Liberia Health Insurance

The West African Republic of Liberia was founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves, and the official language of the country remains English, although “Liberian English” and several indigenous dialects are widely spoken. Liberia is currently one of the poorest countries in the world and is still recovering from successive civil wars which decimated the country’s economy. Today, Liberia is largely dependent on foreign aid. Although the country’s government is modeled on that of the United States, political instability has reigned since a 1980 military coup. Liberian culture was heavily influenced by that of the pre-Civil War American South, and much of the architecture and customs from that period remain today.

Much of Liberia’s health care infrastructure was destroyed during the decades of civil war and unrest beginning in 1980. Hence, many of the country’s health care indicators are very poor. For example, life expectancy at birth is only 54 years for Liberian men and 57 years for Liberian women. The country’s total annual per capita health care expenditure is USD53, measured using purchasing power parity. Although the sum is very low, it represents 13.2 percent of GDP, among the highest proportions in the world. Private, out of pocked expenditure makes up most of Liberian health care spending. Charity, overseas aid and NGOs support some of the state-provided health care. Local Liberia health insurance provided by the private sector is nonexistent.

Liberia Health Insurance and Health Care Indices

As in many sub Saharan African countries, the rate of communicable disease transmission is very high. The HIV infection rate in Liberia is nearly twice the global average, although it is only one third of the norm in the African region. Tuberculosis is rampant, with 518 cases per 100,000, or nearly two and a half times the global average. Malaria is also a major health risk in Liberia. There have also been outbreaks of cholera and yellow fever over the past decade. Liberia’s health care workforce is terribly understaffed, with 0.1 doctors and 2.7 nurses per 10,000 population. As a result, most women do not get the antenatal, birth and infant care they need and the maternal mortality rate is nearly five times the global norm. There is also great inequity in the provision of care in Liberia, with the wealthiest quintile enjoying much better access to the country’s limited health care resources.

Public health infrastructure has declined with the onset of civil war in Liberia and urban areas have actually seen a reduction in access to improved sources of drinking water since the 1980s. There have been modest gains in the promotion of sanitation facilities, but fewer than one fifth of Liberians have access to any form of improved sanitation facilities. These shortcomings contribute greatly to the spread of communicable diseases in the country. With no Liberia health insurance and heavy dependence on foreign aid in the provision of care, Liberia is a very high risk environment regarding health and health care. The World Health Organisation and the Liberian Ministry of Health have drafted a country cooperation strategy; major themes include: the reconstruction of destroyed health care facilities, reducing malnutrition and coordinating health care activities across the country.

Liberia Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Liberia is not a typical tourist destination, but its location along the West African coast may appeal to the most adventurous holidaymakers. Although it is seriously poverty-stricken, Liberia is also an important commodities exporter, and may be a fruitful location for business travellers and expatriates. However, visiting Liberia does come with serious health risks. The US-based Centre for Disease Control has drafted a series of guidelines to aid travelers. Before visiting Liberia, you should visit a travel health specialist to update routine injections, including hepatitis, typhoid, polio and rabies. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required of all visitors. Malaria is also prevalent across the country. Taking preventative measures such as sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeved clothing and using insect repellent with DEET are all strongly suggested. Taking a anti-malarial pills on a preventative basis is also recommended, but consult with a physician beforehand and bring medication from your home country; don’t rely on local supply as pharmaceutical shortages are common.

Liberia and West Africa are also prone to outbreaks of other insect borne diseases such as dengue, filariasis and river blindness. Polio and Lassa virus are also common to the region. Liberia’s myriad health risks are compounded by the low standard of care provided in the country. The country’s limited hospitals are woefully understaffed and many are still damaged due to the war. A serious medical emergency, surgery or terminal illness may require air medical evacuation, a costly procedure which can cost tens of thousands of US dollars. With the lack of local Liberia health insurance, an international health care plan is strongly recommended to ensure your peace of mind.

Liberia Health Insurance & International Health Care Plans

While an international health care plan is strongly recommended for expatriates and travelers in Liberia, there are numerous plans available on the market, and choosing the best option to suit your needs can be challenging. Fortunately, the experienced advisors at Expat Medical Insurance are available to help you make an informed decision. With a range of plans on offer which include alternative, dental, maternal and even medical evacuation care, we can find the plan that fits your needs, and the needs of your family, colleagues, or tour group. Our representatives are available 24 hours per day. Contact Expat Medical Insurance today for further information.