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Democratic Republic of the Congo Expat Health Insurance

The Democratic Republic of the Congo was formerly the private property of King Leopold II of Belgium, and received global infamy for the extreme human rights abuses and natural resource exploitation carried out under his name. The country later became a Belgian colony, achieving independence from Belgium in 1960. Political turmoil ensued after independence, and the country, renamed “Zaire”, became the personal fiefdom of President Mobutu. Renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997, political upheaval continued and DR Congo suffered from spillover violence in neighboring Rwanda and Uganda, in what became known as the African World War. Violent skirmishes continue to this day. Although DR Congo is among the world’s poorest countries, its natural resource wealth is estimated at several trillion US dollars.

Democratic Rpublic of the Congo Healthcare System

Life expectancy in DR Congo is extremely low, even by local standards. Congolese males’ average lifespan is 47 years and females life expectancy is 51 years.

Total annual per capita expenditure on health care is US$7, or about 2 percent of GDP; this represents just a small fraction of the African regional average for healthcare spending. The local health care workforce is woefully understaffed, with 1.1 doctors and 5.3 nurses and midwives per 10,000 Congolese. Health care education is very limited and many of the most talented potential doctors and nurses seek better opportunities overseas. Utilization of basic antenatal, birth and infant health services is relatively low by global standards, and is largely dependent on foreign aid. Nearly three fourths of all births are attended by a skilled health care professional.

Infectious diseases are a serious problem. 82 percent of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo come from communicable diseases. 645 of every 100,000 Congolese suffers from tuberculosis. HIV / AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are also very prevalent. Over the past decade, the WHO’s Global Alert and Response (GAR) team has released dozens of disease outbreak warnings in DR Congo, including alerts for Yellow fever, Ebola, Poliomyelitis, Meningitis, Typhoid, Plague, Cholera, SARS, Marburg, and monkey pox.

Anything beyond basic health care is virtually nonexistent outside DR Congo’s capital city of Kinshasa. Most health care is provided by the public sector, largely with the support of bilateral and multilateral aid agencies. The French-owned and operated Centre Prive d'Urgence is the only private hospital which provides service approximating that of developed country hospitals, and is staffed by internationally trained health care professionals. Within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s healthcare system shortages of personnel, equipment, pharmaceuticals and other supplies are the norm, and power outages occur frequently.

Despite the dangers of political instability, itinerant refugees, volcanic activity and other natural disasters, and the likelihood of transmission of tropical and other communicable diseases, DR Congo abounds in natural beauty and opportunity for the adventurous traveler, or international aid worker. The US Center for Disease Control has issued several guidelines to mitigate risk for travelers.

Visiting a travel health clinic to update routine immunizations should be the first step in preparing for a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vaccinations against hepatitis, typhoid, polio and rabies are also suggested, and proof of yellow fever vaccination is required upon entry to the country. With its location close to the equator and tropical climate, DR Congo is prone to outbreaks of malaria and other insect-borne diseases. Prophylactic doses of anti-malarial pills may be necessary; long sleeved clothing, mosquito nets and insect repellent are strongly recommended. Other insect-borne diseases such as dengue, river blindness and African sleeping sickness are all common to the region, so exercising precaution is advised.

Ongoing violence between government and rebel forces have made several parts of DR Congo virtually off limits to visitors for safety reasons. Consult your local embassy before making a trip and review your itinerary with relevant officials from your home country. Violent crime, sexual assault and theft are common to DR Congo, even in the capital. Never travel alone without an experienced and trusted guide. In recent years, criminals posing as government authorities have conducted “traffic checks” as a pretense for carjacking or extortion. While driving, keep your windows up and doors locked at all times.

Even in a war-torn country like DR Congo, the most common travelers’ health problems come from gastrointestinal problems, and auto accidents. Drink only bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food. Acute stomach ailments may be treated with over the counter drugs, although persistent cases will require a visit to a physician. Always drive safely and obey the local rules of the road; never drink alcohol and drive a car or motorbike.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Expat Health Insurance

Even when exercising extreme caution, medical emergencies can happen, especially in a risky environment like DR Congo. Medical facilities, particularly in rural areas are substandard and may even be dangerous. In case of a local emergency, dial 2-4-2, although it should be noted the emergency response capabilities are very limited in DR Congo. Expat health insurance can provide high levels of coverage, not only ensuring access to quality healthcare, but it also provides cover if a serious medical emergency occurs and a medical airlift is required due to appropriate care being unavailable locally, which can end up costing more than US$100,000 for bedside to bedside transportation.

Sustaining a medical emergency when overseas is already stressful enough, especially in locations where healthcare access and quality is not up to standards like in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Expat health insurance plans will give you peace of mind that should an emergency occur, you will be covered. Global Health Insurance has been providing international health insurance plans to tourists and expatriates for years in and outside of the DR Congo. Expat health insurance plans we work with can include dental, maternal, alternative and air ambulance care. Our experienced team of Global Health Insurance advisors are on call around the clock to answer any question you may have about insurance coverage away from home. Contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.

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