Ethiopians seeking medical treatment abroad will now be required to show proof of at least 500,000 birr in a bank account before receiving government approval, following a new directive issued by the Ministry of Health Ethiopia.
The requirement is introduced under the “Abroad Medical Service Referral System Implementation Directive No. 1128/2026,” which establishes a formal framework for referring patients outside the country for care. For patients seeking transplant services, the directive sets a higher threshold, requiring proof of at least 1 million birr.
According to the directive, patients must submit official bank documentation alongside identification, a medical board certificate, and other supporting documents when applying for permission to travel abroad for treatment. The medical board certificate, issued by a hospital panel, confirms that the required care is not available in Ethiopia or that delays in receiving treatment could result in serious harm.
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The directive also provides exceptions to the financial requirement in cases where treatment costs are covered by an employer, a sponsor abroad, or a recognized organization. In such cases, applicants must present formal documentation confirming financial responsibility.
Under the new system, patients must first be evaluated by a treating physician and then reviewed by a hospital medical board before the case is submitted for final approval. Only hospitals designated as higher-tier institutions are authorized to issue referral certificates.
The Ministry will issue a permission certificate once all requirements are met. The document is valid for six months and must be renewed if unused within that period. As part of the renewal process, applicants are required to provide proof that no foreign currency has been withdrawn using the previously issued authorization.
Patients approved for treatment abroad will be allowed to travel with one attendant, while a second may be permitted in cases where the patient’s condition requires additional support. For minors, accompaniment by a parent or legal guardian is mandatory.
The directive also introduces new rules governing individuals and entities that facilitate medical treatment abroad. Agents are required to obtain certification from the Ministry, demonstrate professional qualifications, and maintain formal relationships with accredited foreign health institutions. They may face administrative penalties, including suspension or revocation of their licenses, if found in violation of the rules.
In addition, the directive mandates the establishment of hospital-based medical boards that must review cases within 10 working days, with decisions forwarded for approval within three days, while regional health bureaus are tasked with supporting the digitization of the referral system. The Ministry of Health is also expected to maintain a centralized database of overseas medical referrals and verify the status of foreign health institutions involved in patient care.
