/Default/En)
- Cost: Funded mainly through government budgets, supplemented by nominal patient co-payments. Most services at public hospitals and clinics are highly subsidized, making out-of-pocket costs low for users.
- Coverage Features: Includes primary care, outpatient visits, inpatient hospitalization, maternity care, chronic disease management, immunizations, and emergency services. Coverage is comprehensive within public healthcare facilities.
- Open to: All Jordanian citizens and residents using public healthcare facilities.
- Financial Features: The scheme is government-funded and designed to keep healthcare affordable. Patients contribute small fees depending on the service, but many preventive services are free.
- Consumer Satisfaction: Generally positive regarding accessibility and quality of essential care; however, some users report longer wait times and limited service options compared to private care.
2. Civil Insurance Program
- Cost: Funded through government budgets; no direct premiums from beneficiaries.
- Coverage Features: Provides government employees and their families with coverage for outpatient care, inpatient treatment, medications, maternity services, and preventive care. It integrates with MOH facilities and some private providers.
- Open to: Government employees and their dependents.
- Financial Features: Fully subsidized with no or minimal co-payments for covered services.
- Consumer Satisfaction: High satisfaction due to broad service access and minimal costs.
3. Military and Security Forces Insurance
- Cost: Funded by the government defense budget; no direct costs to beneficiaries.
- Coverage Features: Extensive health services including specialized medical care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, rehabilitation, and emergency care tailored for military personnel and security forces.
- Open to: Active military and security forces personnel and their families.
- Financial Features: Fully funded by government defense allocations.
- Consumer Satisfaction: High, owing to quality facilities and comprehensive care options.
4. Social Security Corporation (SSC) Health Insurance(Official website: https://www.ssc.gov.jo/)
- Cost: Funded by employer and employee contributions, typically a percentage of monthly salaries.
- Coverage Features: Covers private sector employees and their dependents, offering outpatient, inpatient, maternity, preventive services, and work-related injury care. Includes access to government hospitals and contracted private providers.
- Open to: Private sector employees and their families.
- Financial Features: Contributions are payroll-based; benefits are linked to contributions, with low out-of-pocket payments.
- Consumer Satisfaction: Generally favorable, especially for its coverage breadth, though some users cite delays in reimbursement and administrative issues.
5. Royal Medical Services (RMS)
- Cost: Government-funded through defense and health budgets; no premiums charged.
- Coverage Features: Provides comprehensive medical services for military personnel and some civilian beneficiaries. Services include inpatient, outpatient, surgical procedures, and specialized care in modern facilities.
- Open to: Military personnel and select civilian groups.
- Financial Features: Fully subsidized by government.
- Consumer Satisfaction: High, due to advanced facilities and broad coverage.
Top 5 Private Health Insurances in Jordan: Cost, Coverage, and Features
Jordan’s private health insurance sector has been growing rapidly, driven by expatriates, higher-income residents, and those seeking faster access to care and more comprehensive coverage than the public system offers. Below is an overview of the top private insurers operating in Jordan.
1. Cigna Global(Official website: https://www.cigna.com/)
- Cost: Premiums vary widely based on age, coverage level, and deductible choices, typically starting from moderate to high ranges reflecting international coverage.
- Coverage Features: Offers comprehensive plans tailored for expats, including inpatient and outpatient care, specialist visits, maternity, dental, vision, and medical evacuation/repatriation.
- Open to: Expats, foreign workers, and residents with international healthcare needs.
- Financial Features: Flexible deductible options and coverage limits; plans are globally underwritten with 24/7 customer support.
- Consumer Satisfaction: High satisfaction for customer service, broad international network, and claims processing speed.
2. AXA Insurance Jordan(Official website: https://www.axa.com/)
- Cost: Plans offer tiered pricing based on coverage limits and add-ons, generally mid to high-end.
- Coverage Features: Includes inpatient and outpatient treatments, maternity, dental, optical, chronic disease management, and repatriation services.
- Open to: Individuals, families, and corporate clients including expats.
- Financial Features: Customizable policies with optional add-ons, worldwide coverage available.
- Consumer Satisfaction: Strong reputation for reliability and ease of claims with positive customer feedback.
3. Allianz Jordan(Official website: https://www.allianz.com/)
- Cost: Premiums vary according to coverage and risk profile, competitive within the international insurance market.
- Coverage Features: Comprehensive international health insurance covering hospital care, outpatient services, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation.
- Open to: Expats, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals.
- Financial Features: Flexible plans with various deductible levels and co-payment options.
- Consumer Satisfaction: Well-regarded for global network access and prompt claims settlement.
4. Jerusalem Insurance Company (JICO)(Official website: https://jico.jo/personal/healthcare/)
- Cost: Competitive pricing aimed at local and regional markets; tiered plans with scalable coverage options.
- Coverage Features: Wide network of 5,000+ providers, full coverage for doctor visits and hospitalization, outpatient care, maternity, and emergency services. Offers “CURE” plans with local and international coverage.
- Open to: Jordanians, residents, and corporate clients.
- Financial Features: Fast claims processing and digital tools for policy management; no hidden fees.
- Consumer Satisfaction: High marks for customer service responsiveness and local provider access.
5. Medgulf Insurance(Official website: https://www.medgulf.com/)
- Cost: Affordable to mid-range premiums depending on coverage and policy type.
- Coverage Features: Private health insurance with extensive hospital access, outpatient services, maternity, dental, and chronic disease management. Includes optional international coverage.
- Open to: Individuals, families, and corporate clients.
- Financial Features: Flexible plans with clear terms and easy renewal processes.
Consumer Satisfaction: Positive reviews for comprehensive benefits and efficient claims handling.
READ MORE: Private and public health insurance of Japan (Make informed choices)
