Health Insurance in Mozambique, Flag
Information expatriation
Capital City: Maputo
Total area: 801,590 km2
Population: 21,397,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +258 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:
· Mozambique has a national public healthcare system intended to be universal and free at the point of service.
· However, in practice over 40% of expenditures are out-of-pocket due to underfunding and infrastructure gaps.
· The system is decentralized with services provided by provincial health departments overseen by the central Ministry of Health.
· Primary care is delivered through public health centers and mobile clinics. Hospitals provide more advanced services.
· Quality and availability of care varies significantly between urban and rural areas due to uneven resource distribution.
· Health issues include communicable diseases, malnutrition, and rising non-communicable chronic conditions.
· There is a severe shortage of health professionals, facilities, equipment, and reliable utilities like power and sanitation.
· Private healthcare plays a small role through for-profit hospitals and insurers primarily in major cities.
· International aid contributes significantly to the national health budget and initiatives.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance. Public system quality is low/variable.
· Register with an English-speaking doctor if living long-term in Maputo or Beira cities.
· Rural clinics have severe shortages - research options and make self-evacuation plans for emergencies.
· Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date including malaria, hepatitis, typhoid and polio.
· Water safety - drink only bottled, boiled or treated water. Monitor food preparation hygiene.
· Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. Use nets, repellent and anti-malarials as advised.
· Tropical conditions tax the body. Monitor chronic conditions and seek care promptly.
· Mental health services are limited. Consider international telehealth options if needed.
· Import adequate prescription supplies as availability/quality locally is poor.
· Transportation constraints in remote areas complicate medical evacuations.
· Thorough preparation against health risks associated with poverty, limited infrastructure and remote living is essential for expats in Mozambique. International SOS membership may assist.