Swaziland Health Insurance

The Kingdom of Swaziland in southern Africa is surrounded on three sides by the Republic of South Africa and by Mozambique to the east. The country is ruled as an absolute monarchy, although there is a parliament and prime minister. Swaziland became independent from the United Kingdom in 1968. The country’s economy is closely tied to that of South Africa, and the Swazi lilangeni is pegged to the South African rand. Agriculture, mining and manufacturing make up a significant proportion of the economy, although the services sector makes up over 50 percent of GDP.

Swaziland’s population has been decimated by HIV / AIDS, and life expectancy is only 47 years for men and 50 years for women. Swaziland spends 6.3 percent of GDP on health care, which amounts to approximately USD 312 annually per capita. Government expenditure makes up 63 percent of total health care spending in Swaziland. Among private health care spending, 18.9 percent comes from Swaziland health insurance, which is generally utilised by wealthier residents.

Swaziland Health Insurance and Health Care Indices

Like many sub Saharan African countries, Swaziland suffers from high rates of HIV infection. But the AIDS crisis in the country is particularly acute, with HIV infection rates more than 32 times the global average and even five times higher than the African norm. Tuberculosis rates are more than triple the global average and malaria is also widespread. World Bank estimates suggest that about 80 percent of HIV patients also suffer from tuberculosis at the same time. According to the World Health Organization, communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis account for 72 percent of years of life lost in Swaziland. However, non-communicable diseases such as cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer are on the rise in Swaziland as well, but these unfortunately receive little public health attention as the country battles HIV and tuberculosis.

Because of the great demands placed on the health care system by the HIV / tuberculosis co-epidemic, there are frequent drug shortages in Swaziland. With 1.6 doctors per 10,000 people, Swaziland’s health care system is seriously understaffed. A higher than average ratio of nurses and midwives, at 63.0 per 10,000 people, does go some way to make up for this staffing shortfall although there are problems with quality of training.

Swaziland’s hospitals and health clinics are very poor, and are reliant on overseas aid for operating capital. Drug and power shortages are common, and many health clinics lack even basic supplies and sanitation. About one third of Swazis lack clean drinking water, and about half do not have access to sanitation facilities. Demographically speaking, Swaziland’s population is migrating to urban areas in large number, putting further strain on the country’s main hospitals. Doctors Without Borders, the World Bank and the WHO, along with other multilateral and bilateral aid organizations, are involved in a number of capacity building projects to expand the ability of the Swaziland Ministry of Health to provide care to its citizens. The health care budget is heavily subsidized by the government and various aid organizations; the small proportion of health care spending attributed to local Swaziland health insurance is largely to provide specialist care to the wealthy.

Swaziland Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

The African bush country of Swaziland appeals to adventurous tourists seeking safaris. The country’s rich traditional culture including arts, handicrafts, music and dance are also attracting increased attention from abroad. As a business travel destination, many visitors are involved in the textile industry. Travelers should be aware of a number of health risks before visiting Swaziland. Vaccination against vaccine-preventable disease is strongly recommended, and visitors should also take precautions against malaria, which is highly prevalent in the eastern part of Swaziland. Note that not all anti-malarial drugs are effective against the strains of the disease common to Swaziland, so consult with a travel health specialist and discuss all potential side effects before taking anti-malarial pills on a preventative basis. The US-based Centre for Disease Control suggests purchasing pills before travelling. This warning should also apply to all other necessary prescription and over the counter medications as Swaziland suffers from frequent drug shortages, and the security of supply can not be guaranteed.

Southern Africa is also prone to a number of other insect-borne diseases such as dengue, river blindness and African sleeping sickness. Visitors to Swaziland may also contract diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems from various food-borne pathogens. Because of the very low standard of health care across Swaziland, patients, including visitors from abroad, may experience serious health risks from even simple ailments. Most foreign visitors will require medical evacuation in the case of a health emergency, which can be a very expensive process to the uninsured. Swaziland health insurance can be very limited, so an international health care plan is strongly recommended.

Swaziland Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Travelling in a poor developing country such as Swaziland brings a host of risks, but concern about your health insurance coverage should not be one of them. There are a multitude of options in the global health insurance market, and the experienced team at Expat Medical Insurance is available to assist you in choosing the best plan for you. With options to suit individuals, families, businesses and tour groups, the representatives at Expat Medical Insurance will review the benefits available under each plan. Our advisors are available 24 hours per day, so contact Expat Medical Insurance today for further information.