• Individual plans
• Family plans
• Group plans
• Travel plans
• Teacher plans

Macedonia Expat Health Insurance

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – the lengthy name is due to a dispute with Greece over the use of the name “Macedonia” which is also claimed by parts of Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia – is located in the Balkans. The country’s rich history dates back to the adventures of Alexander the Great, and includes Byzantine raids, Ottoman occupation and links to Pan-Slavic movements. Today Macedonia is a candidate for European Union membership and is an emerging economy with per capita GDP of USD 4,431, and a population of just over 2 million people.

As an emerging economy, some of Macedonia’s health care indicators are similar to those of wealthier European nations; but others lag behind. For example, average life expectancy in Macedonia is 72 years for males and 76 for females, slightly below the European average. Macedonia health insurance is very limited – total annual per capita health care spending is just USD 749. This figure is just a small fraction of the European average, though it does represent 6.9 percent of GDP, which is also in line with wealthier countries’ proportional spend. Detailed breakdown of Macedonian health care spending is not available via the World Health Organisation website, but local private insurance makes up only a small proportion of the total health care expenditure.

Macedonia Healthcare and Medical Concerns

Macedonia’s burden of communicable disease is far below that of many lower income and emerging economies. Rates of tuberculosis and HIV are far below European averages. A far more serious health concern in Macedonia is the burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart attack associated with modern sedentary lifestyles and diet, as well as smoking and alcohol abuse. Currently, about one fifth of Macedonians are obese and 88 percent of years of life lost in Macedonia are attributed to non-communicable diseases.

Macedonia’s health care workforce is adequately staffed by global standards, although with 25.5 doctors and 43.4 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people; the Macedonian healthcare system is understaffed by European standards. As with many countries in Macedonia’s economic situation, brain drain is a serious issue for skilled health care professionals who can find more lucrative opportunities abroad. Macedonia medical insurance is limited, but basic public health care is provided equitably. Antenatal, birth and infant health care is nearly universally provided to all Macedonians, rich and poor. Thanks to focused public health investment and the avoidance of serious damage during the breakup of Yugoslavia compared to other Balkan republics, access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities is nearly universal in Macedonia, with a significant positive effect on national health.

Macedonia Health Insurance for Travellers and Expatriates

Macedonia has much to offer the tourist or expatriate. With its rich and vibrant history and culture and varied topography in spite of its small size, travellers have numerous options for leisure. And as a rapidly developing economy, business opportunities abound. However, as with any overseas travel there are inherent risks. The US Centre for Disease Control recommends updating routine immunisations including hepatitis shots four to six weeks before travel to Macedonia. Tickborne encephalitis is a serious problem in rural parts of southeastern Europe, especially during summer. Wearing long trousers and using insect repellent with DEET is strongly recommended.

In Macedonia, the most common health issues for expatriates and travellers are rather more pedestrian. Gastrointestinal distress and road accidents are the leading causes of health problems for visitors to Macedonia. Avoiding raw or undercooked food and drinking only bottled water should help avoid most cases of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Over the counter drugs can treat most acute cases, but if symptoms persist, a physician should be seen immediately. On the roads, Macedonian traffic drives on the right. Never drink alcohol before driving and take time to get acclimatised to local rules of the road. In case of a serious health issue, local Macedonia health insurance may not be available, so an international health care plan is recommended.

Over the past decade, Macedonia’s Ministry of Health has pursued a decentralisation policy in the interest of improving efficacy of health care at the local level. The US Centre for Disease Control, in collaboration with the local university, the Soros Foundation and Unicef have all partnered on the implementation of this project as part of the Sustainable Management Development Program (SMDP). Given the limitations of Macedonia health insurance and health care, the SMDP has developed a framework for the delivery of health care in the future.

Macedonia’s network of hospitals and health clinics is adequate for the provision of basic health care services, but expatriates and travellers may wish to receive specialist care or surgery abroad. In an emergency situation, this can mean medical evacuation and even an airlift, which can cost tens of thousands of US dollars.

Macedonia Expat Health Insurance

Given the health risks and limitations in the delivery of care in Macedonia, an expat health insurance plans are strongly recommended. However, with such a wide variety of health care options on the market, choosing the best plan to suit you, your family, your business or your tour group can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the experienced team of advisors at Global Health Insurance are available to assist in finding the best plan for you during your time in Macedonia. Expat health insurance can help take the edge off of travelling or relocating overseas as it can give you peace of mind in knowing that should the unthinkable happen while you’re away from home, you will be covered. Our team of advisors at Global Health Insurance are available 24 hours per day. Contact Global Health Insurance today and find out what plan is best for you.