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Namibia Expat Health Insurance

One of the youngest countries in Africa, the Republic of Namibia shares borders with Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. The Atlantic Ocean is on Namibia’s western border. With an estimated population of 2.3 million (UN 2010), it is the second least densely populated country in the world (Mongolia being the least), encompassing a land area of 823,145 square kilometers. Described as Namibia’s “defining natural asset” the landscape varies and boasts rugged mountains, coastal desert plains, wild seascapes, dense forests, and stunning wild-life.

Although English is the official language, Afrikaans is the language most spoken by much of the population. German and indigenous languages are also used widely throughout the country. Namibia has a moderately developed economy, of which tourism is a rapidly growing sector and important generator of employment. Visitors are drawn to colonial cities, wildlife-rich national parks, the country’s geographical beauty, and cultural diversity. With an average of 300 sunshine days each year, Namibia has a typical semi-desert climate of hot days and cool nights. Rainfall is generally confined to the summer months from November to February.

Namibia Expat Health Insurance

The Namibian Government inherited a fragmented health system after gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, with the system racially segregated and the population having limited access to treatment options. Since then, primary health care services, accessibility, and immunization programmes have improved due to a strong political commitment to deliver better health care resulting in decreased incidence of malnutrition and disease.

There are three main providers of health services in Namibia. The majority of medical services are delivered by Government, which manages the health system through its Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) having national and regional offices. A total of 13 Regional Directorates oversee delivery of services within 34 health districts. There are state-run hospitals in major cities, with healthcare centers and mobile clinics operating in villages and rural areas. Funding for the health sector is largely generated by tax revenue, however small fees are collected from patients, but these vary depending on the type of facility and the service required as well as a patient’s ability to pay. While in principle the provision of health care services is considered more equitable and accessible, in practice there are significant regional differences with facilities outside of the capital varying in quality. Inequity in coverage across socio-economic groups exists and the efficiency of the district hospitals is considered low according to international standards, impacting on quality outcomes for some of the population.

Missionary services are another main provider of health services in the public sector, and predominantly work within rural Namibia. International donors provide funding to the government in support of specific programmes which focus on areas such as HIV/AIDS, immunization, and reproductive health.

The private sector is mainly based in urban areas, and services are delivered through private hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and clinics, nursing homes and private pharmacies. These are capable of providing emergency care and performing routine procedures with facilities comparable to western standards, although even if patients are insured, there may be an expectation to pay for treatment. International SOS operates an emergency center in Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek and has a fleet of road and air ambulances.

One of the leading causes of injury and death however are motor vehicle accidents, which make up the majority of cases for emergency evacuations. An increasing problem is accidents involving drunk drivers. Driving outside towns at night is particularly hazardous due to wildlife and stray livestock and complicated by driving conditions such as gravel roads. Evacuation for serious injury or illness is generally to South Africa, and is therefore recommended that expats travelling to or resident in Namibia arrange international medial insurance with a provision for evacuation by air.

Differences in sanitation and water supply exist across the country with adequate facilities and clean water available in urban areas but limited access in rural areas, particularly in the north of the country. The health system faces a number of challenges, such as variations in resource allocation, the differing needs of various communities and regions, and the capacity of the system to provide access across a vastly dispersed population. A major strain on the health system is the impact of HIV/AIDS, with even more financial pressure expected on an already burdened system due to a projected increase in prevalence. In a 2010 report on the AIDS epidemic, a World Health Organization working group estimated that approximately 160,000 people over the age of 15 years were living with HIV. Namibia has seen a significant decline in life expectancy, which is largely attributed to the disease. An estimated life expectancy currently for males of 52.48 years and females 51.89 years (CIA 2011) has dropped from that of an estimated 59 for males and 63 for females in 1991.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends travelers seek medical advice before travelling to Namibia to ensure routine immunizations are up-to-date and for any required vaccinations. Depending on individual health, immunization history and planned activities, the requirements for vaccines may vary, however pre-exposure vaccines noted are: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Polio and Rabies. Cholera, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Tuberculosis and Meningitis have all been reported as occurring within Namibia, therefore seeing a medical professional 4-6 weeks before departure is suggested in order to assess individual risk and allow effectiveness of vaccines. Rabies is common in Namibia; the main carriers being dogs. As risk increases with the likelihood of animal contact, type of activity or extended travel, the pre-exposure vaccine is recommended for those who spend considerable time outdoors, especially in rural areas.

Namibia Travel Advice

There is also a risk of Malaria in Namibia but travel advisories note that transmission is confined to the north-east of the county. Seasonal peaks occur during the rainy season. Preventions to contracting the disease include taking anti-malarial medication, using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using bed-nets. There is no risk of contracting yellow fever in Namibia however there is a requirement for travelers to prove they’ve had the vaccination if arriving from a country that poses the risk of transmission. This also applies where countries with the risk of yellow fever have been visited on route to Namibia.

Travel advisories for Namibia note that there is an increasing level of violent crime targeting tourists, particularly in the capital. The most common crimes are property-related and include pick-pocketing, vehicle thefts and break-ins. Foreign tourists have also frequently been targets of muggers and attacks can take place in broad daylight and in busy city locations. Advisories suggest that tourists maintain an appropriate level of vigilance with regard to personal security. Travelling to isolated areas should be avoided, as should driving after dark. During daytime hours, and especially in heavy traffic, car windows should be shut and doors locked.

Namibia Expat Health Insurance

The private sector delivers basic health services comparable to western standards however in Namibia the capacity to provide this level of healthcare beyond major cities is extremely limited. Motor vehicle accidents resulting in severe injury form the basis for many medical evacuations. Global health insurance has various worldwide medical insurance plans available and policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of those travelling to Namibia. Expat health insurance policies are transferable globally, and include emergency evacuation, repatriation, inpatient services, specialist and alternative care, along with many other benefits. For professional Namibia Expat Health Insurance advice at no cost, contact one of our insurance advisors.