Health Insurance in Cameroon, Africa
Information expatriation
Capital City: Yaoundé
Total area: 475,442 km2
Population: 18,549,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +237 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Cameroon has a mixed public-private healthcare system intended to provide universal coverage to its population.
· Public primary care is the main focus and consists of community health centers and district hospitals. These face challenges of underfunding and staff/supply shortages.
· Referrals from primary facilities are required to access public secondary and tertiary hospitals in regional/major cities for advanced services.
· Private clinics, pharmacies and some hospitals also operate but costs are prohibitive for many Cameroonians.
· Key health burdens include HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, lower respiratory infections and maternal/child health issues.
· Geographic inequalities are vast as rural areas lack adequate access to facilities and qualified providers.
· Out-of-pocket payments still account for over 60% despite health insurance programs due to low enrollment and limited benefits.
· Per capita expenditure is around $100, among the lowest in the world relative to needs.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Insurance - Public care mainly serves citizens. Expatriates must purchase comprehensive private health and medical evacuation insurance.
· Registration - Getting the proper visa is required to access private hospitals/clinics for healthcare services.
· Language - French and English are official but over 280 local languages exist. Learn some medical terms for rural care access if needed.
· Medications - Bring adequate supplies of prescriptions as availability outside major cities is limited.
· Vaccinations - Ensure all routine vaccines are up to date. Consider others like meningitis, yellow fever, etc. depending on location.
· Medical capacity - Advanced care is mostly concentrated in Douala and Yaoundé. Evaluate proximity to these centers.
· Water safety - Drink only bottled water. Boiled or treated water should also be used for brushing teeth to avoid illness.
· Road accidents - Driving risks are higher due to unsafe infrastructure and law enforcement. Take precautions as a passenger or driver.
· Malaria precautions - Use mosquito nets, repellents, prophylaxis as directed in all malarias areas.