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Bolivia Expat Health Insurance

Boasting the largest deposit of salt on the planet and the highest capital in the world, landlocked Bolivia shares borders with South American neighbors Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Encompassing a land area of 1.1 million square kilometers, Bolivia provides tourists a significant array of activities and attractions; vast 12,000 square kilometers of salt desert, the majestic peaks of the Andes, Amazonian rainforests and the world’s largest butterfly sanctuary. Visitors are exposed to almost every type of ecosystem through dense jungle, lush rainforest, enormous plains and valleys. Also one of the worlds’ wettest countries with a rainfall over 5000mm annually, the climate varies significantly from one region to another due to Bolivia’s extremes in topography. The country’s mountainous western region is cold and arid whereas its tropical eastern region is hot and humid. This eastern half of Bolivia is home to more than 20 ethnic groups and over 40 percent of all the earth’s known wildlife. Tourism is an important source of income in the western half of the country with much of the Bolivian art, music and dance known around the world coming from this region, and reflecting the local Aymara and Quechua populations.

In recognition of the country’s cultural diversity, the extended rights of Bolivia’s indigenous majority and increased autonomy of its states, a new constitution enacted in 2009 changed the country’s name, and it became known officially as the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Despite being rich in mineral and energy resources, this nation of an estimated 10.4 million people (UN, 2010) is one of the least developed countries in Latin America, and was rated ‘Repressed’ on the 2010 Index of Economic Freedom. A main source of income for many of the country’s farmers is coca, the raw material for cocaine, of which Bolivia is the world’s third largest producer. While tourism revenue is an important source of income, there are no minimum standards set by the government to which tour operators must adhere, therefore tourists should take care in choosing their guides and tour operators, and ensure appropriate expatriate travel insurance is arranged which covers all the activities that travelers wish to undertake.

Bolivia Health Care and Insurance

As with many of the countries in Latin America, Bolivia has implemented health system reform strategies and programs focusing on guaranteeing ongoing access to health care and improving health outcomes of the population. While policies have been developed and implemented, the reality is, there is a lack of human, financial and physical resources. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MSPS) is responsible for steering the health system at a national level, regulating, evaluating and auditing the application of national standards. Departments are responsible for health administration at a regional level, and the municipal governments are responsible for health facilities and providing services to low-income Bolivian’s at the local level. The health system comprises of public, social security, private and not-for-profit sectors, delivering services through health centers, hospitals, health posts, and specialized institutes. State-run hospitals and clinics, upon which the vast majority of Bolivian’s depend, suffer from serious under-funding and patients face lengthy waiting times. Those formally employed are eligible for social security, which provides coverage for diseases, neonatal care, occupational hazards and childhood care, however according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only approximately 26 percent of the population is covered by the health insurance system.

Between 5 and 10 percent of the population have private coverage and can therefore afford to use the private sector hospitals and clinics, which are recognized for providing good quality medical facilities and care. These private services are expensive however and travellers should consider arranging expatriate health insurance coverage with an evacuation provision, especially as ambulance services are minimal and some hospitals are not equipped to deal with serious illness or injury. Poverty is a prevailing issue, especially in indigenous groups and rural areas, where only an estimated 20 percent of the rural population has access to proper sanitation facilities and safe water. Medical facilities are sparse and quality of care can vary within rural Bolivia. Malnutrition is also of concern and experts estimate around 23 percent of the population suffer from it. Non-government organizations play a pivotal role in contributing to healthcare within the country, of which the majority of providers are located in marginal urban areas and poor municipalities, and operate with international funding. According to UN statistics, males in Bolivia have a life expectancy of 65 years, and females 69 years.

Bolivia Travel Insurance Concerns

A public health threat prompted the declaration of a state of emergency on 30 March 2011, due to a significant increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, of which 23 deaths resulted between December 2010 and May 2011. The disease is common to Latin America and can occur throughout the year. Infected humans act as a source of the dengue virus for uninfected mosquitoes, which are then capable of transmitting the virus for the remainder of their lives. There is no viable vaccine currently available therefore precautionary measures are strongly advised and are especially important when mosquitoes are most active. The best protections noted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and remaining indoors at peak biting times. Other measures include spraying rooms with bug-spray and using mosquito-nets treated with Permethrin when sleeping. There is also a high incidence of malaria in lowland tropical areas, and Bolivia’s Ministry of Health reported an increase of 25 percent in the number of cases. Precautionary measures, the same for avoiding dengue fever are advised.

Arranging expatriate health insurance in case of injury or illness while travelling is recommended as is seeking medical advice prior to any travel to ensure that routine immunizations are up to date. Before travelling to Bolivia, vaccinations recommended by the CDC are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Rabies. Some areas in Bolivia are designated “high risk” for yellow fever and foreigners entering the country are required to have a valid certificate as proof of vaccination. The government sets up vaccination points whenever outbreaks occur, and those not carrying their yellow fever vaccination certificate may be vaccinated at those check-points.

Bolivia’s Ministry of Health has also reported a significant increase in cases of rabies, from a total of 40 in all of 2010, to 88 from January to June 2011, including in the capital and major tourist spots. The main carriers of rabies are dogs which transmit the virus via saliva, most often through biting or a lick to an open wound. A pre-exposure vaccine is available. Children are at greater risk due to being more likely to have contact with animals, and less likely to report a bite or lick.

Travel advisories note vigilance is required with regard to personal safety due to an increase in violent crime against foreign nationals, including armed robbery. In the event of injury from these occurrences and to avoid delays in receiving medical assistance through an inability to pay for services, comprehensive expat medical insurance coverage for Bolivia should be arranged prior to travel. “Express kidnappings” - abductions which are generally random, short-term and opportunistic by nature have become more common, whereby the aim is to extract cash from victims’ bank accounts. Due to a tense political situation, a heightened risk of civil unrest exists also. Demonstrations and protest rallies are frequent, and have the potential to turn violent with little or no warning. Roadblocks, particularly in tourist areas are common, and are used to gain government attention to address issues of concern at local, regional and national levels. Travelers are urged to exercise caution, avoid large crowds and not attempt to pass through roadblocks.

Bolivia Expat Health Insurance

The health system experiences shortages in resources and private facilities may be unable to provide a western standard of care for serious injury or illness in Bolivia. Expat health insurance and travel insurance policies can be used worldwide, providing coverage wherever you may travel. Global Health Insurance has various medical insurance plans available for both long and short-term travel, and policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs, whether travelling aboad generally or to Bolivia. Expat health insurance policies are transferable globally and can include emergency evacuation and repatriation, inpatient services, doctor consultations, medication, specialist care, maternity, dental coverage and many more. To ensure a medical emergency does not become your financial burden contact one of our insurance experts for guidance on the right health care insurance package for you and your family. You’ll receive friendly and helpful advice at no cost.