Health Insurance in Cameroon, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Yaoundé
Total area: 475,442 km2
Population: 18,549,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +237 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Cameroon

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:

·      Cameroon has a mixed public-private healthcare system intended to provide universal coverage to its population.

·      Public primary care is the main focus and consists of community health centers and district hospitals. These face challenges of underfunding and staff/supply shortages.

·      Referrals from primary facilities are required to access public secondary and tertiary hospitals in regional/major cities for advanced services.

·      Private clinics, pharmacies and some hospitals also operate but costs are prohibitive for many Cameroonians.

·      Key health burdens include HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, lower respiratory infections and maternal/child health issues.

·      Geographic inequalities are vast as rural areas lack adequate access to facilities and qualified providers.

·      Out-of-pocket payments still account for over 60% despite health insurance programs due to low enrollment and limited benefits.

·      Per capita expenditure is around $100, among the lowest in the world relative to needs.

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

·      Insurance - Public care mainly serves citizens. Expatriates must purchase comprehensive private health and medical evacuation insurance.

·      Registration - Getting the proper visa is required to access private hospitals/clinics for healthcare services.

·      Language - French and English are official but over 280 local languages exist. Learn some medical terms for rural care access if needed.

·      Medications - Bring adequate supplies of prescriptions as availability outside major cities is limited.

·      Vaccinations - Ensure all routine vaccines are up to date. Consider others like meningitis, yellow fever, etc. depending on location.

·      Medical capacity - Advanced care is mostly concentrated in Douala and Yaoundé. Evaluate proximity to these centers.

·      Water safety - Drink only bottled water. Boiled or treated water should also be used for brushing teeth to avoid illness.

·      Road accidents - Driving risks are higher due to unsafe infrastructure and law enforcement. Take precautions as a passenger or driver.

·      Malaria precautions - Use mosquito nets, repellents, prophylaxis as directed in all malarias areas.