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Togo Expat Health Insurance

The Togolese Republic, simply known as Togo, is a country situated on the Western part of the African continent. Togo is bordered to the west by Ghana, to the east Benin, to the north Burkina Faso, and the south the Gulf of Guinea. The capital of the country, and largest city, is Lome. A population of 6.619 million people is dispersed over a land area of 56,785 square kilometers. Togo’s local currency is the CFA franc (XOF), and the official language is French with many regional languages in popular use. The climate is tropical as Togo is a sub-Saharan nation.

The mainstay of Togo’s economy is agriculture. Over 65 percent of the labor force is engaged in the agricultural sector. Leading exports are cotton, coffee and cocoa. Togo is among the top four phosphate producing countries in the world.

Gross domestic product in 2010 accounted for some US$ 3.194 billion, representing a real growth rate of 3.4 percent. This accounted for an annual per capita earning of US $900 during 2010. In 2009 agriculture contributed 47.4 percent to total GDP, while industry and services contributed 25.4 and 27.2 respectively. It is estimated that 32 percent of the Togolese population lives below the international poverty line. The total expenditure on health care services as a percentage of GDP in 2009 was 5.9 percent, giving a total annual per capita expenditure of US$ 57.

Togo Healthcare System

The Ministry of Health oversees the administration of the health care system in Togo. Funding for the health care system is provided by the state and personal contributions. It is the aim of the health care system that no person should be denied access to healthcare services, or medical facilities, because they can not afford care. Medical facilities in Togo are best described as inadequate, limited, and of very poor quality with almost no emergency care.

Medical care services consist of treatment centres, and mobile organizations for preventive medicine. There are a number of specialized treatment facilities for leprosy, sleeping sickness, and mental illness. Except for a clinic attached to the country’s main hospital in Lome, all of medical care services are free. In 1999 it was estimated that there were 0.1 physicians and 1.5 hospitals beds per 1,000 inhabitants. Between the years of 1990-1995, only 61 percent of the Togolese population had access to basic medical care services. Preventative care in Togo is the responsibility of the country’s mobile care organizations, with Mobile Medical Care Services carrying out wide ranging inoculation campaigns in addition to education on hygiene and sanitation issues.

Due to the limited availability of quality medical services in Togo it may be necessary to be evacuated overseas in the event that you develop a serious medical condition. Due to the high costs associated with an emergency medical evacuation, often exceeding US$ 100,000, it is recommended that all travelers and expatriates in the country consider the purchase of a comprehensive international medical insurance policy prior to departing for Togo.

Before you travel to Togo you should consult with you doctor in regards to the various health risks associated with your trip. You doctor may refer you to a travel medical care professional who will advise you on a list of vaccinations you may require before your trip.

Malaria and, water-borne diseases such, as Typhoid and Hepatitis A, are common in Togo. Since 2008 there have been outbreaks of Cholera in Lome which are estimated to have affected over 400 people; there have been at least three deaths from Cholera since the start of 2008. In order to protect yourself from contracting waterborne diseases, only drink boiled or bottle water, avoid street food vendors that do not meet hygiene standards and, for Malaria, wear insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing and long-pants and sleep in air-conditioned rooms were possible. If you should suffer for diarrhea at any point during you stay in Togo then it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.

A 2010 report by the Global AIDS Epidemic UNAIDS/WHO Working Group has estimated that around 110,000 adults live with the disease in Togo which represents roughly 3.2 percent of the adult population.

According to 2010 estimates, Togo has a population growth rate of 2.762 percent; the birth rate was 35.58 births per 1,000 people, while the death rate was 7.96 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants. The ratio of males to female is 1.03/1. The life expectancy at birth for males is 60.19 years from birth, and for females it is 65.3 years. The infant morality rate in 2011 was 51.48 deaths per 1,000 live births. The school life expectancy age is 11 years for males and 8 years for females. In 2010 43 percent of the total population lived in urban areas; it is estimated that between 2010- 2015 the annual urbanization growth rate will be 3.9 percent.

Togo Travel Advice

Coastal areas in Lome, particularly the sea front area of the Hotel Sarakawa, are dangerous; you are strongly advised to avoid these areas. The main market areas in Lome frequently see acts of theft and pick-pocketing occur on a regular basis. The safety standards of taxis in the country are questionable; be cautious when choosing one. Thieves target pedestrians at all time of the day and night, it is therefore advisable to remain in groups even when entering and existing restaurants.

Crime, both petty and violent, is on the increase in Lome. There has also been an increase in the rate of car-jacking incidents targeting both foreigners and Togolese. If you are driving in Togo only stop for uniformed police and avoid driving alone. Keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in the car. Official and unofficial roadblocks are in operation even in the city centre; seek local advice before you travel to avoid any possible dangers. You should not offer any resistance if you are car-jacked, as a number of people, including expatriates, have been killed during such incidents.

Borders can open and close at very short notice. If you plan on arriving in Togo by land be prepared for passport/identity papers and vehicle checks by both police and military personal. If you are requested to stop at checkpoints do so immediately, turn on the interior light of your vehicle and only proceed at the direction of the checkpoint police. Before traveling by air you should consult with the European Commission Transport: Air or your home countries commission.

Due to Togo’s uneasy political situation, continuing fuel price demonstrations, and widespread labor strikes, you should exercise caution and avoid large gatherings of people. Civil unrest particularly in the capital could occur at anytime. Stay abreast of local media in order to avoid any conflict.

Togo Expat Health Insurance

If you are intended to travel to the West African country of Togo, contact Global Health Insurance to discuss the international health insurance options available. Our professional team of consultants is on board to answer any questions you may have in order to receive the best expat health insurance cover in Togo. Togo Expat health insurance Policies can be tailor made to suit all medical care needs. Togo expat health insurance plans can offer a range of coverage options ranging from maternity and dental to specialist treatments. Contact Global Health Insurance today for free quotes and advice from our expert advisors.