Health Insurance in Botswana, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Gaborone
Total area: 581,730 km2
Population: 1,882,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +267 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikepedia Botswana

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:

·      Botswana has a dual healthcare system with both public and private options available. The public system is mostly free for citizens at the point of service.

·      The public system is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and includes hospitals, clinics, and health posts staffed by government employees. It handles about 80% of outpatient visits.

·      Primary healthcare is widely accessible throughout the country via public clinics and health posts. These are often the first point of contact for rural residents.

·      Larger public hospitals providing specialist services are located in major urban centers like Gaborone, Francistown, Mahalapye, etc. They serve as referrals for primary facilities.

·      Private healthcare plays a complementary role through private hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies, and medical insurers. These cater mostly to expatriates and the wealthy.

·      Botswana's healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP is among the highest in Africa, helped by mineral wealth. However, staff and infrastructure shortages remain a challenge.

·      Major health issues include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malnutrition, and high maternal/child mortality rates. Life expectancy has risen in recent decades.

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

·      Insurance - Public healthcare mainly serves citizens. Expatriates need private medical insurance, as treatment without it can be very expensive. Ensure coverage for medical evacuation if needed.

·      Registration - Non-citizens must register with the immigration department. This produces an ID needed for accessing private healthcare services and opening a local bank account to pay bills.

·      Language - While English is widely spoken, some rural clinics may only have Setswana speakers. Consider learning basic medical phrases to communicate clearly with providers if needed.

·      Prescriptions - Bring enough of any essential prescription medication from home for the first few months, as branded medications might not be locally available.

·      Vaccinations - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, especially for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies, polio and yellow fever which are recommended or required for travel to Botswana.

·      Medical exams - Know what routine screenings like annual physicals and cancer/disease testing expats need based on origin country guidelines. Access may be limited locally.

·      Travel insurance - Consider supplemental travel insurance that covers repatriation flights in case of an emergency requiring medical evacuation from Botswana.