Health Insurance in Tanzania, Africa

Information expatriation

Capital City: Dodoma
Total area: 945,087 km2
Population: 40,454,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +255 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Tanzania

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:

·      Tanzania has a decentralized healthcare system with public, private, and faith-based sectors providing services.

·      The public system aims for universal coverage through primary care facilities and regional/national hospitals funded by general taxation.

·      However, resources are limited and quality varies greatly between well-funded urban areas and underserved rural regions.

·      Healthcare is historically underfunded, facing critical shortages of staff, equipment, medicines and infrastructure nationwide.

·      Major challenges include maternal/child health, malaria, HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases.

·      International aid organizations play a vital supporting role through humanitarian/development programs.

·      Both traditional and Western-trained medicine are practiced to varying degrees across the country.

·      Major hospitals provide advanced care in major cities but regional access depends on available facilities.

·      Public health programs focus on immunization, hygiene, family planning and disease surveillance.

·      Reforms aim to strengthen primary care, human resources, infrastructure and encourage universal coverage.

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

·      Purchase international medical evacuation insurance as the system has limited advanced care capacity.

·      Ensure all vaccinations are fully up to date, especially for hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, etc.

·      Bring needed prescription medications as quality and reliability of supply can vary.

·      Only consume bottled/purified water and thoroughly cook foods to prevent illness.

·      Access to facilities depends on region - smaller towns/rural areas have less resources.

·      Private clinics offer alternatives in major cities but may not be in remote areas.

·      Monitor any impacts from lifestyle/climate changes that could affect physical/mental health.

·      Register location with your embassy and have an emergency contact/evacuation plan.

·      Communicable diseases are risks - seek prompt treatment from designated care providers.

·      Natural disasters occur - be prepared with emergency supplies like flashlight, first aid kit.

·      Learn some basic Swahili phrases to help communicate any healthcare needs effectively.