Health insurance in Lebanon: what it covers, what it costs, how to compare
Individual health insurance in Lebanon is priced by each member's age, the hospital class and the network, with ambulatory cover as an option. For the same family, the gap between insurers is often above 30%.
Compare health insurance prices nowIn-hospital cover
The base of every policy: surgery, hospital stay, intensive care, maternity after a waiting period, chronic diseases, cancer, usually with no financial limit and guaranteed renewability up to 720 days. Paid directly to the hospital inside the network (direct billing).
Ambulatory (out-patient) cover
An option added to the premium: laboratory tests, imaging and consultations reimbursed at 85% or 100% depending on the insurer. Some insurers add medicines and doctor visits as separate modules.
What sets the price
Each member's age (age bands), the hospital class (first, second, third), the network (full or restricted, excluding some hospitals), ambulatory cover, and the family size: most insurers give a family discount from 3 members.
A fixed policy cost is added (12 to 35 USD depending on the insurer).
Waiting periods and pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions go through a medical assessment or a waiting period (6 to 12 months); maternity is covered after 10 to 12 months of continuous membership. Continuity with the same insurer waives the waiting periods at renewal.
How to compare
Enter the family's ages, choose the class and the ambulatory option, and compare the premium per person, the total and the benefits of each plan side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get insured after 60?
Yes with most insurers up to 64 or 65 for a first enrolment, with a medical assessment. Beyond that, premiums are high and acceptance conditional.
What is the difference between first and second class?
A private room versus a double room in hospital, and sometimes different limits on some benefits. Second class costs about 25% to 35% less.
Does health insurance cover dental and optical?
Not in standard individual policies, except as an option with a few insurers.
I am registered with the NSSF, do I need insurance?
There are cheaper Co-NSSF plans that cover what social security does not pay (the remaining share and the class difference).
