Healthcare in Palestine is divided into two parts: government-managed healthcare, and private healthcare providers. There has been much progress in medical services since 1967. Accessibility and quality of healthcare have improved, particularly as a result of the advancement and availability of medical technology, along with medical training and education. Medical experience has developed also as a result of the political instability during the first and second Intifadas. Healthcare personnel honed their skills in medical needs such as wound care.
In 2014, the number of Palestinian hospitals increased to 80 hospitals total, and of that number, 50 are in the West Bank, constituting 62% of the total number of hospitals. There are approximately 2,880 doctors providing quality healthcare to patients within the various centers and units of the Ministry of Health.
Visitors are required to obtain travel insurance before heading to Palestine. Unfortunately, Palestinian insurance companies do not provide health care insurance to foreign visitors.
International tourists wishing to visit Palestine express specific concerns regarding the safety in living in Palestine. International media outlets frequently portray violence in the West Bank, so that people tend to immediately think of the TV images of war and turmoil. Tourists and potential volunteers are fearful and apprehensive as to whether they will be living in an active war zone.
Tourists and volunteers who do come to Palestine find that, although the situation in Palestine may at times be tense, they are largely able to live their daily lives without any particular safety concerns above and beyond those one might find typical of living in big cities.
Checkpoints are commonplace and the military presence in occupied Palestine is pervasive, but problems affecting visitors to Palestine are rare. Although there may be occasional traffic delays related to checkpoints, visitors to Palestine are usually able to move freely throughout the West Bank cities.
Although problems sometimes do occur, it is not usually a dangerous locale for tourists and volunteers. During times of increased tension internationals may need to be aware of the situation, and, using common sense, avoid some areas or routes due to clashes or road closures. The local and public transportation operators are familiar with these problems and they adapt travel accordingly.
