Gambia Health Insurance

Located in West Africa and almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, the Republic of the Gambia became independent from the UK in 1965. Geographically, the contours of the country follow that of the Gambia River, which begins in Senegal, and Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa. The official language remains English, but Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Serer and Jola remain national languages and are widely spoken by much of the populace. Most of the population of 1.7 million is engaged in subsistence agriculture and about one third live below the poverty line. The country is near the equator and has a hot tropical climate, with a distinct rainy season which generally runs from June to November.

The Gambia’s human development indices are very low, as with most sub Saharan countries reliant on subsistence agriculture. For example, life expectancy at birth is only 58 years for men and 61 years for women. The country is highly dependent on foreign aid and charity for the provision of health care. In fact, about two thirds of Gambian health care expenditure comes from donors. Total per capita annual expenditure on health care is only USD84, or 6.0 percent of Gambian GDP. Local Gambia health insurance is virtually nonexistent as 95 percent of private health care spending comes from out of pocket expenditure.

The Gambia Health Insurance and Health Care Indicators

The Gambia’s burden of communicable disease is high, although slightly lower than its continental neighbors in Africa. For example, the HIV infection rate of 20 per 1,000 adults is less than half of the African average, but two and a half times the global norm. Similarly, tuberculosis infections occur at more than double the global average, though still less than the African rate, according to WHO figures. Malaria is also prevalent across the Gambia. In order to reduce the burden of disease, the WHO has come up with a Country Cooperation Strategy along with the Gambian Ministry of Health. This aims of the strategy are fourfold: to improve health care delivery; to reduce morbidity and mortality; to improve maternal and neonatal care; and to improve overall health and emergency preparedness in the Gambia.

Gambian investment in basic infrastructure has produced improvements in access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. However, while improved drinking water is nearly universally available, only about two thirds of Gambians have access to improved sanitation facilities. Gambia has also made a concerted effort to improve antenatal, birth and infant care. Currently, the Gambia’s maternal mortality rate is about one third lower than the African regional average and nearly all infants receive measles immunization before their first birthday. One of the main obstacles to the provision of health care in the Gambia is the shortage of professional health care workers. There are just 0.4 doctors and 5.7 nurses and midwives per 10,000 Gambians, far below even the low African average. Hence the provision of health care is marked by extreme inequality, with the poorest Gambians receiving an extremely low standard of care. The lack of private Gambia Health Insurance has increased the burden of the cost of care for the poor as often specialist care must be paid for out of pocket.

The Gambia Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Most foreign visitors to the Gambia are aid workers or adventure travelers, as business opportunities in the nearly landlocked, subsistence agriculture dependent country are limited. However its natural parks have become an increasingly popular destination, particularly for northern European travelers. However, for those who do wish to visit the Gambia, the US-based Centre for Disease Control has issued a series of guidelines to reduce health risks. To begin with, prospective visitors should see a physician at a travel health clinic four to six weeks before arrival in the Gambia. Routine immunizations should be updated, as well as vaccinations against hepatitis, typhoid, polio, meningitis and rabies. Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended, and is required of those visiting from at-risk countries. Malaria is highly prevalent throughout the Gambia and is a major health risk. Wearing long sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellent with DEET are among the most advised preventative measures. Anti-malarial medication may also be suggested, depending on the duration and location of your visit and visitors to the Gambia should continue taking anti-malarial medication even after returning home to ensure efficacy. West Africa is also prone to outbreaks of other insect borne diseases such as dengue and filariasis. Lassa virus and schistasomiasis can also occur.

In the Gambia, more commonplace travelers’ health complaints include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It is strongly advised to avoid raw or undercooked meat and to drink only bottled water. Bring over the counter anti-diarrhoeal medication from your home country to treat acute cases. Should symptoms persist, visit a physician immediately. The very low standard of health care provided in the Gambia is of serious concern to international travelers. In the event of an emergency, costly air medical evacuation will be required. Paying out of pocked for this service can cost tens of thousands of US dollars, and local Gambia health insurance will not cover it. Hence an international health insurance plan is recommended.

The Gambia Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

There are several varieties of international health care plans on the market today and choosing the best option can be difficult. Fortunately, the experienced advisors at Expat Medical Insurance are available to assist you in selecting the best plan for your needs, and the needs of your family, colleagues, or tour group. Expat Medical Insurance representatives are available 24 hours per day to answer your questions on a range of health insurance options, which can even cover alternative, dental, maternal and medical evacuation care. Contact Expat Medical Insurance today for further information.