Zimbabwe Health Insurance

Boasting one of the largest manmade lakes on the planet and more than 5 million hectares of lush forests, wildlife estates and national parks, Zimbabwe is a charming and politically intriguing country, landlocked by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique. Comprising a total land area of 390,757 square kilometers, the country has been described as a magical land, abundant in natural resources and studded with granite hills, high moorlands, forest-topped mountains and flowing rivers. Numerous tribal dialects are heard among Zimbabwe’s 12 million inhabitants along with English, the official language. The capital, Harare is the largest, most populous city, and the administrative, commercial, and communications hub of the country. It is also a center for trading products such as cotton, tobacco, citrus fruits and maize.

The policies and land distribution campaigns of the country’s first prime minister and single ruler since 1987, have crippled Zimbabwe’s economy and ushered in a period of political instability and unprecedented economic decline, resulting in widespread shortages of basic commodities, high unemployment, extreme poverty and continued repression. Domestic revenue is mainly generated through manufacturing, agricultural and tourism activities, with a varied range of the latter available to visitors. Those who look beyond Zimbabwe’s bad press, experience a culture rich in colour, diversity and tradition and numerous popular attractions are available, from national parks and ancient ruins, to private wildlife ranches and adventure activities. Winter, June to August is the peak tourist season, when the temperatures are pleasant, and the days are mostly warm and dry. The climate is sub-tropical and summer extends about seven months of the year, from October to April. The cost of medical attention in Zimbabwe is considerable, especially as the potential for medical evacuation is high in cases of severe illness or injury, therefore highlights the need for expat medical insurance to be arranged prior to travel.

Zimbabwe Health Care and Insurance

Oversight for Zimbabwe’s health system is provided by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW), which supervises facilities directly or through provincial and district health administrations. The system is divided into four tiers, operating at community, district, provincial and central levels. According to the MoHCW, there are 1,231 primary facilities, of which the majority are faith-based and rural health centers. Secondary facilities consist of 179 district hospitals and of the tertiary facilities, 7 provincial hospitals operate, with each of these providing curative care and rehabilitation services. The Government remains the single largest contributor of health system financing, and according to the MoHCW delivers 65% of the country’s healthcare services. Several other funding sources exist, including private voluntary organisations, bilateral and multi-lateral development partners and medical aid administrations. Funding is also derived from local Zimbabwe health insurance schemes and out-of-pocket payments. Financing of the system has declined somewhat, with the sector receiving 9% of the national budget in 2010, instead of the allocated 12.7 %, down from 14% in 2008. In order for Zimbabwe to achieve its Millennium Development Goals, a minimum spend per capita, per annum was calculated for an essential package of services at US$34. Zimbabwe’s revised budgetary allocations in 2009, was a mere US$7 per capita, per annum.

Exacerbated by unprecedented economic decline, a significant exodus of skilled medical personnel, and heavy burden of disease such as the AIDS epidemic, the previously robust health system has deteriorated in recent years. Underfunding and lack of maintenance has resulted in infrastructure falling into a state of disrepair. Many institutions are unable to sterilize maternity or theatre equipment or provide clean linen due to non-functioning hospital boilers and laundry machines. Many facilities do not have basic amenities such as hot water. Some facilities have closed, but for those still operating, hyperinflation restricts their ability to purchase essential drugs and equipment. Compounding the problem are the on-going political and economic conditions which have prompted qualified doctors and nurses to flee the country. One area severely affected by the deterioration of the health system is maternity care. According to CIA data, maternal mortality is high, at 790 deaths for every 100,000 live deliveries. The public system is characterized by long queues, beds in hallways, out-of-date and faulty equipment and demands for out-of-pocket payments before treatment is administered, irrespective of a patient’s medical condition.

