Togo Health Insurance

Comprised of former British and French territories, the Togolese Republic is now a small sovereign West African democracy of approximately 6.8 million people. Bordered by the Gulf of Guinea to the south, Benin to the east, Burkina Faso to the north, and Ghana to the west, Togo lies entirely within the tropics and sits right atop the equator. With a questionable history of democratic policy and a poor track record of protecting human rights since it gained independence in 1960, which led to drastic cuts in foreign aid starting in 1993, Togo has faced extreme difficulty in improving the basic standard of living for its citizens.

As one of the poorest nations in the world, with an annual per capita income of just US$900 in 2010 and over half of Togolese living below the international poverty line of $1.25 per day, the fragile economy, based primarily on agriculture, does little to provide the necessary means for most to take care of ever their basic needs. With very few valuable natural resources, extremely limited international trade, rampant corruption and few social provisions, it is easy to see why the last few years have been marked by unrest and talk of revolt against the current government.

Togo Healthcare and Medical Insurance Information

Healthcare provisions in Togo are extremely limited. The doctor to patient ratio in Togo places it among the most under served countries in the world, with only 53 doctors per 100,000 people, likewise hospital beds are in very short supply with only 85 per 100,000. Clinics are spread loosely throughout the country, but their capabilities are few as a result of underfunding and a lack of basic supplies and medicines and skilled staff. Many are operated by volunteer organizations and religious mission groups, and struggle to provide even basic care in the majority of villages. Hospitals capable of treating even common health problems are in critically short supply of these items as well.

The vast majority of hospitals are located in the capital city of Lome, the best among them being the Tokoin National Hospital which is a 650 bed facility with general surgical capabilities and a trauma unit. Outside of Lome, the Hospital Baptiste Biblique in Adeta offers primary and some secondary care, and has some experience serving expatriates. Still, conditions in all healthcare facilities will fall grossly short of the expectations of anyone from a developed country, with a lack of sanitation, shortages of supplies and pharmaceuticals, outdated and non-functioning equipment and poorly trained staff being the norm. Add to this one of the worlds highest birthrates, an average of 4.7 children per woman in 2011, and it becomes clear the healthcare network in Togo is extremely insufficient.

General health in Togo is among the worst worldwide; average life expectancy is just 62 years, approximately 3.2 percent of the population is positive for HIV/AIDS, over 20 percent of children under age five are classified as malnourished and 10 percent will not live to even see their fifth birthday. Maternal and infant mortality rates are equally shocking, at 0.35 percent and 3.2 percent respectively, and while these statistics show improvement over historical figures, much still needs to be accomplished.

Infectious disease runs rampant in Togo, tuberculosis, hepatitis, rabies, plague, cholera, typhoid, meningitis, bacterial and protozoal infections and numerous sexually transmitted diseases are all quite common. Further, mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever are epidemic, and water-borne parasites cause river blindness, filariasis, schistosomiasis, sleeping sickness and gastrointestinal infections, among other illnesses. Sadly, all of these diseases are easily treatable or preventable with vaccinations and education regarding hygiene and contraceptive use.

Togo Health Insurance Concerns

One step in the right direction regarding improvement of access to healthcare was achieved in March 2011 when a socialized Togo health insurance scheme was enacted. Currently this system is only offered to military personnel and government employees and their families, and will only cover the employee, their spouse and up to four children. The initial enrollment was expected to provide access to necessary health care for about 500,000 individuals and is funded by a seven percent taxation of wages, split evenly between the governmental employer and the worker. At this time there are no formalized plans to extend coverage to other sectors of society, and all other Togolese will continue to pay for all healthcare they receive out of pocket. Unfortunately, due to oppressive poverty, this means that many will not receive any care for their needs due to inability to pay, or instead they turn to traditional “healers”, who often accept barters for payment, but often employ questionable practices, that at times are actually harmful, in order to treat ailments.

All visitors, tourists and expatriates are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation or repatriation services from a reputable provider prior to their arrival in Togo, as the likelihood that sufficient care will be readily available in the even of an emergency while in the country is not good. Further, all medical care in Togo requires immediate payment, sometimes secured prior to treatment, and accessing necessary funds can be very difficult in the best of circumstances, not to mention in an emergency.

Togo Travel Insurance Information

The country’s climate is tropical with temperatures remaining warm year-round. The national language is French, while several local African dialects are widely spoken among locals, though English is not quite so common. Some doctors will speak basic English, but a translator may be required to communicate more easily.

All visitors over one year of age are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry. Other recommended vaccines are for meningitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies along with ensuring that all routine vaccinations and routines booster shots are up to date. It is recommended that a sufficient supply all necessary prescriptions be brought from home, in their original containers, for the entire length of planned stay, along with medications for diarrhea and malaria. Other suggested items to bring from home include sunscreen, insect repellant, and antibacterial hand wipes and/or hand sanitizer. To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, all should sleep under a mosquito net, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside and limit the amount of time spent outdoors around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Infrastructure is in poor condition, and frequent power failures and water shortages are common. Only about 60 percent of the population has access to an improved water source, and only 12 percent benefit from sanitary sewerage connection. To reduce the risk of fecal-borne disease, practice diligent hand-washing and personal hygiene. All tap water must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated prior to drinking.

Crime has reportedly risen considerably in recent years, ranging from credit card fraud to violent attacks involving machetes and guns against Togolese and foreigners alike. Petty crime including mugging and theft is extremely common throughout the country. Due to high inflation and extreme poverty that leaves many feeling hopeless, civil unrest, riots, and protests are common. Always remain aware of your surroundings and immediately leave any area where it seems the situation may escalate, as violence can break out very quickly.

Togo Expat Medical Insurance

Due to the extremely limited resources available in Togo, it is the course of wisdom to take every possible precaution to protect the health of yourself and your family or travel group. The best course of action is to purchase a Togo Medical Insurance plan or International Traveler's Health package that includes air evacuation coverage. Expat Medical Insurance proudly offers both forms of protection at affordable rates and plans are fully customizable to meet the needs of any budget, itinerary or group size. Contact one of our knowledgeable advisers to learn more about your insurance options, to answer any questions you may have and to provide a no-obligation price quote, whether you are considering visiting or relocating to Togo or any other location worldwide.

With so much to see and experience in Togo, it is easy to see why so many choose to visit every year. Further, with increased international trade opportunities and a cooperative government, expatriates are moving to the country with regularity. Expat Medical Insurance offers coverage for anyone planning to visit or live there with our tailored made Togo Medical Insurance packages and International Insurance Coverage plans that can be made to suit any budget or itinerary. We can provide you with the peace of mind you require when traveling abroad to a country with such limited healthcare options as Togo, and ensure that your health is never left up to chance. Contact one of our expert advisers today to find out more about your options and get a free price quote.