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Guinea-Bissau Expat Health Insurance

One of Africa’s smallest countries, The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is located on the west coast of Africa, nestled between Senegal and Guinea. With an estimated population of 1.6 million (UN, 2010) and encompassing a land area of 36,125 square kilometers, Guinea-Bissau consists of flat plateau, dense forests and dry savannas, as well as wetlands and mangrove-lined waterways which support much aquatic wildlife, such as snakes, crocodiles, flamingos and pelicans. The country’s capital, Bissau, is also its major port with cashew nuts the main export item, providing a modest living for most of Guinea-Bissau's farmers. Exports also include peanuts, palm kernels, shrimp and sawn timber. The official language is Portuguese, with Crioulo and other African languages also widely spoken. Along with traditional African sports, football is a favorite pastime; however wrestling - through which Guinea-Bissau made its debut competing at the 1996 Atlanta Games - is their oldest and most popular sport.

Described as “a tranquil haven in a troubled land”, the Bijagos Islands, known also as the Bijagos Archipelago are a part of Guinea-Bissau. Situated off the coast in the North Atlantic Ocean, major draw-cards for tourists are the white-sand beaches, azure waters and sport-fishing the abundant waters of the islands. The archipelago has been classified a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its 155 species of fish and other abundant marine life. The World Heritage Centre notes that of the 8 species of tortoise in the world, these islands have 5 of them. Few of the islands are inhabited, and only small populations of indigenous Bijagos remain. Due to its favorable geography supporting trafficking points and lack of resources to police its coastline, Guinea-Bissau has become a main hub for international drug smuggling from Latin America to Europe.

Governed by a president who is assisted by a prime minister, cyclical political turmoil and military violence has plagued Guinea-Bissau for decades, with multiple coups, kidnapping, assassinations and accusations of corruption. A former Portuguese colony, it is the only country in West Africa to gain independence through war, achieving this in 1974. Political instability within neighboring Senegal’s Casamance region has proved effective for arms smuggling and there has been an influx of Senegalese refugees into Guinea-Bissau. The border closes regularly due to ongoing government clashes with Casamance separatists. It is important that expats travelling through this area gain local advice and check safety conditions regularly.

Guinea-Bissau Healthcare System

One of the poorest countries in the world, civil war and political instability in Guinea-Bissau has resulted in urban slums and severely damaged infrastructure. The country faces significant challenges with regards to public health and the quality of its medical facilities. Poor sanitation and waste treatment are the norm, and only approximately 30 percent of the population is considered to practice effective hygiene. Guinea-Bissau is reliant on foreign aid, with UNICEF and the World Health Organization providing assistance to strengthen its healthcare system and medical services. Medical services have improved since the country’s independence; however, the estimated ratio of 1 doctor per 5882 patients reflects the pressure on the health system, resulting in health statistics among the worst in the world. The average lifespan for the population is 48 years for men and 51 years for women. (UN 2010)

The health system in Guinea-Bissau is split into three levels. Operating at the local level, ‘health units’ are supported by community health workers, who provide care at clinics and first-aid centers. ‘Health Centers’ are also at this level which generally provide more complex care, such as surgery. There are currently five regional hospitals, located in Bafata, Canchungo, Gabu, Catio and Mansoa. The regional level health team is responsible for the implementation of treatment practices and monitoring of standards. The Ministry of Public Health is at the central level, which undertakes educational campaigns and health programs, and is responsible for guiding the regional level on issues such as priorities, funding, and annual programs. While these structures are in place, it is reported that the hospitals face shortages of basic necessities and medications such as antibiotics. Operating in parallel with the Ministry of Health in the improvement of medical services, and at the local level supplementing the underfunded public sector, are missionary medical services, and non-governmental organizations. External donor contributions are heavily relied upon for ongoing medical services at this level.

There are private/for-profit inpatient clinics in Bissau. The city also has a strong pharmaceutical sector. Little information regarding the scope of services provided within the private health sector is available, but there are reportedly 28 health-care centers in the city, operating in the for-profit sector, as well as a number of clinics and medical offices. Some clinics are led by midwives or nurses. It is generally considered that these services are under-developed and provide a decreased level of care than expatriates would normally experience. It is therefore important that anyone travelling within Guinea-Bissau have international medical and travel insurance in the event of illness or injury requiring hospitalization.

Cholera is endemic in the country, with outbreaks occurring nearly every year during the rainy season. Outbreaks have numbered in the thousands, with the loss of hundreds of lives. The Ministry of Public Health in Guinea-Bissau runs educational campaigns regarding the prevention of cholera, of which simple, healthy practices such as regular hand-washing and only drinking chlorinated or boiled water are suggested. Particular care should be taken with uncooked food, and ice in drinks should be avoided.

Guinea-Bissau enjoys a moderate, tropical climate. The rainy season falls from June to October, with temperate and dry conditions from November through to February. Conducive to this climate are tropical diseases, especially Malaria, which is prevalent during the rainy season, and entails a high rate of mortality. Preventions to contracting the disease include taking anti-malarial medication, using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using bed-nets. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the anti-malarial drug, Cholroquine is ineffective for the prevention of malaria in Guinea-Bissau.

Other health concerns include parasitic diseases, such as Schistosomiasis, also known as Snail Fever, which is contracted through exposure to contaminated fresh water, and caused by parasitic flatworms. While treatable, it can cause serious, long-term illness. Filariasis is another infectious disease prevalent in Guinea-Bissau, transmitted person-to-person through the bite of an infected mosquito. These and other communicable diseases are major causes of death in the country.

The CDC notes that before travelling to Guinea-Bissau, vaccinations and medications could be required for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio, Meningococcal disease and Rabies. Depending on individuals’ health, immunization history and planned activities, the requirements for vaccines may vary, but seeing a health-care provider ideally 4-6 weeks before departure in order to allow effectiveness of vaccines and medication, is recommended.

Travel advisories from many developing countries share common themes, advising there is “some risk” to personal safety of those travelling to Guinea-Bissau. There is an ongoing general threat from terrorism, and areas frequented by foreigners could become a target. The National Demining Centre declared Bissau “mine free” in June 2006, however unexploded munitions outside of the capital continue to be a problem. Foreigners are advised to seek local advice and travel only on paved roads. Crime rates are relatively low, however as Guinea-Bissau suffers from political instability and is in economic turmoil, this has the potential to change with little or no warning. Expats are advised to maintain an appropriate level of personal security awareness, and avoid large public gatherings or political demonstrations due to the potential for these to turn violent.

Medical facilities are extremely limited and woefully inaddequate, therefore for expats travelling to, or residing in Guinea-Bissau, expat health insurance, with a provision for medical evacuation by air will probably the best way to protect against risks to the health of you and your loved ones.

Guinea-Bissau Expat Health Insurance

Global Health Insurance offers professional advice at no cost. We have various international, travel and health insurance products available, and policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals, families or tour groups whether globally or in Guinea-Bissau. Expat health insurance policies are transferable globally, and can include emergency evacuation, inpatient services, specialist and alternative care, transportation, maternity, dental coverage, and many more. For further Guinea-Bissau expat health insurance details, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our insurance advisors today.