Within the private sector 1,920 facilities are registered to provide for-profit services. Facilities are concentrated in urban areas, delivering care through consulting rooms, clinics, hospitals, nursing and maternity homes. Laboratory and imaging services are also available. The high cost of treatment in private facilities in Zimbabwe means only those contributing to a medical aid scheme, those who have the means to pay or have Zimbabwe health insurance, can assess such services and better care. Payment is expected in cash prior to receiving treatment. Even private facilities in Zimbabwe may not be able to provide some medical equipment, procedures or treatments which may be necessary in cases of emergency. Ensure that your health insurance in Zimbabwe carries cover for emergency medical evacuation, which will cover the costs of transporting you to a medical facility that can provide you the necessary treatment.

A number of aid agencies, non-profit and faith-based organisations operate, filling an important role in delivering essential healthcare to poor and vulnerable groups in the country. According to a profile initiated by the African Health Workforce Observatory, approximately 65% of hospital bed capacity in rural areas is provided by faith-based organisations. The estimate is lower in urban areas, but still significant at approximately 35%. Despite improvements in the economy, millions of Zimbabwean’s still depend on food aid, while outbreaks of disease place additional pressure on an already weakened health system. The prevalence of disease and HIV/AIDS places a further strain on the country with an estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. According to international observers, approximately 78% of those in urgent need of antiretroviral treatment are not receiving it, contributing to a diminishing life expectancy estimated at 49 years for both men and women.

Zimbabwe Travel Insurance Concerns

The possibility of contracting a major infectious disease in Zimbabwe is considered high, with food and waterborne diseases such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid posing a risk. The US Centers for Disease Control recommends pre-exposure inoculations be administered for these two diseases, along with Hepatitis B and Rabies. Malaria and the water-contact disease Schistosmiasis also present a degree of risk. An outbreak of H1N1 occurred in 2010 with more than 14,000 patients requiring care and in 2008, Africa’s largest Cholera outbreak in 15 years gripped Zimbabwe, claiming more than 4,000 lives by March 2009. The World Health Organization estimated a record 89,018 people had been infected, which was attributed to the virtual collapse of the country’s health services from the ongoing political tensions, chronic shortages of health workers and essential drugs, and lack of clean water and sanitation. Contracting a disease while in Zimbabwe is a risk, therefore ensuring the best possible health care options are accessible through arranging a comprehensive international health insurance policy, is strongly recommended.

There remain widespread reports of systematic human rights violations under the Mugabe administration, and an unstable security situation exists due to the underlying political tension, high levels of violent crime and the poor economic environment. Travel advisories therefore suggest all tourism and non-essential travel should be avoided. Many basic services have been affected by the deteriorating economic situation, with frequent power outages and shortages of food and water. Fuel shortages occur periodically and phone lines are reportedly unreliable and prone to failure. Armed robberies and car-jackings are a leading threat to foreigners, who are increasingly targeted due to a perception of wealth. Expatriates are advised to maintain a low profile and stay up-to-date with local developments. Travel advisories suggest that visitors and expatriates ensure their travel documents are readily available in the event the security situation rapidly deteriorates and it is necessary to depart the country at short notice. Advisories also note international health and travel insurance should be arranged, and that travelers should check any exclusions which apply due to the current situation faced in Zimbabwe. Potential exists for expatriates and visitors to get caught up in violence which is directed at others, therefore local advice regarding areas to avoid should be obtained. Demonstrations and large public gatherings should also be avoided, as police use force to subdue any perceived government opposition.

Zimbabwe Expat Health Insurance

Food insecurity, political violence, unprecedented disease outbreaks, rampant unemployment and an escalating HIV crisis have all contributed to a near-total collapse of public health services in Zimbabwe. The health system is severely constrained. A comprehensive international health insurance plan is highly recommended, and can be arranged through Expat Medical Insurance, which can provide globally transferable policies covering you wherever and whenever you may travel, be it with family or individually. These policies provide for a range of medical needs, including emergency evacuation, maternity services, doctors’ fees, specialist consultations and medications. To guarantee access to healthcare while in Zimbabwe, contact an Expat Medical Insurance consultant to arrange a medical insurance plan specific to your needs.