Health Insurance in Uganda, Africa
Information expatriation
Capital City: Kampala
Total area: 241,038 km2
Population: 30,884,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +256 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:
· Uganda has a decentralized system with public, private, and traditional medicine providers. However, resources are scarce countrywide.
· The public sector operates under the Ministry of Health via regional referral hospitals and health center IVs, IIIs, and IIs.
· Primary care infrastructure is limited, especially in rural areas. Specialized services are concentrated in major cities.
· Only about 12% of the population has access to private medical care due to the costs involved.
· Healthcare spending is approximately 7% of GDP, with over 50% coming from out-of-pocket payments.
· Shortages of staff, equipment, medicines and supplies plague the system across all levels.
· Life expectancy is low at around 60 years due to infectious diseases, malaria, and high fertility rates.
· Maternal and child mortality rates remain above regional averages due lack of access to essential care.
· Reforms aim to boost funding, strengthen primary healthcare, and expand the national insurance scheme.
· Overall, Uganda's system struggles with substantial resource constraints impairing availability and quality, especially in remote settings. International aid plays a key supporting role.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance. Do not rely solely on Uganda's limited public healthcare.
· Ensure vaccinations are fully up to date, including for hepatitis, typhoid, meningitis, flu, etc. Consider boosters as needed.
· Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications and copies of valid prescriptions. Quality and availability may vary locally.
· Drink only bottled, boiled or purified water and thoroughly cook/peel foods to prevent illnesses.
· Access to facilities depends greatly on location - major cities have more resources than rural areas.
· Road travel safety risks exist due to infrastructure issues. Consider additional auto insurance.
· Practice strong sun/heat precautions. Dehydration is common. Use repellent for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
· Air pollution levels may be higher than in developed nations. Protect respiratory health accordingly.
· Consider effects of relocation/culture shock on mental wellbeing. Maintain social support networks.
· Learn key medical terms in English and Swahili to aid communication outside expat communities if needed.
· Register location with embassy in case of travel advisories or emergency evacuation needs.