Health Insurance in Sudan, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Khartoum
Total area: 2,505,810 km2
Population: 38,560,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +249 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Sudan

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:

·      Sudan has a decentralized healthcare system with both public and private providers. The quality and availability of care varies significantly across the country.

·      The public sector is administered through state-run facilities and programs. However, it suffers from critical underfunding and shortages of equipment, supplies, and trained staff nationwide.

·      Primary care is provided through basic health units and rural clinics, but many lack adequate infrastructure and resources. Hospitals and specialty care are concentrated in major cities.

·      Out-of-pocket payments account for over 60% of total health expenditure due to limited social security coverage and low government spending (~3% of GDP).

·      Maternal and child health indicators are poor, with high infant, child, and maternal mortality rates attributed to lack of prenatal care and medical professionals.

·      Communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and more recently COVID-19 pose major challenges to public health.

·      Conflict, poverty and lack of standardized vaccination programs compound health issues.

·      Reforms aim to decentralize healthcare administration, develop the pharmaceutical sector, and expand insurance schemes, but realization has been slow.

·      Overall, limited funds, capacity, and access to reliable care—especially in rural areas—greatly impair public health outcomes in Sudan.

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

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance. Do not rely solely on Sudan's underfunded public health system.

·      Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, especially for hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, seasonal flu. Consider others based on locations traveled.

·      Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications as availability varies outside major cities. Carry copies of prescriptions.

·      Drink only bottled, boiled or purified water and thoroughly cook all foods to prevent gastrointestinal infections.

·      Air pollution and dust storms are common in urban areas. Protect respiratory health during these periods.

·      Practice strong sun/heat precautions. Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are risks.

·      Obtain anti-malarial drugs in endemic areas. Use mosquito nets, repellents, especially during rainy seasons.

·      Access to medical facilities depends greatly on location. Major cities have most resources.

·      Have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergencies given variable infrastructure and conflicts.

·      Consider stress/isolation impacts of relocating. Maintain social support networks.

·      Learn basic medical terms in Arabic to aid communication if needed outside expat circles.