Health Insurance in Equatorial Guinea, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Malabo
Total area: 28,051 km2
Population: 507,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +240 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Equatorial Guinea

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:

·      Equatorial Guinea has a public health system intended to provide universal coverage, but in practice access and quality of care is very limited nationwide.

·      Most public healthcare is centralised in the capital Malabo where the main hospitals and clinics are located. Availability drops off sharply elsewhere.

·      Over 75% of the population lives in rural areas with few or no nearby health facilities, lacking even basic primary care services.

·      Shortages of medical supplies, equipment, qualified staff and infrastructure plague the system due to underfunding despite the country's oil wealth.

·      Leading health issues include malaria, tuberculosis, malnutrition, and maternal/child health problems.

·      Private medical practices and facilities primarily serving the expatriate community have emerged in Malabo and Bata.

·      Traditional healers remain an important source of care in more isolated villages.

·      Preventable diseases are common and health indicators like infant mortality are among the worst globally.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase full comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance. Local care options are very limited outside the capital.

·      Register with an international-standard private clinic in Malabo and arrange medical evacuations as needed.

·      Supplement any regular medications, as public supply chains are unreliable. Carry extras.

·      Adhere strictly to food/water safety and take malaria prophylaxis. Disease risks are very high.

·      Consider fly-in options from neighbouring countries for emergencies or childbirth given low obstetric coverage.

·      Learn basic medical Spanish phrases as English proficiency is low except among expats.

·      Monitor civil/political stability as deteriorations could constrain medical access or evacuations.

·      Address any underlying health conditions prior to arrival as management/treatment options are constrained.

·      Adapt diet/routines to tropical climate and spend minimal time in more isolated rural areas with little infrastructure.