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Guinea-Bissau Expat Health Insurance Guide

Guinea-Bissau Flag

Health Insurance in Guinea-Bissau, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Bissau
Total area: 36,125 km2
Population: 1,695,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +245 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Guinea-Bissau

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:

·      Guinea-Bissau has a mixed public-private system that struggles with underfunding and a critical shortage of resources nationwide.

·      Public health services are decentralized and managed by the Ministry of Public Health through regional health departments.

·      Coverage is provided by sparse network of health centers, village health posts and several regional hospitals that are generally outdated.

·      Significant user fees are charged for public facilities due to the low government spend on healthcare (~5% GDP).

·      Around 80% of the population relies on traditional healers alongside limited public options due to costs and distance barriers.

·      Private clinics exist but are few in number and centered in Bissau, denying access to remote areas.

·      There is 1 doctor per over 20,000 people - healthcare workforce and infrastructure is severely lacking across the board.

·      Maternal and child mortality rates are among the worst in the world due to lack of obstetric and paediatric services.

·      Communicable diseases like malaria are highly prevalent due to poor sanitation, limited prevention programs.

 

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

·      Purchase full comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance before arriving. Relying on local services could be risky.

·      Limited public healthcare means most expats utilize the handful of private clinics exclusively, located mainly in Bissau.

·      Ensure insurance provides nationwide coverage, as quality beyond major cities is extremely poor. Evacuation may be the only option for emergencies.

·      Bring any necessary prescription medications rather than relying on the unstable supply in local pharmacies.

·      Healthcare access will depend on speaking Portuguese, so learn basic terms. French also spoken.

·      Drink only bottled water and avoid raw/undercooked foods due to risk of diarrhea/tropical diseases.

·      Malaria is endemic - use proper protective nets, repellents, preventative meds as directed by a doctor.

·      Road conditions are highly dangerous - have evacuation plan if driving long distances for care is required.

·      Register with an international medical assistance service and nearby expatriate clinic for support navigating the system if needed.

Continent: 
Africa