Cameroon Health Insurance

Located in West Africa, nestled between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, is the ethnically diverse Republic of Cameroon. The country’s striking waterfalls, lakes and dense rainforests provide a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy the country’s cultural attractions, ancient tribal ruins, wildlife reserves, thermal springs and West Africa’s most recurrently active volcano, Mount Cameroon. The capital, Yaoundé, is one of Cameroon’s largest and most exciting cities. Cameroon has over 250 different cultural groups within its total population of 19.7 million. The country has a rich cultural diversity but the Cameroon Highlanders are the largest group at about 31 per cent of the populace. The country is officially bilingual, and despite African dialects being prominent features in verbal communication, French dominates within education and government throughout the northeast and southeast, and English dominates generally in the west of the country. Both languages are spoken by staff at major hotels. Foreign aid helps drive the local economy, along with oil production, timber and agricultural ventures.

The climate varies depending on the area and its terrain, the tropical areas along the country’s coast receive the second-highest rainfall annually on the planet, compare this to the semi-arid plains in northern areas where drought is a normal way of life. The Waza National Park in the north is the country’s most popular tourist attraction, home to all sorts of animals such as antelope, lions, giraffes, hippos and elephants, to name a few, the park draws thousands of tourists each year to see them in their natural habitat. While Cameroon offers numerous attractions, it lacks modern tourist facilities, and travel advisories remind travelers to take an active role in maintaining their own wellbeing. Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife and heeding instructions given by trackers or guides is important, as is arranging Cameroon medical insurance coverage in the event of unforeseen injury or illness.

Cameroon Health Care and Insurance

The Ministry of Public Health in Cameroon is responsible for the provision, maintenance and evaluation of all public health services. Health insurance is basically absent from Cameroon’s healthcare system and the majority of the population therefore relies on government funding and foreign aid to respond to their health needs. Around 5.5 per cent of the country’s GDP is spent on the health sector. The health system is divided into three levels: central, intermediary and peripheral, with care provided by district hospitals, integrated health clinics and primary health centers. The majority of medical facilities are concentrated in urban areas. According to government statistics, Cameroon has 1.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people, placing it 120 out of a total of 183 countries for hospital bed density. The estimated life expectancy in Cameroon is 53 years for males and 55 years for females, reflecting the quality of human development, health infrastructure and prevalence of disease in the country. A lack of basic transport infrastructure, sanitation facilities, electricity and food all hamper efforts toward controlling disease in the country, as well as the poor access to quality medical services for rural dwelling Cameroonians. The World Health Organization (WHO) operates in conjunction with national and international partners to support the Ministry of Public Health to improve the health outcomes of Cameroon’s citizens. Together they aim to improve infrastructure, immunization programmes, disease surveillance activities and the provision of primary healthcare services.

The delivery of health services is also provided by a small niche market of private clinics. These services can be expensive, and are therefore limited to only those who can afford to pay the cost of treatment or who have comprehensive insurance, particularly as payment is often required up front. Located mainly in the larger cities, these private clinics have staff trained both in the country and internationally, as well as some expatriates. Specialists are concentrated in cities of Yaoundé and Douala. The larger cities also have relatively well stocked pharmacies, however access to medications in outlying areas in very limited. It is important therefore that any travelers with ongoing health conditions requiring medication be well prepared for their travel, carrying their own properly-labeled supplies. Emergency care and hospitalization in public hospitals in the major cities is often hindered by outdated equipment, poor sanitation and a lack of trained health specialists. Treatment costs and medical evacuation expenses are covered by expat medical insurance policies, which should be arranged prior to travel. Ambulance services can be contacted in major cities by dialing 112.

Cameroon Travel Insurance Concerns

The degree of risk for contracting a major infectious disease in Cameroon is considered “very high” according to travel advisories and clinics specializing in travel medicine. Northern Cameroon is within the meningitis belt, which is a region in sub-Saharan Africa with frequent epidemics of meningitis. Recently there have been periodic outbreaks of Polio reported in countries previously considered polio-free, and the disease is endemic in neighbouring Nigeria and Chad, from where many population movements across the border into Cameroon originate. Cholera is a public health threat also, with waves of outbreaks affecting Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Nigeria in significant numbers. Poor hygiene conditions, flooding as well as a considerable population movement, have all contributed to the spread of Cholera. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there were 7,869 cases and 515 deaths between May and October, the second highest number of cases of the four countries.

Given the prevalence of disease, vaccinations are recommended for visitors to Cameroon especially for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Polio, Yellow Fever, Meningococcal (meningitis) and Rabies. Evidence of current immunization records, including proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required on arrival to the country. Airport visas are not obtainable, and entry could be denied if one lacks the proper documentation, therefore ensure that you have a valid visa and proof of vaccination prior to travelling. Anti-malarial drugs are recommended by travel clinics to reduce the risk of contracting Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria, a sometimes fatal strain of Malaria which is rampant in Cameroon, particularly in the south. These commonly occurring health threats highlight the need for expat medical insurance to ensure proper medical coverage if one contracts any of these diseases.

Of ongoing concern in Cameroon is the high level of criminal activity throughout much of the country and the high rate of violent crimes. Muggings and carjackings are common in the capital, and armed bandits operate on Cameroon’s highways, which are considered dangerous at all times. Travel is not recommended after dark. Other commonly occurring threats to road-user’s safety include: unskilled, aggressive and intoxicated drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, minimal traffic signs and large vehicles travelling at excessive speeds. Road safety rules are ignored repeatedly, and pedestrians and livestock also pose constant hazards.

Civil unrest poses “some risk” throughout Cameroon. Political demonstrations have previously turned violent and severe crackdowns have been implemented by government security forces. Travel advisories from many developed nations advise travellers to be security conscious and avoid all protests and rallies. The diplomatic presence of some countries is limited in Cameroon making the ability for those governments to assist their citizens within Cameroon severely limited. The advisories share a common theme in recommending that all those travelling to or living in Cameroon arrange comprehensive expat medical and travel insurance with a proviso for air evacuation.

Cameroon Expat Health Insurance

Cameroon is a developing country, with a health system reflecting this status. Ambulatory services are only available in major cities, and the provision for medical services is limited, necessitating the requirement for medical evacuation if serious illness or injuries occur. In comparison to facilities and standards of western nations, the quality of healthcare is much lower in Cameroon. To avoid needless delays in receiving high-quality medical care, an insurance policy specific to your needs can be prearranged through Expat Medical Insurance. We have globally transferable policies that cover you wherever and whenever you may travel, be it on an individual basis or with family. Worldwide medical insurance policies provide cover for a range of medical needs, including emergency evacuation, maternity services, specialist consultations, doctor’s fees and medications. To guarantee access to healthcare wherever you are in the world, make contact with one of our consultants to discuss a range of quality medical insurance plans.