Equatorial Guinea Health Insurance

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is located in middle Africa bordering (and within) the Bight of Biafra. As its name indicates, it is close to the equator at 8 degrees North latitude. Its tropical climate has wet and dry seasons, although interestingly, Annobon Island has nearly constant rain or mist and there has never been a cloudless day in recorded history. Equatorial Guinea is one of the world’s poorest countries and ranks among the lowest in terms of Human Development Index (HDI) and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most corrupt regimes. However, the recent discovery of oil reserves has abruptly changed the country’s economic fortunes, although wealth has been concentrated in a small group of the population to date.

Equitorial Guinea’s health care indices are unsurprisingly poor given its level of income and geographic location. Life expectancy at birth is only 53 years for men and 54 years for women. Annual health care expenditure per capita as measured on a purchasing power parity basis is USD1,383, which represents 3.9 percent of its GDP. As of 2007, the latest statistics available from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that 80 percent of total health expenditure in Equatorial Guinea comes from government expenditure. About three fourths of private health expenditure in Equatorial Guinea comes from out of pocket spending. Local Equatorial Guinea health insurance is virtually nonexistent.

Equatorial Guinea Health Insurance & Health Indicators

Like many poor sub-Saharan African countries, Equatorial Guinea has suffered from the HIV / AIDS epidemic. The HIV infection rate is 50 cases per 1,000 adults, or more than six times the global average. This has seriously dampened prospects for economic growth and exceeds even the average rate for the African region. However, the burden of communicable diseases is not limited to HIV. Malaria is highly prevalent although the government has made notable efforts to combat the disease, including comprehensive insecticide spraying and mosquito net distribution. Public health infrastructure investment is very limited and less than half of Equatoguineans have access to sources of improved drinking water. Similarly, less than half of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities and there has been little recorded improvement over the past two decades. Equatorial Guinea’s maternal mortality rate also exceeds the global average (although it is far below the African norm); less than two thirds of Equatoguinean births are attended by skilled heath care personnel.

Equatorial Guinea’s health care workforce is understaffed, even by regional standards. There are 3 doctors and 5.3 nurses per 10,000 people. The country’s education system is not sufficient to adequately prepare physicians and other health care professionals. The WHO and Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Health have drafted a Country Cooperation Strategy outlining a roadmap through 2013. That Strategy aims to improve institutional support and development of human resources among the health care workforce, combat malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis, improve preparedness for health catastrophes, improve of maternal, infant and adolescent health and promoting public health initiatives.

Equatorial Guinea Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Equatorial Guinea is definitely off the beaten path as a tourist destination, although adventurous and intrepid travellers might be charmed by the country’s coastlines. Business travellers and expatriates are largely involved with overseas aid groups and NGOs, and increasing numbers of petrochemicals industry professionals. Equatorial Guinea is generally not a safe destination for travellers. Infectious diseases including HIV as well as malaria and other insect borne diseases abound. The country is infamously politically unstable, with Mark Thatcher, son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher accused of orchestrating a coup in 2004. Along with this instability has come several violent uprisings and violent crime is common. All airlines based in Equatorial Guinea are on the European Union’s list of prohibited airlines, which means that they are not allowed to fly over EU airspace.

More common health concerns include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting usually prompted by unclean food and drink. Avoid raw and undercooked foods and only drink water from a sealed bottle. Traffic accidents are another common cause of traveller injury. Remember that Equatoguinean traffic drives on the right and be sure to observe the local rules of the road. The standard of health care in Equatorial Guinea is very low, even in private hospitals in urban areas, although some of these are improving with the introduction of oil revenues to the region. However, even basic care in most Equatoguinean hospitals will be substandard, with shortages of medicines and supplies, as well as power outages and lack of water. A serious medical emergency will require air evacuation from the country, a costly procedure usually not covered by any local Equatorial Guinea health insurance providers. An international health insurance plan is strongly recommended to ensure peace of mind.

Equatorial Guinean Health Insurance International Medical Care Plan

Today’s global traveller needs a reliable international health care plan to suit his or her needs. Travel to Equatorial Guinea is fraught with risk, and the last thing any traveller needs is to be left stranded in the case of a major medical emergency. To give yourself peace of mind, talk to the experienced team of advisors at Expat Medical Insurance. Our team can offer detailed advice on the best international health care plan for you, your loved ones, your firm or your tour group. With a broad range of plans on offer including alternative, dental and maternal care along with air medical evacuation plans, we can find the option that’s right for you. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day. Contact Expat Medical Insurance today for further information.