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Kazakhstan is providing opportunities for its pensioners to receive sanatorium treatment, either free of charge or with significant subsidies. This initiative aims to support the well-being of seniors, with eligibility and costs varying based on the pensioner's category, pension amount, and region of residence.

Sanatorium Benefits in Astana

In Astana, sanatorium and resort treatment is funded by the local budget. Free vouchers are available for specific categories of citizens. Pensioners who have reached retirement age can receive subsidized vouchers, with the state covering 80% of the cost. For those receiving the minimum pension, the state covers 85% of the sanatorium stay cost.

Eligible residents of Astana can be referred to sanatoriums in the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area, including those near Lake Katarkol, or to the 'Balkhash' treatment and wellness complex in Priozersk, Karaganda region. Treatment typically lasts for 14 calendar days. Age-related pensioners can avail themselves of these subsidized stays once every two years, while other categories are eligible once a year. Importantly, pensioners are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the sanatorium.

To apply for a sanatorium voucher in Astana, pensioners can register online via the 'birge.astana.kz' website using an electronic digital signature (EDS). Assistance is also available at the 'Zhanuya' center located at 14 Beybitshilik Street. Vouchers are issued 10-15 days before the start of the treatment period at 9 Beybitshilik Street. Online registration for specific months opens on the first working day of the preceding month, for example, March bookings open on February 2nd, April on March 2nd, and May on April 1st. Any released spots due to cancellations become immediately available online.

Required documents include an application, ID card, and a sanatorium-resort card filled out by a doctor. If a representative applies, a power of attorney and copies of documents are needed. If a pensioner cannot attend due to personal circumstances, the voucher must be returned to the akimat (local administration). It can be transferred to another person or rescheduled, provided at least three days' notice is given.

Sanatorium Access in Almaty

The conditions in Almaty are more stringent. Free sanatorium vouchers are exclusively provided to war veterans and individuals with disabilities. Age-related pensioners whose average per capita income does not exceed three minimum living wages (approximately 152,553 tenge in 2026) may be eligible for partial compensation. In such cases, the pensioner contributes 25% of their pension (excluding the basic payment). Applications are submitted to the district akimat, and documents are reviewed by a special commission.

A 14-day stay, including five meals a day and medical procedures, typically costs around 385,000 tenge. For Astana pensioners with an 80% subsidy, this amounts to approximately 77,000 tenge, or 57,750 tenge with a 15% subsidy. In Almaty, the calculation is based on the pensioner paying 25% of their pension, a sum that can vary based on income and the commission's decision. Residents of other regions can inquire at their local executive bodies or Public Service Centers (PSCs).

Sanatorium Services in Shymkent

Shymkent is home to 102,003 pensioners. The city budget allocates funds annually for sanatorium-resort treatment for 5,500 veterans and pensioners. Vouchers are provided free of charge on a waiting list basis to sanatoriums selected through public procurement. Contracts for 2025 have been signed with 'Aksu demi', 'Kulparshyn', 'Densaulyk', and 'Aisha Bibi' sanatoriums. Additionally, the state health center 'Izetti Zenetker' operates, capable of accommodating 3,360 pensioners annually. Its capacity was increased from 70-120 beds in 2025, and by February 1, 2026, 230 individuals had received treatment there.

The process for obtaining a free voucher in Shymkent is fully automated. Pensioners can join the queue online through the 'geo-shym.kz' website from home. Currently, approximately 29,000 pensioners are on the waiting list. The plan for 2026 includes 5,500 vouchers through sanatoriums and 3,360 through the 'Izetti Zenetker' center. All services are provided free of charge.

Support System in Karaganda

Karaganda employs a different support mechanism. For veterans of World War II, those equated to them, and labor veterans, the cost of sanatorium-resort treatment is reimbursed. After treatment, the Karaganda city Employment and Social Programs Department reimburses the voucher cost based on supporting documents. The maximum reimbursement amount is 316,120.42 tenge.

Sanatorium-resort treatment is also available for pensioners with disabilities and elderly individuals over 75 who cannot independently care for themselves. For these categories, socio-medical assistance is provided at a rehabilitation center in the Karkaraly district, provided there are medical indications.

For further information in Karaganda, individuals can contact the Employment and Social Programs Department at 7 Chkalov Street, office 303. The office operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30, with a lunch break from 13:00 to 14:30. The inquiry phone number is 955 584.