Mali Health Insurance

In the heart of western Africa, landlocked Mali has a population of 15.4 million struggling to survive despite arid conditions, flash floods, droughts, and dust storms. The majority of Malians scratch out a living from subsistence farming, though other key industries include cash crops, mining, and a small amount of international tourism. Periods of high inflation for goods and services in recent years have compounded the difficulties of the poorest sections of society, as life's necessities are already nearly unattainable. The United Nations Population Fund placed Mali as the 16th poorest nation in the world for 2010, and given average living conditions in the country, it is clear why. Economic statistics reflect a per capita income of only US$690, and a slow economic growth rate. Without significant international investment, Mali annually relies on large amounts of foreign aid in the forms of cash, volunteer efforts, healthcare, and infrastructure development just to survive. With a relatively peaceful history compared to most other African nations, one major obstacle to making improvements in the quality of life in Mali is corruption, both in business and government.

Mali Healthcare System and Health Insurance

Health and healthcare conditions in Mali are best described as dismal. Disease is rampant, average life expectancy is very short at only 48 years, under-five mortality is over 21 percent, maternal mortality is 1.2 percent, and while low by sub-Saharan Africa standards, 1.5 percent test positive for HIV/AIDS.

All of these figures are indicative of an ineffective and insufficient healthcare system that is failing to care for even the most basic needs of its population. As a result, the majority of deaths in the country are accredited to easily treatable or preventable diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, measles, and malnutrition. Doctor to patient ratios are shockingly low at 8:100,000 which is 25 times lower than the figure considerable acceptable by the World Health Organization to provide adequately for public health. Further, government spending is almost non-existent with 2007 healthcare spending averaging below US$10 per person.

About 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas without a health center in close proximity and, due to poverty and poor transport, are frequently unable to reach medical attention in emergency situations. Further, vaccination and early detection practices are not commonplace and as most cannot afford doctors visits, medical conditions are commonly ignored until the situation is critical and sometimes beyond helping. Medical care available in Mali is very limited, and due to financial constraints, a weak logistical, communication, and roadway networks, and the low population density over most of the country.

All of these factors wreak havoc on the already strained public health sector which is marked by outdated equipment, poorly trained staff and technicians, a constant shortage of qualified staff, unhygienic conditions, insufficient supplies of pharmaceuticals, and small budgets. In total there are seven primary care district hospitals serving their citizens, and four tertiary care hospitals (all located in the capitol city of Bamako) to care for the needs of Malians. The newest facility, the Hôpital du Mali, a joint venture donated and constructed by the Chinese government and completed in 2011, is by far the most modern in the country, but overcrowding and overburdening of all facilities is constant and most expatriates will find the conditions to be unacceptable for any treatments outside of an emergency situation.

Additionally, health posts and clinics are spread sporadically throughout Mali, but they too are very limited. While some foreign organizations, non-profit, and charity groups, such as the WHO and USAIDS, are doing what they can to assist in improving the lives of as many as possible in Mali. The task before them is immense and their focus is not on providing assistance for outsiders.

Mali Medical Insurance Information

All residents of Mali have the right to access government subsidized Mali heath insurance from the Association de Santé Communautaire, however as this is a buy-in program and most live in abject poverty, the scheme goes largely utilized. Instead the vast majority live completely without coverage and out of pocket payments for treatment are the norm. Due to the condition of the medical system in Mali, most travelers, tourists, and expatriates in Mali find it advantageous to purchase a Mali medical insurance package from a reputable private vendor. Additionally, as many treatments are not available and hospital conditions are not favorable, treatment abroad is not uncommon for those who can afford it and packages that also cover air transport, emergency repatriation, and care outside Mali are often preferred.

Mali Travel Insurance Information

Improved water sources outside of urban centers are too few and far between and all tap water in Mali should be boiled or treated prior to drinking, bottled water should only be drank if the original seal is still intact. Sanitary sewers are not commonplace, especially in rural areas where it is estimated that less than 10 percent of homes are connected to plumbing. Diligent personal hygiene should be employed to reduce risk of fecal-born infections.

Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for all visitors to Mali over one year of age, and all should make sure that their routine vaccinations and booster shots are up to date. Additional precautionary vaccines to consider include polio, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies. Anyone requiring medications to maintain their health should bring a full supply for the entirety of their stay in the original containers along with doctor's prescription. Other advisable items to bring along include over the counter anti-diarrhea medication and treatment for malaria and insect repellant. When outdoors around dawn and dusk it is best to wear long sleeves and pants and insect repellant and always sleep under a net to reduce the risk of mosquito-born disease.

Then national language is French, with English not widely spoken outside of tourist areas. Most doctors will be able to speak a basic level of English, but expatriates should not expect the same of other medical personnel, and a translator may be required for visits to small clinics and health centers.

Recent occurrence of kidnapping of foreigners has caused many western countries to put Mali on their lists of dangerous travel locations. In the last three years over a dozen foreign nationals have been kidnapped and one murdered, the most recent wave involving five French tourists taken over two days in November 2011. The majority of incidents have been near border areas with Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Niger, all advised to avoid these areas if at all possible. Other concerns are with petty crime, carjacking, mugging, armed robbery, credit fraud, extortion, and corrupt business practices. Women need to exercise caution and avoid traveling alone outside of city centers, and no one should travel alone at night. Another thing to be aware of are the presence of landmines along the Algerian border to deter rebels from escaping into Mali that are left over from the fighting in that country.

Roads are of very poor condition and auto accidents are common due to poor vehicle maintenance and lack of regard for traffic laws. Buses and trains are not typically on time, and travel within the country can often take much longer than expected.

Mali Expat Medical Insurance

Travel to locations as unpredictable as Mali require more than the usual preparation. One of the most important purchases to be made is a comprehensive Mali Medical Insurance plan with coverage for emergency air transport to a premium level healthcare facility should the unexpected arise. No one should risk their health or the health of their family, whether visiting Mali for a short time or as a permanent relocation. Expat Medical Insurance offers plans for Mali health coverage as well as international health insurance plans which are fully customizable to meet anyone's needs. Contact one of our expert advisers today to for full details and pricing today.