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Burma Expat Health Insurance

The Southeast Asian country of Burma is officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and borders China, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh and India, as well as the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The country gained independence from Britain in 1948, and has been ruled by a military junta since 1962. Despite its rich natural resources, Burma is extremely poor due to its political situation and consistently ranks near the bottom of international quality of life assessments. Burma’s geographical position between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer lends it a tropical climate with high annual rainfall, particularly during monsoon season. Despite widespread environmental degradation under the current regime, Burma still boasts a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna, and its wildlife is prized by tourists and locals alike.

Burma Healthcare System

Health indicators in Burma are relatively low. Average life expectancy at birth is 61 years for males and 67 years for females. Communicable diseases are a serious problem. HIV infects 6 of every 1,000 Burmese adults, twice the global average. and 597 of every 100,000 Burmese suffer from tuberculosis, more than two and a half times the global norm. Malaria is the top cause of mortality and morbidity in Burma, and other insect-borne diseases are also prevalent throughout the country.

Despite Burma’s enduring poverty, especially in the rural hinterlands, the country has seen overall positive economic growth in recent years. However, from a health point of view, this economic growth has brought with it many of the non-communicable “diseases of affluence” which afflict wealthier countries, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases associated with smoking, modern diets and a sedentary lifestyle.

Maternal mortality, at 240 per 100,000 live births, is slightly below the global average, but this figure is far above that of developed countries. This high mortality rate likely stems from a lack of access to antenatal, birth and infant health care in Burma. Only 37 percent of all births are attended by skilled health care personnel. Less than half of Burmese mothers have adequate access to minimum levels antenatal care. Infant immunisation rates in Burma are above the Southeast Asian average, but far below those expected in more developed countries.

Average annual per capita spending on health care has tripled in the past decade, but is only USD23, less than half of the Southeast Asian average and just 2.0 percent of Burmese GDP. Government expenditure makes up less than 10 percent of total health expenditure and is heavily dependent on multilateral and foreign aid. Most health care expenditure in Burma comes from out of pocket payments by individual patients. Locally provided private health care is nonexistent.

Burma’s health care workforce is seriously understaffed. There are only 4.6 doctors and 8.0 nurses and midwives per every 10,000 Burmese. This level of staffing is inadequate for providing even basic care to most of the population. The WHO does have two collaborating centres in Burma, both based in Rangoon: one for research and training, and one for nursing and midwife development.

From a public health perspective, Burma is almost unique in the world in experiencing a decline in access to clean drinking water among urban Burmese over the past two decades. Gains in rural access to improved drinking water have kept the overall figure from sinking below three fourths of Burmese. Approximately 75 percent of Burmese have access to improved sanitation facilities, although most of these are quite rudimentary.

In order to improve health care in Burma, the World Health Organisation has drafted a Country Cooperation Strategy with the local Ministry of Health. Their joint communiqué lists three strategic priorities through 2011: improve health system performance, reduce excess burden of disease and improve health care conditions for mothers, children and adolescents.

Despite its authoritarian political regime, Burma has much to offer the adventurous tourist or business traveller. However, precautions should be taken before making a trip. These include updating routine immunisations and, for those planning to visit rural areas of Burma, jabs against Japanese encephalitis and rabies.

As mentioned above, malaria is Burma’s greatest health risk. Wearing long sleeved clothing and using insect repellent with DEET are advised. Additionally, prophlylactic anti-malaria pills may be taken. These should be acquired in your home country to ensure the security of supply. Dengue, chikungunya and plague are also prevalent in the region, so be very careful about insect bites.

As Burma lies in the monsoon region, flooding, landslides and public health risks associated with these natural disasters are always possible. Given Burma’s regime, political unrest is a constant risk.

For visitors to Burma, the most serious health risks are actually the same as for travellers anywhere. Gastrointestinal problems are the top travellers’ complaint. Avoiding raw or undercooked foods and only drinking bottled water is strongly recommended. Traffic accidents are also a serious health problem for both locals and tourists. Note local rules of the road and remember that Burmese traffic drives on the right. Automobile drivers must share crowded roads with motorbikes, bicycles, pedestrians and animals. Never mix alcohol and driving and always exercise extreme caution.

Burma Expat Health Insurance

Medical facilities available in Burma are generally below developed country standards and it may be difficult to find any health care at all in more remote areas. Serious medical emergencies may require air evacuation to Bangkok, Singapore or your home country for medical treatment from a capable facility. Medical evacuations are expensive , with costs reaching upwards of US$100,000, even from Burma. Expat health insurance policies can cover these situations, protecting you and your family from this risk is strongly recommended.

Given the various options for international health care plans, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. Fortunately Global Health Insurance is available to advise you on your health care needs while you’re overseas in Burma. Expat health insurance plans we work with can offer a range of plans with variable coverage options, while our dedicated and experienced team will ensure that you choose the right expatriate medical insurance plan to protect yourself, your family, your company or your tour group. Contact a Global Health Insurance representative today for more details.