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Central African Republic Expat Health Insurance

The appropriately named Central African Republic (CAR) lies in the centre of the African continent, bordering Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The former French colony achieved independence in 1960, although French remains an official language along with Sango. The population of nearly four and a half million is extremely poor and is heavily reliant on foreign aid in the provision of basic health services. The country also ranks near the bottom of most global indicators of human development. Most of the population relies on subsistence farming for livelihood, and the export of cash crops is the most important pillar of the Central African economy. However, flooding is very common in this tropical country, and the results wreak havoc on crops as well as having negative effects on public health.

Unfortunately, as expected with most poor sub Saharan African countries, life expectancy at birth is very low in the Central African Republic. Unusually, average male life expectancy at 49 years, is one year longer than that of females in CAR. The high maternal mortality rate of 850 per 100,000 live births influences this figure. Only about half of CAR births are attended by skilled health care personnel. Central African Republic Health Insurance is virtually nonexistent. The World Health Organisation does not have figures on the breakdown of health care spending in the country, although overall health care spending is about USD32 annually per capita, which ranks below the already low regional average and represents about 4.3 percent of CAR GDP.

Central African Republic Medical Insurance and Care

In the Central African Republic, communicable diseases have a strong effect on mortality and morbidity. 47 of every 1,000 adults is infected with HIV, a rate nearly six times the global average. 395 of every 100,000 Central Africans is infected with tuberculosis; although this rate is lower than the African norm, it is still nearly double the global average. Malaria is also a serious health menace and the leading cause of death among children under age five. The WHO has reported several outbreaks of yellow fever, shigellosis, and meningitis in CAR over the past decade via its Global Alert and Response system.

Since Central African Republic medical insurance is not available to the populace and health care spending is very low, the health care workforce is seriously understaffed. There are only 0.8 doctors and 4.1 nurses and midwives for every 10,000 Central Africans. Provision of health care is marked by serious inequality as the wealthiest twenty percent of Central Africans enjoy access to health care similar to that of more advanced economies.

Central African Republic Traveller Health Care and Insurance

Public health infrastructure in CAR is very poor. Although slow and steady gains have been made in the provision of improved drinking water sources, this is still only available to only two thirds of the population. Improved sanitation facilities are only available to about one third of Central Africans, and none of these facilities would resemble those of more developed countries. The traveller or expatriate to CAR should bear this in mind when preparing to visit.

The US-based Centre for Disease Control has issued a series of guidelines to prepare visitors for the health risks in the Central African Republic. Updating routine immunisations four to six weeks before departure is strongly recommended; proof of yellow fever vaccine is required from travellers at least one year old. Malaria prevention is also an important part of limiting health risk. Using insect repellent, long sleeved clothing, mosquito nest and anti-malarial pills should limit risk. Other insect borne diseases such as dengue, river blindness and African sleeping sickness are also prevalent in Central Africa. Outbreaks of plague have also been recorded in the region in the past decade.

Fortunately, the most common health risks may not require Central African Republic health insurance. As with anywhere, diarrhoea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal complaints are the number one travellers’ complaint in CAR. Most cases can be treated with over the counter medication (which should be brought from your home country). However, dehydration associated with diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of death in Central African children, so treat persistent cases seriously and see a physician immediately if over the counter medication is not effective.

Central African Republic Expat Health Insurance Issues

As mentioned above, provision of health care services in Central African Republic is extremely poor. Not only are hospitals understaffed and pharmaceuticals in low supply, but the limited number of health clinics also suffer from power outages, lack of running water and limited communications equipment. It is strongly recommended to bring required medicines from your home country where supply quality and quantity are guaranteed.

However, while travel overseas can be full of excitement and adventure, there is also risk. In a poor country like Central African Republic, health risks are very serious. A medical emergency may require air evacuation which can cost in excess of USD100,000 and even basic medical care may not be available at a satisfactory level of quality in the Central African Republic. Expat health insurance plans can offer peace of mind, especially in geographic locations with limited access to quality healthcare by providing extensive global coverage with high benefits levels.

Central African Republic Expat Health Insurance

There are many international medical insurance options available on the market today. Navigating these choices can be difficult as everyone wants what’s best for their health, as well as that of their family, company or tour group. Fortunately, Global Health Insurance offers a trusted team of experienced advisors to assist you in finding the best plan for you whether you’re traveling or living abroad or going to the Central African Republic. Expat health insurance plans we work with can provide optional coverage items including dental, maternal, alternative and medical evacuation care, while our insurance experts are available to answer your questions. Contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.