Burundi Health Insurance

The Republic of Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of east Africa. Its neighboring countries are Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania with much of its western border running along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Burundi has an approximate population of 9 million people and its total land area is 27,834 square kilometers. French and Kirundi are the country’s two official languages with Swahili also being spoken by many on a day to day basis. A former Belgian colony, Burundi achieved independence in 1962. Long standing ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes developed into post independence civil conflict which has had a devastating impact on the country. A ceasefire was signed in 2003 and the country is now governed as a presidential representative democratic republic. Agriculture, particularly the production and export of sugar and coffee, is the main driver of the local economy. Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world and approximately 80 percent of the population lives in poverty.

Burundi Health Care and Insurance

Three decades of civil war resulted in an estimated 500,000 people losing their lives and a similar number being displaced. During the conflict and in the years that followed the ceasefire, the government has struggled to provide adequate public services. Health services in particular have been badly affected and medical facilities remain poorly maintained and lacking in equipment, medicines and personnel. Public and private health facilities exist although in terms of quality and service there is little difference between the two. There is no national health insurance scheme in operation and all medical services received require a cash payment at the time of treatment. Expatriates, non-nationals and travelers in Burundi can access a basic level of health care and as cash payments are required, purchasing an international Burundi health insurance policy is advised.

Health services are primarily focused on the provision of primary or community health care. Most health facilities are financially independent of the government and thus rely on international aid, funding from donors and out of pocket payments to maintain services. Primary facilities are essentially health centers staffed by small teams of health workers and nurses who provide basic treatments for common illnesses, immunizations and preliminary treatment of tuberculosis and malaria patients. The majority of the country’s public and private health facilities are located in the capital city Bujumbura, including the Prince Regent Charles hospital which is Burundi’s pre-eminent health facility. Services available at the Prince Regent include in-patient, out-patient, treatment of diseases and minor surgery.

In an effort to assist pregnant women at childbirth and to provide post natal care to children up to the age of five, the government introduced a scheme in 2006 to provide these women and children with free health services. Commendable in theory, the scheme quickly placed further strain on an already vulnerable health system as insufficient numbers of personnel were unable to cope with the extra workload. As a result, waiting times at public facilities are now excessively long, clinics and hospitals are overcrowded and medicine supplies regularly run low. Private health facilities can offer a moderately better level of care, waiting times are considerably shorter and as such, expatriates and foreign nationals in possession of a Burundi health insurance policy are encouraged to use private facilities where possible.

Burundi Travel Insurance Concerns

The current state of the health care system in Burundi can be outlined by a number of health indicators and statistics. Approximately 3 percent of GDP is allocated by the government each year to health services, a figure that falls considerably short of what is required to develop primary health care services. Food shortages and poor sanitation have resulted in many children being malnourished and over 50 percent of children experience some form of growth deficiency or stunting. Diseases associated with low sanitation levels such as cholera and dysentery are common throughout Burundi. The infant mortality is rate is high at 62 deaths per 1,000 live births. Life expectancy at birth for both males and females is a low 57 years and 60 years respectively.

Burundi experiences a tropical highland climate with daily fluctuations in temperature that are dependent on altitude. The central plateau enjoys cool weather year round while the capital city Bujumbura and areas in close proximity to Lake Tanganyika experience warmer, more humid conditions. It is in these areas where a number of tropical diseases can be found. Hepatitis A and B, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Polio, Typhoid and Malaria are all common to the region and as such, expatriates and travelers should seek advice from a travel health specialist four weeks prior to arrival in Burundi. A certificate confirming vaccination against Yellow Fever is required at port of entry. Malaria is endemic and is the deadliest disease to afflict the citizens of Burundi. Extra precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of insect bites and anti-malarial drugs should be used. Medicines and pharmaceuticals regularly run out of stock and travelers who are using prescription medicine should bring sufficient quantities to cover the duration of their time in the country. Expatriates are also advised to consider the health risks and condition of medical facilities in Burundi and to put in place an international health insurance policy that will protect against medical costs should health complications arise.

Although the various rebel groups have signed a peace treaty and relative calm has prevailed, isolated outbreaks of violence do occur. Ethnic tensions remain and expatriates and travelers should avoid political demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential to become violent. Crime levels are generally low although pick pocketing and other forms of street crime are common, particularly in market areas. It should also be noted that there are no emergency services in Burundi and expatriates or travelers who encounter difficulties that require assistance are advised to make their way to the nearest police station.

Burundi Expat Health Insurance

Burundi is a poor country with health facilities that are basic and underdeveloped. Clinics and hospitals are capable of treating minor ailments, emergency or complex medical conditions require evacuation to a country with state of the art facilities. Expat Medical Insurance can assist you choose a policy which is best suited to your individual needs. Policies can be adjusted to include specific provisions including emergency air evacuation. For more information on international Burundi health insurance, global health insurance policies or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.