Overview
Jordan has an advanced healthcare system when compared to the offerings of surrounding countries, although a vast majority of the system is highly concentrated in the country’s capital, Amman. The healthcare system in Jordan is divided into 2 main sectors; the public/semipublic sector and the private sector. Both divisions include hospitals, primary care clinics, pharmacies, and other ancillary services. There are currently a little over 100 private and public facilities in Jordan, providing approximately 12,000 beds to Jordan residents and medical tourists.
The public sector accounts for the majority of these hospital beds (67%), with the remainder being provided by private hospitals.
Jordan Healthcare System
The public sector in Jordan’s healthcare system accounts for approximately 67% of all the operating facilities. In addition to the private and public healthcare sectors, a large portion of healthcare in Jordan is offered through programs led by the United Nations and other nongovernmental humanitarian agencies. For example, the United National Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) serves more than 1.1 million people annually.
When traveling to Jordan for a medical procedure, it is highly advised to do your due research to determine which facility fits your needs, although we recommend being seen at a reputable private facility. Jordan has an impressive 9 hospitals accredited by the Join Commission International at this time. These include All Essra Hospital, Al Khalidi Hospital & Medical Center, Biolab, Istishari Hospital, Jordan Hospital & Medical Center, Jordan University Hospital, King Abdullah Hospital, King Hussein Cancer Center, and the Specialty Hospital.
Top hospitals for medical tourism in Jordan
- King Abdullah University Hospital: First opened in 2002, King Abdullah hospital quickly gained a reputation as being one of the finest institutions in the country. King Abdullah Hospital was launched with the idea of a being a comprehensive treatment center and to provide all of Jordan with excellent health services, something they’re still doing to this day.
- Istishari Hospital: Istishari Hospital prides itself on its outstanding patient satisfaction survey results, something they receive on a continual basis. Istishari Hospital utilizes state of the art equipment pair with transparency and efficient governance to provide a patient experience that’s unrivaled by any other institution in the country.
- Al Khalidi Hospital & Medical Center: One of the leading heart and comprehensive specialty facilities in all of Jordan, Al Khalidi Hospital & Medical Center. A private facility, it was originally founded in 1978 and has a long history of providing patients top-notch care.
- All Essra Hospital: The All Essra Hospital was first opened in September 2001. All Essra is a private, for-profit institution that provides vital services and procedures while remaining focused on the needs of the patient. All Essra has experience a large growth in incoming patients, and expects to double the bed offerings in the near future.
Common treatments done by medical tourists in Jordan
- Neurological Surgery
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Organ Transplants
Cost of medical treatments in Jordan
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Jordan and equivalent procedures in the United States:
| Medical Procedures | |
| Procedure | US Hospitals | Jordan | Average Savings |
| Cosmetic Surgeries/Rhinoplasty | $5,000-$10,000 | $1,690-$2,800 | 566%-72% |
| Breast Augmentation (standard) | $9,162-$10,995 | $4,000 | Approximately 60% |
| Kidney Transplant | $400,000 | $20,000 | 95% |
Malpractice and liability laws in Jordan
There is a Medical Accountability Law that was endorsed by Jordan’s government’s lower house in 2016. Under the law, an insurance fund will be established through the Higher Medical Council to cover medical malpractice, and obliged established to insure practitioners at their premises.
Pros
Leading Medical Professionals
Most doctors working in Jordan study for many years in formal education and training. Jordan has the best healthcare system in the Middle East, and it’s also the safest destination in that area. JCI Accredited
Jordan has a staggering 9 facilities that are accredited and recognized by the prestigious Joint Commission International. This illustrates a standard of excellent and a focus on patient care. Low Cost
Jordan offers some astoundingly low prices for complex medical procedures. The rates on some of that surgical procedures (especially organ transplants) cannot be beat by any other modern facility in the world.
Cons
Travel
Traffic in Jordan is a bit hectic, especially compared to what those from the Western world are familiar with. Drivers tend to be more aggressive in their movements, which can come as quite a cultural shock to foreigners. Expensive Cost of Living
While the cost of medical procedures and services are relatively low when compared to the rest of the world, the cost of living in Jordan is relatively high. Those medical tourists wanting to stay in Jordan during their recovery will quickly learn that lodging, food, and entertainment are the biggest things that can break the bank.
Traveling to Jordan
Average estimated travel time in hours| From/To | Jordan |
| New York | 14 |
| Los Angeles | 16 |
| Miami | 15.5 |
| Toronto | 15 |
| Paraguay | 17.5 |
| Uruguay | 18 |
| Venezuela | 14 |
| Bolivia | 18 |
| Dubai | 2 |
| Riyadh | 2 |
| Kuwait | 2.5 |
| London | 5 |
Entry and exit requirements to Jordan
You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining. One blank passport page is required for stamping. Jordan does issue singly entry visas to US citizens upon arrival. It’s also required to declare if you’re bringing more than JOD10,000 (or other currency equivalence).
Statistics for medical tourism in Jordan
While hospitals are trying to attract new patients to Jordan, the country underwent a 40% drop in medical tourism from 2015-2016. This was due in part to restrictions place on visa issued citizens from citizens of Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Iraq and due to the serious conflicts between those countries. While Jordan has put forth an impressive effort to attract medical tourists, much work is still needed make it a viable part of their economy and a viable option for those needing treatment.