Health Insurance in Madagascar, Africa
Information expatriation
Capital City: Antananarivo
Total area: 587,041 km2
Population: 19,683,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +261 XXX
Practical Information:
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:
· Madagascar has a decentralized healthcare system with public, private and informal sectors contributing to services.
· The public system provides free primary care through community health centers and subsidized hospitalization. It is decentralized into regional authorities.
· However, it is under-resourced with critical shortages of facilities, equipment, medicines and healthcare professionals nationwide.
· International donors play a crucial supporting role in humanitarian programs and development aid.
· Private facilities supplement the public system but are mainly concentrated in urban centers.
· Traditional and herbal medicine remains an important part of community-level primary care.
· Major health challenges include malaria, respiratory/diarrheal diseases, malnutrition and limited vaccines/hygiene.
· Remote and rural populations have severely limited access to even basic primary care services.
· Reforms aim to strengthen community-based healthcare, increase facility and human resource capacity.
· Out-of-pocket costs and lack of infrastructure/transportation pose major barriers to care for many.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Purchase international medical evacuation insurance before arrival given limitations of local system.
· Bring sufficient stocks of prescription medications needed as supplies will be limited.
· Nearest advanced facilities are on Indian Ocean islands of Reunion/Mauritius if needed.
· Rural care access can be extremely limited so consider base location carefully.
· All recommended vaccinations should be up to date including hepatitis, typhoid, rabies.
· Monitor any impacts of tropical climate/lifestyle on your physical and mental health.
· Drink only bottled/purified water and thoroughly cook/peel all foods to prevent illness.
· Choose a practicing doctor in urban centers for primary care and establish a relationship.
· Natural disasters like cyclones/flooding occur annually - have emergency plans.
· Register address with your embassy in Antananarivo for assistance if required abroad.
· Consider supplementing international insurance with local private medical coverage.
· Learn some basic Malagasy phrases to effectively communicate medical needs.