What health insurance do you need to live in Djibouti?
A policy that covers all medical costs, hospital stays and medical repatriation. France calls it essential, and Djiboutian law requires foreigners to hold repatriation guarantees.
The catch: most national health insurance plans do not pay for evacuation abroad. Before you sign, ask these questions and keep the answers in writing:
- Are evacuation and repatriation included, and up to what limit?
- Does the insurer pay clinics in Djibouti directly?
- Are conditions you had before joining covered?
- Does the assistance line answer at night?
Where do expats get care in Djibouti?
Each clinic sets its own fees and must post them at the entrance, so call before you go. The French forces’ military medical centre (CMCIA) takes civilian patients only under certain conditions.
| Facility | Address | Phone | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinique Le Héron | Héron, next to the CRIPEN | +253 21 34 55 13 | Emergency care, ambulance and pharmacy 24/7; MRI |
| Clinique Affi | Route des Salines Ouest | +253 21 35 74 74 | Sun–Thu 8 am–12 pm and 4–8 pm; evening paediatrician |
| Clinique Aden | Héron; Siesta (Damal complex) | +253 21 25 32 32 | GP 24/7 at Héron; maternity |
| SOM Clinique | Rue d’Athènes, city centre | +253 21 33 50 15 | 7 am–11 pm; specialists, CT, lab |
| Hôpital Al Shifa | Route de Venise | +253 21 32 85 00 | Clinics Sun–Thu 8 am–9 pm |
| Peltier General Hospital (public) | Plateau du Serpent | +253 21 35 09 62 | Emergency department 24/7 |
Working in Djibouti: are you covered by the CNSS?
Yes, if you work under the Djiboutian Labour Code: the law has no separate scheme for foreigners. You pay 2% of gross salary, your employer 5%, and you are treated at CNSS-contracted providers.
Ask your employer for proof that you have been registered, then apply for your AMU card at the CNSS registration service.
What should you do in an emergency or for an evacuation?
Call 119, the CHU de Djibouti’s emergency service, then tell your insurer: your policy may set a deadline for reporting a hospital admission.
Evacuation is arranged with your insurer’s assistance company. Keep your policy number and their phone number on your phone.
What about a fever or a prescription to renew?
In Djibouti City, Medyc arranges a doctor by video (from 3,000 DJF), a doctor or nurse at home (from 5,000 DJF) or an appointment with a partner doctor (from 6,000 DJF). Ask in the app or on WhatsApp, on +253 77 04 12 12.
Your questions, answered
Is repatriation insurance compulsory in Djibouti?
Djibouti’s law on entry and residence requires foreigners to hold repatriation guarantees. France considers repatriation insurance essential.
How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Djibouti?
The US Embassy publishes a list of doctors and clinics with the languages they speak. Call the clinic before you go to check.
How much does a private clinic consultation cost in Djibouti?
Each clinic sets its own fee and must post it at the entrance. In the public sector, a consultation costs 3,000 DJF at a health centre and 6,000 DJF in A&E.
Does the French military hospital treat civilians?
The CMCIA serves the French forces and their families, and takes civilians only under certain conditions. In an emergency, call 119 or go to Peltier Hospital.
Sources & further reading
- France Diplomatie: Djibouti, health
- GOV.UK: Djibouti travel advice, health
- U.S. Embassy Djibouti: Medical Assistance
- French Ministry of the Armed Forces: FFDJ, the CMCIA
- Clinique Le Héron: services
- Official Journal: Law 24/AN/14/7e L on universal health insurance
- CHU de Djibouti: 119 emergency number (SMUR)
- Medyc: private clinics in Djibouti
- Medyc: CNSS and AMU in Djibouti
- Medyc: medical evacuation from Djibouti
- Medyc: recommended vaccines in Djibouti
This guide explains how to organise care. It does not provide a diagnosis or individual medical advice. How we write our guides
