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Cape Verde Expat Health Insurance

Known collectively as Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten islands off the coast of West Africa offers outdoor enthusiasts, water-lovers and culture buffs an abundant array of activities and dramatic landscapes. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, and comprising a combined land area of 4,033 square kilometers, the cluster of volcanic islands have a mix of rugged, rocky terrain, flat plateau, verdant valleys and white-sand beaches. Widely spoken are two languages, the official Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole, a mix of the Portuguese and African languages. A republic, Cape Verde is a developing nation with a democratically elected and stable Government, and despite a lack of natural resources, the country has made notable improvements economically, supporting West Africa’s highest standard of living. The population is an estimated 516,100 (CIA 2011), with the capital Praia on the island of Santiago, the largest and most populous of the nine inhabited islands.

Considered mild compared to that of the African mainland, Cape Verde’s climate is pleasantly tropical with a warm, dry summer. It is predominantly windy, ensuring relatively moderate temperatures. The weather varies both between, and within each island, with central areas reaching temperatures of up to forty degrees Celsius, and coastal areas remaining within the high twenties. While some islands suffer periodic droughts due to irregular rainfall, others receive more than the average precipitation, usually between the months of August and October.

Described as “a paradise hidden in the Atlantic Ocean” the islands have seen an increase of tourists and leisure-seekers in recent years. An estimated 382,000 people visited the archipelago in 2010 which is well-known for wave-sailing and as a windsurfing destination, due to constant winds from its location in the winter trade-wind belt. Naturally separated into windward and leeward groups, the islands draw mariners, swimmers, kite-surfers and other water-lovers alike. Sea conditions around the islands however can be dangerous, with powerful swells and strong currents making water sports at some locations particularly dangerous. Travel advisories note that caution should be exercised and local advice should be sought by mariners, particularly if sailing to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo. It is also advised that local ports be notified of arrival and departure times and relatives provided a copy of travel itineraries. Fogo Island, with Cape Verde’s highest peak, at an imposing elevation of 9,281 ft above sea level, is also an active volcano, erupting twice in the twentieth century. Despite Mt Fogo’s most recent eruption in 1995, produce such as coffee and grapes are still grown on its slopes. Travelers should be aware of the potential for natural disasters given regional seismic activity.

Cape Verde Healthcare System

According to Government statistics, males in Cape Verde have a life expectancy of 70.5 years, and females 77.7 years. A Government initiative has been in progress to upgrade public facilities and improve access to healthcare for Cape Verde’s citizens. The public health system provides free primary health care through central and regional hospitals, with the largest hospitals in the capital city Praia on the island of Santiago, and also in Mindelo on the island of Sano Vicente. Publicly funded health centers and out-patient dispensaries are located throughout the country. Upon presentation of a passport, a visitor to Cape Verde can gain access to medical care through the local hospitals, however facilities are limited and the standard of quality variable.

Private clinics also operate throughout the country, with treatment provided by international doctors. These are generally considered expensive, and payment is reportedly required at the time of treatment. While medical facilities are considered advanced compared to those available in West Africa, care is still basic and extremely limited by Western standards. International medical insurance policies should include the provision for evacuation by air in the event specialized care is required, due to the limited scope for dealing with medical emergencies in Cape Verde. The number to dial for medical emergencies is 130.

Cape Verde experienced an unprecedented outbreak of the Dengue Fever virus in 2009. This outbreak, the first time ever for the disease, saw the Dengue virus become a public health threat with 6 deaths and 21,000 cases across all of the inhabited islands. While the reported number of cases has declined since November 2009, the virus is common in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and still poses a health risk, especially during the rainy season. The Dengue virus, which the World Health Organization reports as causing severe flu-like symptoms, is generally transmitted person-to-person by an infected mosquito, having acquired the virus itself through feeding on the blood of an infected individual. 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.

While the WHO notes that vaccines for protection against the Dengue virus are being developed, these are in the early stages of development and therefore no viable vaccine is currently available. Precautionary measures are therefore strongly advised and are especially important when mosquitoes are most active, in order to decrease the risk of bites. 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 - dawn and dusk. Other measures include spraying rooms with bug-spray and using mosquito-nets treated with Permethrin when sleeping. Malaria is far less prevalent in Cape Verde than in mainland Africa, with only a limited number of cases each year. The CDC notes that even if a traveler is visiting an area of Cape Verde with known cases of malaria, the risk of contracting it is low, and therefore does not recommend use of anti-malarial drugs.

Seeking medical advice prior to any travel is recommended to ensure that routine immunizations are up to date, and to determine individual needs for preventative medication. The CDC recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid before travelling to Cape Verde. It notes that one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases contracted while travelling is Hepatitis A, with exposure to the virus occurring through food or water. Likewise, Typhoid is contracted through the same means. The Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through infected blood or body fluids, and is recommended in the event travelers might be exposed through medical treatment or via sexual contact with locals.

Even though individuals travelling to or resident in the country are not at risk of contracting yellow fever, the government requires anyone arriving from a country with the risk of yellow fever, provide proof of having had the vaccination. This also applies where countries that pose this risk have been visited on route to Cape Verde, but otherwise is not a recommended or required vaccination.

According to the CDC, the leading cause of illness in travelers is food and water-borne diseases. These are common in Cape Verde and often cause vomiting and diarrhea, therefore particular care should be taken to avoid illness by practicing basic hygiene such as washing hands with soap, or using an alcohol-based hand gel, especially prior to eating. Advice also notes that food should be fully cooked and any fruits or vegetables that have been washed in tap water should be peeled or cooked. Restaurants should be chosen carefully, and only bottled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles consumed. Street-food or drinks purchased from these vendors should also be avoided.

While the crime-rate in Cape Verde is considered low, petty crime is common, with pick-pocketing and purse snatching occurring in crowded areas such as outdoor markets and festivals, and particularly in the cities of Mindelo and Praia. Appearing affluent could potentially result in unwanted attention; therefore the carrying of valuables in public should be avoided. Recommended also is that people travel as part of a group, and be particularly vigilant after dark, avoiding isolated places. Groups of street-children have often been reported as pick-pockets and perpetrators of low-level crime, therefore general advice is to be aware of and avoid gangs of children who appear to have little adult supervision. Muggings have also occurred and violence increasingly used, with perpetrators often operating in small groups. To reduce the risk of being targeted for such crimes, travel advisories urge people to remain vigilant with regard to personal security and ensure travel documents and personal belongings are secure at all times. The local emergency phone number is 132 for Police.

Cape Verde Expat Health Insurance

Health and medical facilities are limited and serious injury or the need for specialized care may require medical evacuation from Cape Verde. Expat health insurance can provide you global cover for emergency medical care and evacuation, protecting you and your family against such risks. Global Health Insurance offers professional advice at no cost. We have various travel and international health insurance products available for travel to Cape Verde: expat health insurance policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals, families or tour groups. Global health insurance Policies are transferable globally, and include emergency evacuation, inpatient services, specialist and alternative care, transportation, maternity, dental coverage, and many more. For further details, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our insurance advisors today.