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Gabon Republic Expat Health Insurance

Gabon is located on the Atlantic coast of western Africa. The country lies approximately 3 degrees north of the equator, and as a result enjoys warm temperatures year-round. Gabon is a covered in lush greenery with about 85 percent of the country cloaked in tropical rain forest Gabon's national language is French with about 80 percent of the population speaking the language fluently, additionally dozens of local dialects are spoken by the more that 40 various ethnic groups present within the country. Gabon's population is about 1.5 million, with about 85 percent of its inhabitants living in cities.

In 2002, the Gabonese government wisely decided to protect the value of its natural surroundings, creating 13 national parks and declared a total landmass equaling 11 percent of the country as protected. Gabon has worked hard to prominently position itself in the growing Eco-tourism market. Gabon can rightfully boast a large number of rare and exotic animals for tourists to experience up close, likewise the long stretches of uninhabited coastline are becoming more appealing to travelers looking for a place to relax near the warm Atlantic Ocean. This tourism has resulted in ensuring more economic stability for the country, as every year adventure-seeking tourists flock to the small country to explore it's unspoiled rain forests and massive network of underground caves. Gabon also has other topography to offer, including mountains, savannas, estuaries, mangroves and river deltas, much of which is government sanctioned and preserved with help from the World Wildlife Fund to ensure that this area can be enjoyed by man and animal for generations to come.

Gabon also has considerable income from rich deposits of natural resources including uranium, gold, magnesium, iron, and most importantly to the region, petroleum. Oil exports, along with Gabon's agricultural, fishing, and forestry industries, make the country quite wealthy when compared to other countries in the region; though this is not to say that Gabon has not had its share of economic problems, largely due to government mismanagement and slow economic reform. The per capita Gross Domestic Product is approximately US$8,600.00, which is sadly mis-representative of Gabon's economic balance since a nearly 90 percent of the nation's income is shared by only 20 percent of its population. This has resulted in a large number of the nation's inhabitants surviving on very little means. The constant struggle of various governmental parties to invoke change and take over power, often to serve the interests of a wealthy few, both democratically and by force, has also resulted in problems at times and held back some progress for the country.

Two areas where Gabon is outstanding include education and health care. For Gabonese, basic education is required for all citizens age 6 to 16, and students who continue secondary schooling will graduate at age 19 whereupon university level education is readily available. As with many places, overcrowding of schools is common and teacher's salaries are considered low, but the literacy rate is approximately 98 percent, making a strong testament to the effectiveness of the basic-level education provided. When compared to western countries, education is lagging behind, but compared to other parts of Africa, progress is evident.

Gabon Healthcare System

Health care for the country is considered above standard, however this statement must take in consideration the surrounding region and the comparatively low level of care offered there. Hospitals are readily available, though the standard of treatment may not compare to that of western countries either in terms of medical practice or modern equipment. Medical provision comes in a variety of ways in Gabon, both public and private hospitals are available should the need arise. The large majority of health care facilities are public, being funded by the government and open to anyone in need, though foreigners may not receive priority treatment if they are not residents.

As is usually the case, the best health care is available at private facilities, though all receiving care at these hospitals will be expected to arrange payment themselves either in cash or through an insurance program, foreign or domestic. The most widely known and commonly held as the best hospital in Gabon is Albert Schweitzer Hospital located in Lambaréné. This facility was founded in 1913 and is committed to health care and research for the people of Gabon; the Albert Schweitzer Hospital is the recipient of generous grants from many foreign and domestic sources to assist them in their work. As such, it is very popular treatment option within the country, meaning that it may be very difficult to arrange treatment for all but the most dire of emergencies.

As with most countries, health care in Gabon can be quite expensive depending on the procedures required, as well as the distance that may need to be covered in case of an emergency. Air ambulance services are available for those who can be rescued from outlying areas in the case of an emergency. At this time only a very few are operating on a charity basis, primarily church mission groups trying to help fight the AIDS epidemic by transporting medicines to distant villages. The remaining available air ambulance services are private ventures whose services can be subscribed to ahead of time at reasonable rates, or can be called on at the time of emergency, but may or may not be able to assist. The cost of utilizing a private emergency evacuation service can often be more than US$ 100,000; as such it is recommended that all expatriates in Gabon obtain a comprehensive international health insurance policy prior to their arrival in the country.

Gabon boasts approximately 100 hospitals, though the large majority of these are in urban areas making medical treatment more difficult in remote areas which are frequented by nature loving tourists as well as petroleum-seeking professionals. In addition, some clinics and pharmacies are spread about the country, though they may not be equipped to handle a serious situation, as well as traditional healers and tribal medicine men.

The ratio of doctors to population is approximately 30 of every 100,000 persons, thus making medical care available to over 90 percent of Gabon's inhabitants. This is a good thing as Gabon, like all equatorial countries has more than its fair share of diseases to potentially come in contact with. These include malaria - which is widespread throughout the country - tuberculosis, leprosy, and various parasitic worms. The warm weather and abundant moisture make for a healthy breeding ground for many forms of viruses and bacteria, and while over 80 percent of Gabonese have access to clean drinking water, this still leaves a large number at risk of infection from water borne diseases, especially in remote areas. Travelers to these areas are encouraged to use caution when selecting drinking water and should insist on purified water from trusted sources; avoid ice in drinks where you are able.

Gabon’s child immunization has greatly increased in recent years with at least some of the children receiving inoculation for common diseases such as DPT, tuberculosis, measles and polio. Still, infant mortality rates are at approximately 5 percent, and more than half of babies born within the country are considered under weight.

Tragically, the modern plague of HIV/Aids has dealt a severe blow to Gabon, as it has across much of the African continent, with over 8 percent of the population carrying some stage of the incurable virus. Ebola is rare but has occurred sporadically, mostly in remote villages where residents come into contact with infected animals. The death rate of this disease is among the highest in the world with some scientists claiming mortality rates of over 75 percent, though further research is still being conducted by organizations such as the CDC and fortunately the virus is very uncommon in humans.

For these and other reasons, it is wise to consider fully your options when traveling to any part of the world where medical care is not up to the standard that you are accustomed to, and expense can vary greatly. The cost factor for health insurance should be seriously considered, since emergencies often arise very quickly, and some places have the right to refuse you or your family treatment without first receiving payment. In these instances the peace of mind that comes with the advanced purchase of medical insurance, whether country specific or international health coverage, is priceless.

Gabon Expat Health Insurance

Global Health Insurance is able to help you make the right decision about coverage that you need in Gabon or anywhere else you live or travel to. We have a wide array of expat health insurance policies that can be specifically tailored to fit your needs or the needs of your group in Gabon. Regardless of budget and requirements, contact Global Health Insurance to discuss free of charge with an Insurance Expert the needs or concerns that you have in Gabon. Our wide range of Expat health insurance coverage options we offer includes coverage options for dental, maternity, medical specialist consultation, hospitalization, emergency ambulance services, and much more for locations around the globe. Please contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your needs.

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