Eritrea Health Insurance

The State of Eritrea is located on the Horn of Africa, and officially became independent from Ethiopia in 1993. Its strategic location along the Red Sea coastline has made it a target for invasion for thousands of years. The current status of its border with Ethiopia remains unclear, which has led to several outbreaks of violence, including from 1998 – 2000 when over 70,000 were killed in armed skirmishes. Most Eritreans survive on subsistence agriculture, but the country has made a concerted effort to improve transport infrastructure over the past few decades, with the aim of improving trade and raising living standards. Although Eritrea has no official languages, Tigrinya and Arabic predominate, and English and Italian are widely used and understood; however, Eritrea’s heterogeneous cultures mean that several minority languages are common to various different areas of the country.

Like most countries in the region, Eritrea is very poor, and given the brief history of the current state, several institutions remain underdeveloped. Among these is the provision of health care. Eritrea’s total annual per capita health expenditure is only USD13, or 2.2 percent of its GDP. Life expectancy is actually somewhat higher than most sub-Saharan African countries due to the limited prevalence of HIV, although low by global standards at 64 years for males and 68 for females. The World Health Organization currently does not have National Health Accounts records for Eritrea, but it is safe to assume that international aid and NGOs are vitally important to the provision of health care, as state-run schemes are very limited and private locally based Eritrea health insurance is nonexistent.

Eritrea Health Insurance and Health Care Indicators

In Eritrea, the burden of communicable disease is actually much lower than in most African countries as the country has been fortunate in avoiding the worst of the HIV / AIDS epidemic. There are 8 cases of HIV per 1,000 Eritrean adults, which is the same as the global average, but about one sixth of the African regional average. Tuberculosis is also prevalent at a much lower rate than the regional and even global norm, with 142 cases per 100,000 Eritreans. Despite the fact that just over one fourth of Eritrean births are attended by skilled health care personnel, the maternal mortality rate is 280 per 100,000 live births, similar to the global average.

Over the past two decades, despite war and violence, Eritrea has managed to make consistent gains in the provision of improved sources of drinking water, which are now available to nearly 60 percent of the population and about three fourths of urban dwellers. Access to improved sanitation facilities remains a problem; available to about 10 percent of the population and virtually nonexistent in rural areas. Improvement in sanitation could be expected to seriously reduce the burden of communicable diseases in Eritrea.

The provision of health care in Eritrea is marked by extreme inequity, as the wealthiest quintile enjoy nearly universal access to antenatal and birth care, whereas less than ten percent of the poorest quintile enjoy the same. This is exacerbated by staff shortages in the health care workforce, as there are only 0.5 doctors and 5.8 nurses per 10,000 Eritreans, far below even the African averages. Given the limitations of care and lack of Eritrea health insurance, it can be classified as a high risk area for visitors.

Eritrea Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Eritrea is not on many travellers’ desired destinations, but those deciding to visit or relocate to Eritrea, for business or pleasure, should be aware of the risks. In addition to frequent violent outbreaks triggered by the unstable political situation, as well as drought and other related natural disasters, Eritrea is a high risk area for a number of communicable diseases. Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, except in the capital city of Asmara. The US Center for Disease Control suggests using insect repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeved clothing and sleeping under mosquito nets. Anti-malarial drugs may be recommended for travel to certain parts of the country, but travellers are encouraged to speak with their physician prior to taking this medication as the side-effects can be dangerous.

Before visiting Eritrea, it is encouraged to get a series of vaccinations, including updating routine immunisations, but also jabs against hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever, meningococcal, and rabies. East Africa is also prone to outbreaks of dengue, filariasis, river blindness and African sleeping sickness. Schistosomiasis also occurs in freshwater lakes, so swimming should be limited to chlorinated swimming pools only. More common concerns for travellers are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea associated with gastrointestinal distress. Avoiding raw and undercooked foods and drinking only bottled water should prevent most cases; over the counter medication should be sufficient to treat acute symptoms. Given the high risks to health and limitations of Eritrea health insurance and health care, an international health care plan is strongly suggested.

Eritrea Health Insurance & International Health Care Plans

Overseas travel always carries an added burden of stress, and visiting a high-risk destination such as Eritrea adds further cause for concern. Encountering health issue or medical emergency in Eritrea can make matters even more complicated. Many doctors will refuse treatment without cash payment in advance or proof of insurance from a reputable firm. Giving you the peace of mind that an international health insurance plan provides is strongly advised, but with so many options on the market, choosing the best plan for you, your family, tour group or company can be a challenge. Fortunately, the expert advisors at Expat Medical Insurance are here to help. With a range of plans on offer including alternative, dental, maternal and even medical evacuation, our representatives will ensure that you select the best plan for your needs. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, contact Expat Medical Insurance today.