Medical Insurance

How medical insurance works in Iran — free cover for hawzah students and their families, the all-important insurance booklet, and basic vs supplementary plans.

Medical insurance in Iran covers all or part of a person’s medical expenses. Most residents have some form of cover — through an employer, an educational institution or bought independently. Hawzah students are generally eligible for free medical insurance for themselves and their immediate family (spouse and children), though you should check the specific details with your own school.

Each insured family member receives an insurance booklet (daftarche bimeh) with their details. This booklet must be presented at all medical examinations: it verifies your cover and is used for writing prescriptions and requesting further tests. Presenting it generally entitles you to subsidised rates for visits and tests. It’s wise to ask for a receipt, as additional costs may be recoverable from the insurer, depending on your coverage.

Basic vs supplementary cover

Medical insurance comes in two categories:

• Basic — covers essential services, including GP visits, emergency care and certain hospital treatments. It is applied at the point of treatment: when you visit a clinic or hospital, the cashier asks about your cover and requests the booklet to apply the discount.
• Supplementary — provides broader cover, including specialist consultations, advanced diagnostic tests, dental care and surgery. With supplementary cover you can also claim back costs incurred beyond the basic discount, by filing a claim directly with the insurer — submitting the necessary forms along with receipts, medical reports and prescriptions. Once approved, the insurer issues a reimbursement.