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Republic of Congo Expat Health Insurance

Officially known as the Republic of Congo but commonly referred to simply as the Congo, this developing nation is often confused with one of its much larger neighbors, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), located on the opposite side of the Congo River. This river, the second longest in Africa, has long been an important natural resource, used for food and transportation, and flows between Brazzaville, the country’s capital, and Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. With an estimated population of 4.2 million and encompassing a land area of 342,000 square kilometers, the Congo’s main attraction is its dense tropical rainforest, known for its gorillas, wild chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, leopards, and hippopotamus, to name a few of the abundant species of wildlife calling the rainforest home.

The Congo has a short stretch of coastline fronting the South Atlantic Ocean and is bordered by Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and the DRC. Despite being one of Africa’s main oil producers with the industry superseding forestry as the mainstay of the economy, the majority of the population - an estimated 70 percent, lives in poverty. Along with its rainforest, the country consists of coastal plain, a central plateau, fertile valley, surf beaches, elevated mountainous regions and has one of Africa’s largest, but least-known ecosystems in its Odzala National Park. Little tourist infrastructure exists and given the intrepid nature of inland journeys, travelers are strongly advised to ensure appropriate expatriate travel and health insurance is arranged which covers all the activities visitors wish to undertake.

Republic of Congo Health Care and Insurance

Civil unrest has resulted in severely damaged infrastructure and the country faces significant challenges with regards to public health and the quality of its medical facilities. The country is plagued by extreme poverty; poor sanitation and waste treatment are the norm. The Congolese Government reports there are 244 medical facilities throughout the country, comprising of hospitals and health centers. There is also a private sector, where health professionals have a preference toward working, however while these structures are in place, escalating costs in both public and private facilities have resulted in the vast majority of the population unable to afford, and therefore access, primary healthcare services. Due to the Government’s lack of capacity to deliver basic services, medical facilities and treatment options are limited, particularly outside the major cities. Local hospitals and health centers are poorly equipped and severely lacking in qualified staff, with an estimated ratio of 1 doctor for every 5,000 persons reflecting the pressure on the health system and resulting in health statistics among some of the worst in the world. Life expectancy is an estimated 53 years for men and 56 years for women.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that public health funding allocations are unevenly distributed, with many hospitals receiving little resources with which to provide services. Shortages of essential medications occur and many health centers do not have access to clean water. The government struggles to provide adequate financing of social sectors, resulting in poor quality heath services and medical outcomes. Despite the Congolese government adopting the Politique Nationale de Santé, which has a global purpose of promoting and protecting all Congo nationals by guaranteeing access to good quality health services, which is also in line with the Government’s constitution stating that every citizen should have the right to assure their health and wellbeing through medical care, discrimination is widespread with the indigenous population facing inequality of pay-scales, turned away from hospitals and unable to access basic social services. The Government has allowed UN agencies, NGO’s and humanitarian groups to operate within areas of the country, who are important in filling a void in services, especially healthcare provision, providing assistance to strengthen the health system and primary health services. Given the lack of quality medical services and shortages of basic medications, comprehensive Congo medical insurance should be arranged which covers evacuation by air in the event of illness or injury while in the country.

Republic of Congo Travel Advice

Characterised by a high mortality rate, an outbreak of the polio virus late last year prompted the Government, in conjunction with the WHO to effectively halt the spread of the virus in 2011 through launching a nationwide emergency vaccination program. Precautions should still be taken however to avoid contracting the disease, such as ensuring polio vaccinations are up-to-date and that food is washed properly and cooked thoroughly. An outbreak of measles has also become a public health issue, with cases reported in Pointe Noire and the Kouilou region. At least 800 people have been infected since the beginning of 2011 and more than 600 required hospital treatment and over 30 have died. The Congo has seen outbreaks of the human form of Ebola fever in recent years, of which the WHO warned that another could occur. As such, advisories note that ‘bush meat’ should be avoided as this is widely considered to have the right conditions for Ebola and other diseases to proliferate.

Food and water-borne diseases are common throughout the Congo. Traveler’s diarrhea is very common including in high-end accommodation in major cities, therefore particular care should be taken to reduce the chance of illness by practicing basic hygiene, especially prior to eating. Advice also notes that any fruits or vegetables washed in tap water should be peeled or cooked. Arranging international health insurance in case of injury or illness while travelling is recommended as is seeking medical advice prior to any travel to ensure that routine immunizations are up to date. Before visiting the Congo, vaccinations recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Polio, Yellow Fever and Rabies.

With the country’s position on the Equator, the Congo has persistently high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. It also receives significant rainfall with the rainy season from March to June, and it’s this tropical climate the Congo enjoys which is conducive to the spread of tropical diseases, especially malaria. The Congo has a dominant type of malaria which is resistant to the commonly prescribed anti-malarial drug Chloroquine. UNICEF reports that approximately 21,000 Congolese children alone die from malaria each year and that the disease is the main cause of death for children under the age of five. Travelers are at a high risk of contracting the disease, and the CDC advises that protective measures are necessary, and include taking anti-malarial medication, using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using bed-nets. The same precautions are advised for a viral disease called Chikungunya, which is also transmitted through mosquito bites. The Congo health authorities report that individuals with this disease typically suffer symptoms of fever, skin lesions, muscle and joint pain, general fatigue and headaches.

A certificate requirement is in place for yellow fever, and failure to provide proof of vaccination on arrival will require a further vaccination being administered, for which a fee is charged. Other health concerns include parasitic diseases, such as Schistosomiasis, also known as Snail Fever, which presents significant risk. It is contracted through coming into contact with contaminated fresh water, and caused by waterborne larvae penetrating intact skin. While treatable, it can cause serious, long-term illness and therefore travelers should avoid freshwater exposure. Treatment for these and other diseases such as rabies may not be available in certain areas of the country, resulting in medical evacuation becoming a critical component of travel to the Congo. Some areas of the country are unsafe for travel according to travel advisories, which note that visitors should remain up-to-date with regard to the political and security situation. Advisories also note that comprehensive travel and medical insurance should be arranged in order to cover any unexpected costs such as stolen belongings and medical bills.

Republic of Congo Expat Health Insurance

Limited treatment options are available in the Republic of Congo and in the event of serious illness or injury medical evacuation may prove the only option to receive quality medical care during your stay in the Republic of Congo. Expat health insurance and travel insurance policies can be used worldwide, providing coverage wherever you may travel. Global Health Insurance has various medical insurance plans available for both long and short-term travel, and policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs, whether travelling to any destination including the Congo. Expat health insurance policies are transferable globally and can include emergency evacuation and repatriation, inpatient services, doctor consultations, medication, specialist care, maternity, dental coverage and many more. To ensure a medical emergency does not become your financial burden contact one of our insurance experts for guidance on the right health care insurance package for you and your family. You’ll receive friendly and helpful advice at no cost.