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Madagascar Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Madagascar, previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the south-eastern coast of Africa. The island is ranked as the fourth largest island in the world at 587,000 square kilometres. Madagascar is also surrounded by peripheral islands, of which the two largest are Nosy Be and Nosy Boraha. Madagascar’s capital and largest city is Antananarivo. The country’s official languages are Malagasy and French, while the local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). The population of Madagascar is estimated at 20.635 million people according to 2009 figures.

Madagascar’s Gross Domestic Product was estimated at US$19.41 billion in 2010, representing a real growth rate of -2 percent on 2009 figures. This gave a per capita earning of US$900, ranking Madagascar 218th in comparison to the rest of the world. The agricultural sector contributed 26.6 percent to GDP, while industry and services contributed 16.7 and 56.8 percent respectively. In 2004 it was estimated that 50 percent of the population lived below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day. In 2007 the labour force consists of 9.504 million people. In 2009 the total expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP was 4.1 which accounts for US$41 per person.

Madagascar Healthcare System and Insurance

The Madagascan Minister of Health is responsible for the administration of the country’s healthcare system. Access to all medical care services in Madagascar is free. The country is divided into Provinces, each province provided a central hospital, local clinics, dispensaries and maternity care centres in conjunction with mobile care units. The standards of health care facilities in Madagascar are not as high as countries in the west. Hospitals throughout Madagascar provide general, as well as specialised, care; such as, cardiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, dentists, and psychiatrists. These services can be access by all members of the community.

Hospitals, for the most part, are government owned and operated; however, Madagascar does boast a number of privately owned hospitals. It is important to be aware that medical services at the nation’s private healthcare facilities will be much more expensive than those at public medical centers. In many cases the treating facility may ask for payment, in cash, prior to admitting the patient. As such, it is imperative that expatriates wishing to access the highest standards of healthcare within Madagascar purchase a comprehensive international health insurance plan.

The majority of hospitals are located in the capital city of Antananarivo. To avoid out of pocket payments for health care services you should purchase comprehensive medical insurance before you travel to Madagascar, preferably one that covers the cost of medical evacuation if necessary. Some medication that may be available in your home country may not be available in Madagascar therefore you are advised to bring all required medication with you.

Ambulance emergency services are available in Antananarivo. Assistance Plus Ambulance Services are available by calling 032 07 801 10 or 22 487 47, polyclinique d’Ilafy ambulance services are available at 22 425 73 or 033 11 458 48, and the CDU (Centre de Disgnostic Mdeical d’Urgences) by calling 22 329 56. However, due to local road conditions, emergency response times may vary considerably due to traffic jams, which can result in dangerously slow assistance.

Madagascar Travel Advice

Before you travel you should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up-to-date by consulting with a travel health professional. Rabies, typically contracted through the bite of an infected animal, is endemic in Madagascar. Be wary when in the cities and countryside as there are many wild dogs roaming throughout the country. If you are bitten by a wild animal wash the cut immediately with soap and running water for ten minutes then seek immediate medical attention. The Plague and malaria are also at endemic levels through out Madagascar. There have also been cases of dengue fever and Cikungunya. You should only drink bottled or boiled water as there have been numerous outbreaks of Cholera during the rainy season. Seek medical attention immediately if you suffer from diarrhoea during your stay. It is also advisable to avoid all contact with domestic animals and animal by-products; for example, cows, sheep and goats and their blood, bodily fluids or organs.

It is estimated by the World Health Organisation that over 23,000 adults aged 15 or over are living with HIV in Madagascar. The prevalence is estimated at 0.2 percent of the population. This is roughly equal to the levels of HIV/Aids experienced by the United Kingdom, however due to relatively low uptake of contraceptives such as condoms, Madagascar does present a high risk for the HIV/Aids virus.

Madagascar experienced a population growth rate of 2.973 percent according to 2011 estimates. That same year the birth rate was 37.51 births per 1,000 people while the death rate was 7.79 deaths per 1,000 people. The 2011 infant mortality rate was 51.45 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the fertility rate was 5.02 children born per woman. The life expectancy was 61.62 years for males and 65.7 years for females in 2011. Thirty percent of the population live in urban areas; the rate of urbanization is expected to be 3.9 percent between the years of 2010-15.

From January to March Madagascar’s coastal areas are particularly affected by the cyclone season. The last major cyclone, Bingiza hit the country in February 2011 that caused heavy rain and extensive flooding. To ensure your continued safety for the duration of your stay you should remain up-to-date on weather reports from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the National Hurricane Centre. General the capital Antananarivo is not seriously affecter by the normal cyclone season.

The local laws and customs are regulated by taboos that are locally known as Fady. Fady influences daily life from forbidden foods to restrictions in clothing and they differ from region to region. Foreigners maybe denied access to some regions that are subjected to fady. Seek advice before traveling to rural areas. You should carry identification with you at all times as police may stop you at all times of the day and night.

There have been numerous incidents of high-way robbery by armed gangs particularly at night. It is recommended that you drive in convey when possible. Road conditions differ greatly between areas especially during the rainy season from December to April when most secondary roads become impassable without the aid of a four-wheel drive. It is not uncommon for bridges to be washed away.

River ferries offer an erratic services check with local authorities before setting off. Roads outside of the capital are used by heavy freight traffic, have sharp bends and have steep gradients therefore it is impetrative that you precede with extreme caution.

Madagascar Expat Health Insurance

If you are considering spending any time in abroad contact Global Health Insurance to discuss, free of charge, the options available to you or your group while you are in Madagascar. Expat health insurance that Global Health Insurance can offer provides a wide range of coverage options, and our advisors can offer you their professional expertise and services. Expat health insurance policies we offer can be tailor made to suit every budget and health care need from dental, transportation, and emergency medical evacuation to maternity cover. To ensure secure peace of mind throughout the duration of your stay, contact Global Health Insurance today.