Ghana Health Insurance

Located on the southern Atlantic coast of West Africa, bordered by Togo, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso, the Republic of Ghana is proving itself a success story in a historically poverty stricken and violence prone area of the world. While, by no means the largest, wealthiest, or the most blessed in terms of natural resources, Ghana is putting in great efforts to ensure alliance with more powerful nations as it has shored up future support in foreign aid and commerce. Diversification of its industries has also been a good step toward economic stabilization and continued growth. Oil production, which started in late 2010, has the potential to provide huge income for the country if proper restrictions are created to avoid the many problems it has caused for Ghana's neighbors. Considered a stellar example of making the most of what it has, Ghana has repeatedly met or exceeded requirements and expectations outlined by the international Millennium Challenge for improvements regarding healthcare, infrastructure investment, social programs, education, and poverty reduction and has enacted legislature to attract more international trade and investment, ensuring further growth. Much ground still needs to be covered to raise the quality of life for all 24.3 million residents to acceptable standards, but Ghana is showing itself ready for the task.

Not to be overlooked is the opportunity for tourism. Ghana offers a reasonably safe and stable environment to enjoy its sandy beaches, nature preserves and game safaris, golfing, sport fishing, Arabian and British Colonial architecture stretching back to the sixteenth century, and unique African culture with distinctive cuisine, festivals, handicrafts, and artisan markets. Ghana is certainly a country on the rise and worth watching as it stakes its claim on the world's scene.

Ghana’s Healthcare System and Insurance Concerns

In no uncertain terms, Ghana is still a developing country. While its future is brighter than many in Africa, it still faces many of the same problems. Healthcare is a major issue that needs to continue to improve. General health indicators point to a population that lacks many basic needs. Infant mortality has been halved in the last 35 years, but is still very high at 5 percent, under five mortality is almost 7.5 percent, and maternal mortality is 0.54 percent while only 60 percent of births are attended by a physician or mid-wife. Average life expectancy is 63.4 years. While these are high marks compared to surrounding nations, they remain poor by first-world standards.

Communicable disease is not sufficiently controlled. Typhoid, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and water-borne parasites are very common. Insect-transmitted diseases such as malaria, filariasis, river blindness, yellow fever, and dengue fever are endemic. It is estimated that 3.1 percent of the population tests positive for the HIV/AIDS virus, again lower than much of Africa but still epidemic. Most of these diseases are easily treatable or curable, but due to a still maturing health system and relative poverty, about 30 percent still survive on less than US$1.25 per day, these diseases remain killers. Malnutrition and food-shortages due to drought pose serious health risks as well. These factors and others contribute to Ghana's status as 130th of 169 nations polled according to the 2010 United Nations Human Development Index.

As with most institutions in Ghana, the public health sector is growing, but currently it is still considered insufficient to meet the needs of its people. The doctor to patient ratio in Ghana is far too low at 1.5:10,000 and while non-profit organizations and international assistance arrangements from countries such as Cuba continue to provide doctors to lessen the burden of care, more is needed.

Public healthcare is disseminated through a three-tier system. Typically, all will be initially treated at one of the countries primary district hospitals, clinics, or polyclinics to provide basic care and assessment. Should the patient's condition warrant it, secondary referral can then be made to the local regional hospital with various teaching hospitals providing assistance. The top tier consists of the research and specialist hospitals which administer tertiary care.

There a hundreds of public healthcare outlets spread throughout the country, and while their care is much appreciated, it is often lacking in modern equipment, pharmaceuticals, staff, and experience, particularly at the base level. As is common in countries with poor general health, wait times can be quite long to receive diagnosis and treatment. Rural areas are poorest served, while cities centers, particularly the capital, Accra, have a fair number of resources available to the public.

Where Ghana has shown to be much better off compared to many other developing nations is in regards to private healthcare. Most towns and all major cities will have private clinics and sometimes hospitals which treat patients on a cash price basis. Many of these facilities are modern, well funded, and expertly staffed. Lister Hospital, Trust Hospital, Family Health Hospital, and Nyaho Medical Centre, all in Accra, are regarded as reliable and offer a wide range of treatments including some specialties. Almost all private practices and hospitals are open to the public, but payment is expected ahead of treatment and payment plans are usually not available.

Ghana Medical Insurance Information

Where Ghana really shows that its interest in improving the lives of its people is more than just lip service is in the fact that it has implemented a national health insurance scheme since 2003. By no means comprehensive or compulsory and still failing to cover many of the poorest residents, it does provide access to public healthcare for many at a low cost. Government subsidized Ghana health insurance is offered on a regional basis and is electively joined and subsequently paid for with wage-earners' taxes. The system is also available for buy-in annually. It still lacks some structure and some complain that they have had to pay for treatments that are supposed to be covered, but any form of socialized healthcare is a step in the right direction and far ahead of most lands in Africa. The key limiting factor to this system is that covered individuals are only permitted to visit clinics and hospitals in the region they are registered in, though coverage is transferable after a waiting period.

Private medical insurance is also widely available in Ghana and accepted at almost all facilities, public and private. Cost is higher, but with it comes access to better care. Most foreigners and expats choose this form of cover, as it affords the greatest security in case of accident or illness, and because using private facilities greatly shortens wait times in order to be helped. Because some treatments are still not available in Ghana, many locals and expats alike prefer international medical insurance for themselves and their families as it provides coverage worldwide so that they are protected in the event they must travel abroad seeking care. Another thing to consider is coverage for air-ambulance or emergency repatriation services, as this can often be much more costly than the actual treatment required.

Ghana Travel Insurance Information

The official language of Ghana is English, in addition over 100 local dialects are also spoken. Travel to the country is relatively easy, as dozens of airlines service Ghana's airports, travel within is more problematic however, as roadways outside of cities are often poor. Nationals of most countries will require a visa for entry.

Public utilities are not always reliable as electric service is sometimes interrupted for many hours and large portions of the country do not have access to clean water. Sanitation levels are still very poor, especially in rural areas. All foreigners are advised to practice strict personal hygiene and only drink water that has been boiled, filtered, or chemically treated. Bottled water should have an intact seal. Temperatures are perennially hot and coastal areas are often very humid.

Due to risk of infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that all consider vaccination against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, meningitis, yellow fever, and rabies. Malaria medication is also recommended to be brought from your home country along with treatments for diarrhea and any required prescription drugs with doctor's prescription.

Ghana has escaped the decades of war and civil unrest common in the area. But as a democracy, protests are allowed and while rare can turn violent. Travelers and expats are cautioned to stay away from protests no matter where they travel. Photographing government buildings, military installations, and airports is strictly forbidden. Further, homosexuality is illegal and carries stiff punishment.

Ghana Expat Medical Insurance

Traveling or living abroad in Ghana will doubtless prove adventuresome, but one risk never worth taking is with your personal health and safety. Expat Medical Insurance offers Ghana Medical Insurance, International Traveler's Health Insurance, and Emergency Transport Insurance that will provide access to quality care whenever you need it. Contact one of our knowledgeable representatives for a consultation to learn more and get a free price quote regarding coverage tailored to your specific needs.