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Sao Tome and Principe Expat Health Insurance

The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe is a two island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of West Africa. There is a distance of approximately 140 kilometers between both islands with Sao Tome being the larger of the two. The population of Sao Tome and Principe is estimated at 163,000 people and in terms of population it is the second smallest nation in Africa. First discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1470, both islands were uninhabited and the Portuguese subsequently decided to establish ports for trade with mainland Africa. Independence from Portugal was achieved in 1975 and Sao Tome and Principe is now governed as a democratic semi-Presidential Republic. Agriculture and fishing are the two dominant sectors of the domestic economy. Cocoa is grown in abundance on both islands and it accounts for 95 percent of exports. Large petroleum reserves in waters that will shortly be jointly explored by Sao Tome and Principe and Nigeria are expected to increase revenue and improve the country’s economic position. The government also wishes to use Sao Tome and Principe’s natural beauty to attract international tourists and develop its tourism industry.

Sao Tome and Principe Health Care and Insurance

Health care services in Sao Tome and Principe are consistent with the country’s status as a poor, and developing, nation. In excess of 50 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line and the financial constraints the government must work within have ensured that reform of the health care system remains slow. Public health care is available free of charge to all citizens and residents through a network of health posts and health centers. Sao Tome and Principe has two hospitals in total, one on each island, and both are capable of providing some basic primary health services. Private health care services are also available on Sao Tome and Principe although expatriates and travelers visiting the islands should note that these services are considerably more expensive than those offered at public health care facilities. As such, purchasing international Sao Tome and Principe health insurance is strongly recommended.

Sao Tome and Principe’s public health system comprises a district level and a central level. Health posts and health centers form district level heath care while Sao Tome and Principe’s two hospitals form the central level. The majority of the country’s health posts and centers are located in rural parts of the islands as this is where large numbers of residents reside and work. These health facilities are staffed by a small team of doctors, nurses and health workers that are capable of providing routine treatments, immunizations and pre-natal and post-natal care. The Ayres Menezes Hospital on the main island of Sao Tome is the country’s largest and best equipped health facility. It is Sao Tome and Principe’s main referral hospital and is capable of providing basic secondary level services including minor surgery and certain in-patient services.

Sao Tome and Principe Travel Advice

The health care system of Sao Tome and Principe is positioned at a disappointing 133rd place out of a possible 190 on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health ranking system. Poor national infrastructure, including the maintenance and development of health facilities, is one of the primary reasons for this poor performance. Other factors include insufficient numbers of health personnel, outdated equipment and regular medicine and pharmaceutical shortages. Shortages of medical personnel are compounded by some doctors, nurses and health workers, some of which are also not trained to international standards. Unfortunately, this means that some physicians may be unable to perform routine medical treatments. Drugs and pharmaceuticals must be imported into the country, usually from Portugal, and supplies often run out. In the event of a serious accident or medical emergency, injured parties must be evacuated to a country with modern health facilities. Travelers and expatriates are advised to include a provision for air evacuation in their Sao Tome and Principe international health insurance policy.

A number of health indicators depict an accurate snapshot of Sao Tome and Principe’s health care system. Life expectancy for both males and females is low at just 60 years and 63 years respectively. The infant mortality rate is quite high at 53.21 deaths per 1,000 live births. Underdeveloped infrastructure has been poorly maintained and only 30 percent of residents have access to adequate sanitation facilities. Poor sanitation has increased the risk of the spread of disease and travelers and expatriates are advised to use disinfectant wipes on a regular basis. The health authorities in Sao Tome and Principe have had some success and now almost 90 percent of residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.

Sao Tome and Principe experiences a year round tropical climate. There is little daily fluctuation in temperature and the weather is typically hot and humid. The wet season is usually from October to May and given the country’s close proximity to the equator, a number of tropical diseases and illnesses are prevalent on the islands. Consultations with a travel health specialist at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival on the islands are advised. A number of vaccinations are recommended such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Rabies. The routine vaccination should also be updated accordingly and the certificate confirming Yellow Fever vaccination is required at port of entry. Malaria is prevalent in all areas of Sao Tome and Principe although the number of incidents per year is quite low when compared to its African neighbors. Incidents of Dengue fever can also occur and like Malaria, Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Exercising standard precautions against insect bites can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases.

Sao Tome and Principe Expat Health Insurance

Sao Tome and Principe is a developing nation and its health care facilities are limited and basic. These facilities are considerably below international standards and what the experienced expatriate or traveler has become accustomed to. Private health facilities on Sao Tome and Principe expat possess modern equipment and well trained staff although they will require cash payment in advance of any treatment. It is therefore important to ensure you are sufficiently protected against all possible medical emergencies. Serious accidents or injuries may require air evacuation to Portugal; therefore, purchasing Sao Tome and Principe expat health insurance is strongly advised. Global Health Insurance can assist you, free of charge, through the various policies and products available that offer you and your family sufficient Sao Tome and Principe expat health insurance protection. For more information on Sao Tome and Principe international health insurance plans please contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.