Health Insurance in Ethiopia, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Addis Ababa
Total area: 1,104,300 km2
Population: 77,127,000 (2007)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +251 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Ethiopia

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:

·      Ethiopia has a multifaceted health system consisting of public, private, and traditional/informal components.

·      The public sector operates primary care units, hospitals, and health centers that are intended to be accessible nationwide. However, infrastructure and resources are limited.

·      About 80-90% of Ethiopians utilize public options but quality is variable and availability is poorer in remote rural regions.

·      Private facilities and insurance play a growing role, mainly urban-based and utilized by higher-income groups.

·      Traditional healers remain an important source of care for many, especially in less developed areas.

·      Healthcare financing is about 4-5% of GDP, below average for the region. Development assistance supports public services.

·      Major health challenges include infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, high fertility rates, and a shortage of trained medical professionals nationwide.

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

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance. Domestic options have coverage limitations.

·      Consider registering with an international-standard clinic in Addis Ababa if long-term stay or for access to higher quality care.

·      Carry extra supplies of any medications as supply chains can be unreliable, especially in rural areas.

·      Strictly follow safety precautions against infectious diseases, food/water-borne illness, and minimise travel to remote regions.

·      Learn basic medical Amharic or Tigrinya phrases if working outside major cities with limited English speakers.

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

·      Monitor political stability closely as unrest could impact medical access or evacuation ability.

·      Adhere to acclimatisation procedures on arrival due to high altitudes in Addis and elsewhere.

·      Observe religious and cultural customs that may influence appropriate healthcare seeking.