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Liberia Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Liberia, in West Africa, was founded in the 1820s by freed slaves from the United States. The Liberian flag is modeled after that of the United States and its government institutions were also modeled after those of the US. The capital city, Monrovia, is named after President James Monroe. A military coup in 1980 overthrew the elected government and the country was wracked by civil war in the 1990s. Today, Liberia is still recovering from civil war, but more democratic institutions have emerged. Liberia remains one of the poorest countries in Africa, with most of the population surviving on less than US$ 1.25 per day.

Liberia Healthcare System

Life expectancy in Liberia is tragically low – 54 years for males and 57 years for females. Although health care spending makes up a large proportion of GDP at 13.2 per cent, Liberia’s poverty means that annual per capita expenditure on health is only US$ 53. Government expenditure makes up just under 40 percent of total health spending in Liberia; local private Liberian health insurance is nonexistent, so out of pocket expenditure makes up more than half of private health care spending. The remainder of healthcare funding within the country comes from various charity, NGO and multilateral aid organisations which are crucial to the delivery of care in Liberia. Liberia has only 1 doctor and 27 nurses and midwives per 100,000 people, and training facilities are extremely limited.

While access to basic medical care has been expanding in the wake of the country’s civil war, there is currently only one hospital providing “tertiary care” in Liberia – JFK Hospital in Monrovia. Much of the health care infrastructure was damaged in the war. Many of the NGOs which had supported Liberian health care institutions have left due to safety concerns. Access to pharmaceuticals and equipment is also a major problem in Liberia.

The prevalence of communicable diseases has a serious effect on morbidity and mortality in Liberia. Many of these health issues are exacerbated by malnutrition. Malaria is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity despite efforts to distribute mosquito netting and other preventative materials. Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia are increasingly a concern, and children are at great risk from diarrhoea-related health issues. While HIV rates are lower than the sub – Saharan African average, they are still nearly double the global average at 8 cases per 1,000 adults. Tuberculosis is also a major health issue, with 518 cases per 100,000 Liberians – more than two and a half times the global average. Lassa fever is another health risk, and over the past decade, the WHO’s Global Alert and Response team has issued a series of health warnings during outbreaks of cholera and yellow fever.

Non-communicable diseases associated with more developed countries have a small but increasing impact on Liberian health. Diabetes, cancer and cardiopulmonary disease correlated with modern diet and sedentary lifestyle are increasingly becoming a cause for concern and public health action.

Liberian utilisation of antenatal birth and infant care is low, even by the standards of poor sub-Saharan Africa. Less than half of births are attended by skilled health care personnel. Maternal mortality is alarmingly high in Liberia with 990 deaths per 100,000 live births, or nearly five times the global average. Infant mortality is nearly double the global average with 112 deaths per every 1,000 live births.

Public health infrastructure is very poor in Liberia, and access to sources of improved drinking water has actually declined over the past two decades for urban Liberians. Less than one in five Liberians has access to improved sanitation facilities, and only a small amount of rural residents do. Much of the sewage and sanitation facilities were damaged or destroyed during the civil war and most have not yet been repaired.

Civil unrest, tropical disease and poor sanitation contribute to the serious health risks involved in travel to Liberia. The US Centre for Disease Control has drafted some guidelines to reduce risk for potential visitors.

The first step in preparing to visit Liberia is seeing a travel health care specialist four to six weeks before departure to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Yellow fever vaccination is required of all visitors to Liberia older than one year of age.

As mentioned above, malaria is a major health problem in Liberia. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellent is advised. It is suggested that travellers take a prophylactic round of anti-malarial medication before arrival. Anti-malarial drugs should be purchased in your home country to ensure security of supply. Other insect and animal borne diseases are also common to the region so avoid being bitten or scratched if possible.

For travellers, stomach discomfort is universally the number one illness, and Liberia is no exception. Avoid foods that are raw or undercooked and always drink bottled water. Over the counter medicine should be sufficient to treat most acute cases, but persistent diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting should be treated by a physician. Liberia’s warm climate can exacerbate discomfort in these situations, so ensure that you take plenty of fluids and avoid midday sun.

Even in the most developed parts of the country, health care conditions are rudimentary at best in Liberia. Expat health insurance is highly recommended as it can provide you comprehensive coverage in the event of a serious medical emergency , where medical air evacuation may be necessary.

Liberia Expat Health Insurance

With myriad health care options available, it can be difficult to choose the right Liberia expat health insurance plan. Fortunately Global Health Insurance has a dedicated team of experienced advisors available around the clock to help you select the best international health insurance plan for yourself, your family, your tour group or your company. Contact Global Health Insurance today for more information.