Madagascar Health Insurance

The Republic of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean just east of continental Africa. The island of Madagascar, which makes up the most of the republic, is the fourth largest island in the world. The former French colony achieved independence in 1960, French remains an official language and is widely spoken along with the other official languages, Malagasy and English. Madagascar is a poor country and is heavily dependent on commodity exports and tourism (more recently, ecotourism). About 80 percent of the population lives on less than two US dollars per day, the World Bank’s benchmark for poverty. Given its location near the equator, Madagascar is hot year round, with a rainy season from November to April along with frequent cyclones. Madagascar is culturally rich, with a unique blend of African, French and Austronesian influences which are reflected in the art, cuisine and music of the country.

With widespread poverty across the population, Madagascar’s health and health care are unfortunately quite poor. Life expectancy for the Malagasy is 63 years for men and 67 for women. Madagascar spends only 41 US dollars annually per capita on total health expenditure, although this represents over 4 percent of the country’s GDP. The most recent World Health Organization research on health care financing in Madagascar was a Public Expenditure Review which was released in 2007. The report highlighted Madagascar’s shortcomings in tax collection and fiscal deficits, which hampered the Ministry of Health’s ability to provide basic care. In Madagascar, most health expenditure comes from out of pocket spending and the remainder comes largely from government provision or international aid and NGOs. Local Madagascar health insurance from the private sector is very limited.

Madagascar Health Insurance and Health Care Indices

Like many poor countries, Madagascar’s burden of disease comes largely from communicable diseases which have largely been eliminated from the developed world due to medicine, sanitation and public health measures. Access to clean drinking water has been in a slow decline in urban areas over the past two decades, although gains have been made in rural areas. Improved sanitation facilities are available to less than one-fifth of the population. There are 478 cases of tuberculosis per every 100,000 Malagasy, a rate which is more than double the global average and exceeds even the high rate for the African continent, at 475 cases. Madagascar has managed to avoid the massive HIV/AIDS epidemic which has plagued continental Africa. In Madagascar there are 2 cases of HIV for every 1,000 adults (the African average is 47 cases). Maternal mortality rates are high, more than one and a half times the global average at 440 cases per 100,000 live births. Less than half of births are accompanied by the recommended minimum of 4 antenatal visits to a physician and only 44 percent of births are attended by a skilled health care professional.

Madagascar offers limited educational opportunity for its youth and also suffers from serious “brain drain” or mass emigration of skilled and educated workers. This has left Madagascar’s health care workforce seriously understaffed. There are 1.6 doctors and 3.2 nurses per 10,000 Malagasy. By comparison, the African continent has the lowest health worker to population ratio in the world, and those averages are 2.3 doctors and 10.9 nurses. Because of this shortage, access to health care is marked by extreme inequality. Among the wealthiest quintile of Malagasy, 90 percent have access to professional antenatal and birth care; among the poorest quintile, only 22 percent do. Madagascar’s fiscal issues and lack of comprehensive locally provided Madagascar health insurance further compound this problem.

Madagascar Health Insurance & Tourist and Expatriate Care

In addition to the health problems associated with frequent cyclones which hammer the coastline of Madagascar, there have been a number of disease outbreaks over the past decade. These include, SARS, cholera, influenza and Rift Valley fever. As in many tropical countries, malaria is a serious health concern in Madagascar. Wearing long sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellent spray that contains DEET are all recommended. Visitors may wish to take anti-malaria pills on a preventative basis. These should be brought from home after consultation from a physician, preferably a specialist in travel health care.

While Madagascar is a very poor country, there is much to offer the tourist and expatriate. The country’s eco-tourism resorts are second to none and present opportunities to enjoy the exotic flora and fauna unique to this island nation. However, a trip to Madagascar is not without health risks. Visitors should consult a physician and update routine immunisations four to six weeks before arrival. As with any travel, gastrointestinal distress remains the universal traveller’s complaint. Avoiding raw or undercooked foods and drinking only bottled water is strongly recommended. Most acute cases can be treated with over the counter medication. Madagascar’s hot tropical climate can cause heatstroke or other health problems for those not acclimatised to such conditions. Avoid midday sun and drink plenty of fluids. Given the poor conditions and lack of local Madagascar health insurance, practicing preventative medicine is highly important.

Madagascar Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Given the limitations of local Madagascar health insurance and care, an international health insurance plan is strongly recommended for tourists and expatriates in the country. Serious medical emergencies and surgeries will often require expensive air medical evacuation which can cost tens of thousands of US dollars if not covered under a health insurance plan. A good international health care plan can give you and your family peace of mind when travelling abroad.

However, with so many global health insurance plans on the market, choosing the best option for your needs can be daunting. Our trusted and experienced advisors at Expat Medical Insurance can assist you in making this important decision. Expat Medical Insurance offers a range of plans from respected companies, which can include alternative, maternal, dental and even medical evacuation. Call Expat Medical Insurance today, our representatives are available 24 hours a day to help you.

Traveling or living abroad in Madagascar will doubtless prove adventuresome, but one risk never worth taking is with your personal health and safety. Expat Medical Insurance offers Madagascar 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.