Namibia Health Insurance

The Republic of Namibia is located in southern Africa, sharing its borders with South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Zambia. Namibia’s total land territory is 825,418 square kilometers with a population of just 2.1 million people; it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. From 1920, Namibia was directly governed by South Africa until 1990 when full independence was achieved. South Africa imposed all of its domestic laws on Namibia, including apartheid, and languages such as Afrikaans, German and English were also widely spoken.

English is recognized as the country’s official language while a majority of Namibians speak Oshiwambo. Namibia is a low to middle income country with wide inequalities in terms of living standards and income levels. An estimated 50 percent of the population lives below the international poverty line. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism are the main economic sectors and Namibia is heavily dependent on South Africa, with its neighbor being its largest trading partner.

Namibia Health Care and Insurance

During South African rule and under apartheid, a policy of racial segregation across society was implemented resulting in the country’s main health care facilities being reserved for the sole use of the Caucasian population.

Social integration and equal access to health care became one of the government’s key policy goals following independence. Public health care facilities serve approximately 85 percent of the population and the capital city Windhoek is home to a large number of these facilities. A reasonable standard of care is available at state run health facilities while private health facilities offer an improved range of care and some specialist treatments. Expatriates and tourists are entitled to access either public or private health facilities should medical assistance be required. Cash payments must be made in advance of any treatment being issued; purchasing Namibia health insurance is therefore strongly advised.

There are two large public hospitals in Windhoek while other large urban areas and cities each have one medium sized state run hospital. These hospitals offer general primary and secondary level services but given the insufficient number of facilities throughout Namibia public hospitals are blighted with problems such as overcrowding and long waiting times. Many health personnel lack motivation to properly fulfill their duties and absenteeism is common. Mobile health clinics and centers serve rural areas and these facilities tend to be quite basic with limited medical supplies and a small team of nurses and local health workers providing simple primary health services. With roughly 80 percent of the country’s health personnel based in Windhoek, there is a real shortage of medical staff outside of the capital city.

Windhoek, unsurprisingly, is also home to most of Namibia’s private health facilities. Surgeries, clinics and hospitals are all part of the private health network and all offer their services in comfortable surroundings. In comparison to public facilities, treatment can be organized and received relatively quickly, and private hospitals are equipped with modern medical technology and adequately staffed. Some specialist services are only available at private health facilities, such as organ transplantations and dialysis. The high profile death of folk singer Jackson Kaujeau in 2010 who died after being unable to afford specialist treatment only available at private facilities has forced the government to examine options for greater cooperation between the public and private health sectors. Expatriates and tourists often prefer to use Namibia’s private health facilities due to their superior care options; and as costs can be quite expensive, all non-nationals relocating to or visiting the country are advised to purchase a Namibia international health insurance plan.

Namibia Travel Insurance Concerns

In common with its regional neighbors, incidents of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Namibia are far above the global norm and these three diseases are responsible for many premature deaths. HIV/AIDS infection rates are thought to be as high as 15 percent of the population, with the poorer working class members of society particularly affected. Malaria is prevalent in all areas north of Windhoek and steps should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Incidents of tuberculosis are also above the global norm with in excess of 1,000 new cases each year. Efforts to effectively tackle the spread of these diseases remain an ongoing problem for health authorities as considerable funding must be allocated to these efforts each year.

Many of Namibia’s tourist attractions, such as nature reserves and wildlife parks, are located in rural areas of the country. Travel to and from these areas can be hazardous as roads are unpaved and many drivers do not adhere to driving regulations. Health facilities in these areas are extremely basic and should an expatriate or tourist require emergency medical assistance, air evacuation to Windhoek would be required. An effective air ambulance service operates in Namibia although use of its services can be quite expensive. A provision for emergency evacuation should be included with all Namibia health insurance plans.

Travel health specialists advise expatriates and tourists visiting Namibia and the sub-Saharan region for the first time to visit them for consultations and advice at least four weeks prior to departure. In addition to concerns over HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, several other diseases and illnesses are endemic to the country and the region. The routine DPT and MMR vaccinations should be updated as required, plus vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Polio and Typhoid are also advised. Outbreaks of Cholera and Meningitis also occur periodically with the risk of contracting these diseases being highest during the wet season.

Namibia Expat Health Insurance

Namibia is a poor and developing country with local healthcare facilities reflective of this fact. Many tertiary and specialist services are only available at private health facilities while in some exceptional cases, evacuation for treatment to South Africa may be required. Costs associated with treatment at private facilities and emergency evacuation can be quite expensive and it is important all short term travelers and expatriates ensure they obtain comprehensive insurance coverage prior to arrival in Namibia. Expat Medical Insurance will help you determine which insurance plan is best suited to your particular needs. For more information on Namibia international health insurance, global health insurance plans or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.