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Gambia Expat Health Insurance Guide

Gambia Flag

Health Insurance in Gambia, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Banjul
Total area: 11,295 km2
Population: 1,709,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +220 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Gambia

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:

·      Gambia has a mixed public-private system intended to provide universal coverage to all citizens and residents.

·      In practice, access to medical care is constrained by limited facilities, equipment, supplies and qualified personnel nationwide.

·      The public system operates primary healthcare centers, district-level hospitals and a main teaching hospital in Banjul. However, quality is inconsistent.

·      Private practice plays a role but costs can still be prohibitive for many Gambians. Traditional healing persists as an affordable option.

·      About 5% of GDP is spent on health, one of the lowest in West Africa. Aid organisations support public facilities.

·      Common health issues include malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and maternal/child health conditions.

·      Medical training and systems development have been prioritised but considerable gaps remain vs international standards.

 

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

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance which includes air ambulance repatriation if needed.

·      Consider registering with a private hospital in Banjul like Medical Research Council that meets higher standards.

·      Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications as availability is unreliable in local pharmacies.

·      Seek all routine and high priority travel vaccinations before arrival due to disease risks.

·      Monitor for malaria especially during rainy seasons and follow strict preventative measures.

·      French or English widely understood but learn basic medical vocabulary in local languages if working rurally.

·      Address any underlying conditions before relocating as options for serious care are limited.

·      Strict hygiene, water safety and limiting uncooked foods/drinks are essential to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

·      Have a reliable evacuation plan in place in case of medical emergencies beyond local capabilities.

·      Stay aware of political stability as unrest could affect operations of private facilities or evacuation access.

Continent: 
Africa