Botswana Health Insurance

The southern African Republic of Botswana was a British protectorate known as Bechuanaland until becoming an independent democracy in 1966. English remains an official language along with Setswana. The landlocked country is a rare success in Africa thanks to the help, and proper implementation, of international aid. The country has come from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle income country with some of the fastest economic growth in the region, averaging 9 percent growth annually. However, the rapid spread of HIV / AIDS has threatened the economic growth of the country; it is now estimated that one in six Batswana has HIV. The HIV threat has been taken serious by the government of Botswana which has taken an aggressive stance in combating the disease, introducing a comprehensive response plan in 2003. One notable success of the programme has been the reduction of mother-to-infant HIV transmission from 40 percent to 4 percent.

The government of Botswana has focused on health care and education as dual pillars of economic growth. The country’s health care spending per capita is among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Total annual health care expenditure per capita is USD1,341, which represents 10.3 percent of its GDP. After steadily rising from the 1960s, life expectancy at birth fell to a low of 55 years in 2002, but that figure has been steadily recovering following extensive HIV prevention programmes. Most private sector health expenditure comes from out of pocket spending on medical care, with the remainder coming from public expenditure, international aid and NGOs. Local Botswana health insurance options are very limited.

Botswana Health Insurance and Health Indicators

Botswana’s HIV infection rate is the second highest in the world, with 248 cases per 1,000 adults, compared with a global average of 8/1000 cases and an African average of 47/1000. This figure appears to have stabilised from the mid-2000s as sex education and prevention measures have begun to take effect. Like in many developing countries, communicable diseases make up the majority of the public health burden. Tuberculosis rates are also extremely high, with 531 cases per 100,000. Malaria is also prevalent, particularly in the northern half of the country. Urban Batswana enjoys nearly universal access to clean drinking water, and steady gains are being made in access to improved sanitation facilities, which should aid in reducing the rate of communicable disease.

Botswana has done a commendable job in reducing the maternal mortality rate to 190 per 100,000 live births, which is below the global average of 260 and less than one third of the African average. This can be attributed to the high utilisation of health care services. In Botswana, 95 percent of births are attended by skilled health care personnel, compared with a regional average of 48 percent. Although Botswana’s hospitals and clinics remain understaffed by global standards, with 3.4 doctors and 28.4 nurses per 10,000 population, their health care workforce far exceeds African norms. This is a credit to Botswana’s education system. However the superior education system has led to high emigration of the most educated to more developed countries with more lucrative options. As Botswana’s health insurance sector is very underdeveloped, most care takes place in public health clinics or those run by NGOs, although private health care is increasingly becoming an option for wealthy Botswanans.

Botswana Health Insurance Issues for Tourists and Expatriates

With its abundant natural beauty and resources, as well as healthy prospects for economic growth, Botswana has been a desirable destination for tourists and expatriates for decades. Although it is probably the safest of sub-Saharan African countries, travel to Botswana is not without serious risk. One of the biggest health concerns in Botswana is sexual health. To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, a latex condom should be used for all forms of sexual intercourse. Travellers should visit a travel health care specialist before making a visit to ensure immunisations are up to date. Botswana’s Ministry of Health is very serious about combating yellow fever, and proof of immunisation is required from travellers passing through countries where yellow fever is prevalent before visiting Botswana. Like in many countries with hot, humid weather, malaria can be a serious health concern. In addition to wearing long sleeved clothes, sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellent, visitors may also elect to tale preventative doses of anti-malarial medication. However, anti-malarial medication can have serious side effects, so consultation with a physician is necessary prior to taking the medication.

Other commone everyday health concerns that affect travellers include gastroinstestinal discomfort, diarrhoea and vomiting. These can usually be treated by over the counter medication, but persistent cases should be reviewed by a physician, particularly where there is risk of dehydration. Traffic accidents are statistically among the most common causes of health problems for travellers. Vistitors should note that traffic in Botswana drives on the left and should observe all the local rules of the road. Due to the limitations of the Botswana health insurance system and local provision of health care, travellers should also make certain that their international health insurance plan covers important events such as medical evacuations and surgeries that may be required in an emergency.

Botswana Health Insurance & International Health Care Plans

There are countless options for international health insurance available on the market today. Choosing the best one to fulfill the needs of you, your family, your company or your tour group can be daunting. A trusted advisor like Expat Medical Insurance can bring you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision that is best for you. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, so contact Expat Medical Insurance today and get the international health care you need.