Republic of the Congo Health Insurance

The Republic of the Congo, commonly referred to as The Congo, is located in central Africa. It has an approximate population of 4.2 million people, a land area of 342,000 square kilometers and it shares borders with Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. A French colony until 1960, post independence saw an increase in ethnic tension which resulted in a number of power struggles and coup d’états. A two year civil war erupted in 1997 in which an estimated 10,000 people were killed and over 800,000 made homeless. Much of the country’s infrastructure was damaged and the government has struggled to rebuild and maintain public services. The production and export of oil and petroleum is now the dominant sector of the economy and it accounts for 65 percent of GDP and 92 percent of exports. It is hoped that strong revenues from the export of oil, petroleum, natural gas and diamonds can reduce the country’s national debt and improve daily life for many Congolese.

Republic of the Congo Health Care and Insurance

The Republic of the Congo is a developing country with a sub-standard public services infrastructure. Many of the country’s health facilities were damaged in the civil war and as a result they are unable to provide adequate health services to the country’s population. Health facilities are in the form of health centers and hospitals with the majority of these located in the capital city Brazzaville, the second largest city Pointe-Noire or other large urban areas. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations assist the local government by providing health personnel and equipment in a concerted effort to deliver primary health care services. A small number of private health care facilities exist and are capable of providing an increased level of care. Expatriates and travelers residing in or visiting the Republic of the Congo are strongly advised to purchase an international Republic of Congo health insurance policy which should cover the duration of their time in the country.

Providing the required funding to maintain the public health care system is a constant problem for the government. Each year, approximately 2 percent of GDP is allocated to health care services and this figure is far below the finance necessary to deliver adequate health services to the population. Much of the shortfall is met by contributions from international donors and from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in the country. Reliable information on a national health insurance scheme is unavailable; therefore it is assumed that the cost of medical services and treatment must be met by out of pocket payments.

Medical facilities in the Republic of Congo are known to suffer from regular shortages of electricity and healthcare personnel. Health centers and hospitals damaged during the civil war are in urgent need of repair to help alleviate the pressure on existing facilities. The main public service hospitals in Brazzaville are the Brazzaville and Securex hospitals while the Loandjili hospital is Pointe-Noire’s main public sector facility. The Netcare Congo Clinic operates two well established private health facilities in both Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. In comparison to their public sector counterparts, these facilities offer an improved range of treatments and services albeit at an increased cost. Expatriates and other non-nationals who are in possession of a Republic of Congo health insurance policy are advised to use these facilities should they require medical assistance while in the country.

Republic of the Congo Travel Insurance Concerns

Approximately 50 percent of the country’s land area is uninhabitable tropical jungle and a significant majority of Congolese reside in the southern part of the country, particularly in the cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire and their surrounding areas. As a result, the population density of these cities is quite high which increases pressure on its health facilities. A poorly maintained road and transportation network has made travel within the country extremely difficult. This situation is exacerbated during the heavy rainfall of the wet season, typically September to January. Ineffective drainage and sewage systems increase the spread of water borne diseases such as cholera. Landslides and floods are also common during the wet season and often cause injury and damage to infrastructure.

The Republic of the Congo is located on the equator and it enjoys warm and humid conditions throughout the year. Poor sanitation levels and warm weather ensure that a number of tropical diseases are prevalent throughout the country. Consultations with a travel health specialist four to six weeks prior to arrival are advised. HIV/AIDS prevalence is high at 3.3 percent although this percentage is considerably higher for the 15 to 49 year old group. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio, Rabies and Meningitis are all recommended. A certificate confirming Yellow Fever vaccination is required at port of entry. Malaria can be found in all parts of the country and the use of bed nets, insect repellant and anti-malarial medicines is imperative. There is a high risk of catching a serious disease or illness while in the country; hence purchasing an international Republic of Congo health insurance policy is strongly advised.

The overall security situation in the Republic of the Congo has now stabilized. Despite concerns over fraud and other irregularities, presidential elections in 2009 passed off relatively peacefully and the country is governed as a presidential republic. Crime levels are low although some incidents of petty street crime do occur, particularly in areas of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire close to restaurants and markets. Expatriates and travelers are advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash and to safely secure travel documents and other valuables.

Republic of the Congo Expat Health Insurance

Health facilities in the Republic of the Congo are of a low standard. Should an expatriate or traveler require medical assistance while in the country, they will find only a basic range of treatments available. Complicated operations or procedures will require an emergency evacuation, usually to South Africa. Emergency air evacuation is extremely expensive and it is important you take steps to ensure you are protected against all possible medical circumstances. Expat Medical Insurance can help you determine which health insurance policy suits your individual needs. For more information on Republic of the Congo health insurance, global health insurance or for a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.