# Does government health insurance in Jordan cover the same services as private insurance? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/government-vs-private-health-insurance-jordan-coverage Language: en Category: general Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.222Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.222Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/government-vs-private-health-insurance-jordan-coverage No, government health insurance and private health insurance in Jordan do not necessarily offer identical coverage. The nature of services, scope of coverage, and administrative procedures differ significantly between the two; government insurance (Civil Health Insurance) relies on a system of categories, tiers, and referrals within Ministry of Health facilities, while private insurance is subject to specific contractual agreements between the insurance company and the subscriber [\[3\]]() [\[5\]](). ## The Nature of Coverage in the Public Sector Civil health insurance in Jordan is based on an administrative system that organizes the provision of healthcare for subscribers and beneficiaries within Ministry of Health hospitals and centers. The benefits of this insurance vary based on the category; hospital accommodation tiers are defined, and certain procedures are subject to a referral system from health centers to hospitals, or sometimes to other sectors. For instance, there may be special approvals for transferring certain cases, such as children under the age of six, to other sectors [\[3\]]() [\[4\]](). ## Features and Challenges of Private Insurance In contrast, private insurance operates through specific contracts concluded by insurance companies (such as GIG) with individuals or companies. The contract clearly defines the "approved medical network," which includes hospitals, physicians, and laboratories. This network is the primary reference for receiving service; if a subscriber visits a non-approved provider, they may have to pay in cash and claim reimbursement from the company later, which differs from the government system's mechanism [\[5\]](). ## Fundamental Differences in Service Management Subscribers should note the following differences when comparing the two systems: - **Approval Mechanism:** Private insurance often requires prior procedures, such as completing hospital admission forms 72 hours before the appointment (except in emergencies), which is a mandatory step to benefit from the coverage [\[5\]](). - **Limitations and Exclusions:** Private insurance contains specific "benefits" and "exclusions" stipulated in the contract schedule, and it may include specific waiting periods before covering certain medical conditions, whereas government insurance follows regulations issued by the Council of Ministers and amendments to the civil system [\[3\]]() [\[5\]](). - **Additional Costs:** Private insurance may include a "copayment" percentage borne by the insured, while government insurance may be subject to subscription fees or insurance premiums based on age or employment category [\[3\]]() [\[5\]](). ## How to Choose the Most Suitable Option? Before relying on any coverage, it is essential to read your contract's "Schedule of Benefits," whether government or private. Be sure to inquire about: 1) Whether the hospital you frequent is within your approved network. 2) The procedures required for emergency cases. 3) The list of non-covered medications or procedures (exclusions). For more details on how to manage these coverages, you can review the [Health Insurance Guide in Jordan (Arabic)](). Always remember that emergency cases may require immediate action, so you should identify the nearest emergency department approved under your insurance umbrella in advance to avoid any unnecessary delay in receiving critical care [\[5\]](). ## Medical references - [وزارة الصحة الاردنية -ادارة التأمين الصحي]() - [وزارة الصحة الاردنية -دليل الخدمات]() - [Aman Program | GIG Insurance]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/government-vs-private-health-insurance-jordan-coverage#answer