Chad Health Insurance

Located in the center of Africa, the Republic of Chad is one of the least developed countries in the world. According to the 2010 United Nation's Human Development Index, which is a measure of life expectancy, literacy, education and standards of living for countries worldwide, Chad ranked 163 out of 169 countries. As a former French colony, Chad achieved independence in 1960 but immediately fell into 30 years of unrest of civil and tribal war. In 1990, Idriss Déby took over power via a military coup and declared himself president, six years later he created the first multi-party political system. Despite efforts to raise the level of living conditions the country’s infrastructure, education and general health are still grossly lacking. It is hoped that the recent discovery of significant petroleum deposits and subsequent oil refinery operations will bolster the economy and provide much needed funds for the government and its people. The government is reportedly putting safeguards in place to ensure that the money does not end up only in the hand of an elite few, as is so often the case when natural resources are discovered in developing countries.

Chad currently enjoys good trade relations with its neighboring countries as well as a few European countries. The government is strongly supporting international investment opportunities for private corporations, nevertheless, the majority of the country’s 10.5 million people survive on subsistence farming and other agricultural based work, although a large amount are unemployed.

Chad Health System

During the decades of fighting, numerous hospitals and clinics were destroyed or damaged, and several facilities have yet to be rebuilt. This has led to severe shortages of quality medical care for both the general populace and expatriates residing in Chad. Recent reports show that the doctor to patient ratio is an incredibly low 4 per 100,000 and hospital beds are only 70 per 100,000.

With such a vast landmass (about 1.28 million square kilometers) and a relatively small population, Chad is one of the most sparsely populated places in Africa. As a result, healthcare facilities in remote areas are virtually nonexistent. Locals commonly resort to home remedies or tribal “medicine-men” for cures, with mixed results. Aide groups including Doctors Without Borders and UNAIDS are active in the country but are primarily focused on reduction of preventable diseases, children's immunization programs, HIV/AIDS treatment and infant and maternal care, and are not usually able to offer much assistance to foreigners.

Due to the exceptionally high prevalence of disease in Chad, it is understandable why the limited medical system is extremely burdened. It is estimated that five per cent of the population is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Malaria, Polio, Cholera, Hepatitis, Meningitis, Schistosomiasis, Typhoid, Tetanus and Yellow Fever are also endemic to the country. The infant mortality rate is at 11 per cent while nearly 20 per cent of children do not survive past age five, these are among the highest statistics worldwide. Sadly, most of these deaths are easily preventable if skilled doctors and adequate medical care were available when needed.

The best choice for anyone in need of medical care inside Chad is in the capitol N'Djamena which has the most modern (though not up to western standards) hospitals and clinics. These include Hopital de la Liberte, Hopital General de Reference Nationale, Antenne Chirurgicale, Centre Medical International, Center Medico Social, Clinique Medico Chirurgicale Providence and Clinique ESSO. There are also two membership-only clinics in N'Djamena which anyone with the money can buy into, they are Europ-Assistance Clinic or International SOS, both offer so-called “international standard” levels of care.

Due to the sheer size of the country and its great distance from any significantly more developed nations, anyone in need of emergency treatment that is not available in Chad will be required to air evacuate to Europe or South Africa. Due to the poor condition of the roadway network, overland travel is extremely slow and therefore not an option. There are no air-ambulance companies operating domestically in Chad at present, but several companies will fly in and out of the country as needed.

Chad Medical Insurance

Currently Chad has no national or socialized medical insurance plan and as a result, the vast majority of the population goes without coverage due to abject poverty. The government has little funding for healthcare and in 2009 the average per person expenditure was only US$40. Anyone in need of medical care will be required to make personal payment prior to treatment. The cost of most care is in line with its quality. Domestic Chad health insurance is available, but it only provides access to care facilities within their network, and usually only within Chad.

Due to the unpredictable and low quality of coverage, most foreign travelers and expats choose Chad Health Insurance from an international provider or opt for International Medical Insurance that is available around the world and goes with them anywhere they travel. In addition, most countries recommend that their citizens take out comprehensive emergency air-evacuation insurance as it is very affordable and the cost out of pocket for this service is astronomical.

Traveler's Information

Recommended vaccines for persons traveling to or relocating within Chad include Rabies, Meningitis, Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis and Yellow Fever. A Yellow Fever vaccine card is required to be presented for all persons over age one prior to admittance into the country. Due to the high prevalence of Schistosomiasis, avoid walking barefoot or swimming in any body of fresh water. Water should always be boiled before drinking and foreigners should avoid unwashed fruit, dairy products, ice and raw foods. Strict hand-washing and personal hygiene should always be practiced.

As of 2006, 40 per cent of the rural population and 71 per cent of those in urban areas had access to improved water sources. This compares to sanitary sewerage services of 4 per cent and 23 per cent for in the same areas for the same year. As a result, gastric infections and diseases are very common and easily picked up by foreigners who are not accustomed to the conditions. Diarrhea is extremely common and medicines should be brought prior to entering Chad as pharmacies suffer frequent shortages of common drugs.

The government has strict laws regulating travel and a visa is required for most prior to entry; check with your local consulate for details. Even with an entry visa, sometimes access to the northern and western districts is prohibited. Photography is forbidden without a permit from the government, and all photos of public buildings and potential terrorist targets are strictly forbidden regardless of permit. This applies to media and tourists alike.

Expat Medical Insurance

Expat Medical Insurance knows that your health and safety are of utmost importance and we are dedicated to offering tailored coverage to meet our customer's individual needs. Whether you are currently residing in Chad, planning to relocate permanently or visiting short-term, Expat Medical Insurance has Chad Medical Insurance plans and International Health Insurance packages that will provide you with the peace of mind that is required for such a long trek from the beaten path. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out more about your options for coverage.