Health Insurance in Somalia, Africa
Information expatriation
Capital City: Mogadishu
Total area: 637,657 km2
Population: 8,699,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +252 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:
· Somalia does not have a centralized healthcare system due to decades of conflict and instability.
· Healthcare services are privately provided and funded through consumer fees and humanitarian aid.
· Basic primary healthcare facilities and services exist in urban areas but coverage is uneven and limited, especially in rural/conflict zones.
· Majority of hospitals and doctors are concentrated in Mogadishu and regional capitals. Standard of care varies greatly by location and provider.
· Critical shortages of funds, equipment, facilities, trained personnel plague the healthcare sector.
· Leading health issues include infectious diseases, maternal/child mortality, malnutrition and conflict-related injuries.
· Private sector fills some gaps but high costs limit access for many. Free NGO/UN clinics exist.
· Health outcomes are extremely poor - life expectancy is around 56 years on average.
· Rebuilding government-led universal coverage remains a long term goal under new administration.
· In summary, Somalia has a fragmented private healthcare system with inadequate resources to meet population needs after decades of instability and violence. Support largely comes from humanitarian efforts.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Access will be extremely limited outside major cities. Purchase comprehensive private medical evacuation insurance without exceptions.
· Follow strict preventative measures against endemic diseases like malaria, cholera, yellow fever. Get all recommended vaccines.
· Carry sizable supplies of any necessary prescription medications rather than relying on availability.
· Mental health services are essentially non-existent. Develop strong personal/crisis support networks.
· Infrastructure, hospitals outside cities are very basic or non-functional. Self-evacuation plans are critical in emergencies.
· Security risks are high from terrorism, civil unrest, clan violence. Follow embassy advisories carefully.
· Register with embassy and understand individual responsibilities regarding healthcare costs/insurance policies.
· Cultural/language barriers will impact the quality of interactions with providers. Consider translation assistance.
· Be vigilant of potential healthcare fraud due to limited regulatory oversight in some areas.
· With comprehensive precautions and insurance, access to the most basic care may be possible for expats but effective treatment is unreliable across most of Somalia.