Cape Verde Health Insurance

Feeling comfortable in the knowledge that if something was to happen to a family member their medical costs will be taken care of, is important to us all. Our expert consultants can advise on the most suitable level of coverage for families, individuals, groups, travelers, and teachers expatriate health insurance.

Expatriate Health Insurance Cape Verde

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Cape Verde nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Cape Verde national and moving to Cape Verde we can also provide plans that meet your specific requirements.

Professional Service you can trust

Pacific Prime Insurance will be with you for the duration of your policy. We offer additional customer services that include claims advice, emergency contact numbers and medical advice lines. We also maintain a comprehensive list of Cape Verde hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Cape Verde.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Cape Verde we keep up on the latest insurance trends and Cape Verde Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Cape Verde dedicated international health insurance plans that will provide comprehensive coverage in the East and around the world. Plans that we can offer will usually have a number of benefits that a policyholder is able to tailor to suit their specific requirements. With coverage options including out-patient, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation, you will be assured of receiving the highest levels of quality treatment anywhere in the world.

Cape Verde Medical Insurance

Cape Verde is a country situated 570 kilometres from the north western coast of Africa. The country is made up of a group of 10 islands, 9 of which are inhabited, combining a total land area of over 4000 square kilometres. The country has a relatively small population of 512,000 people, with half of the nation residing on Cape Verde's largest island, Santiago. The most populous city within the country is the capital Praia, situated on Santiago. Other populated cities of Cape Verde include Mindelo, which is located on the island of Sano Vicente; and Santa Maria, located on Sal. The islands of Cape Verde are of volcanic origin and vary in geographic forms from desert-like sand dunes to mountainous regions. All areas in Cape Verde suffer from frequent periods of drought; affecting the growth of agricultural crops, one of the country's largest industries.

Frequent periods of agricultural drought have resulted in famine and prompted emigration throughout Cape Verde’s history. Droughts that occurred during the 20th century resulted in just under 200,000 deaths. Periods of droughts in the 1990s destroyed approximately 80 percent of the country's crops, causing a great famine that forced thousands of civilians to emigrate out of the country. Due to these events, around 44 percent of the population is aged under fifteen years. Today, Cape Verde continues to depend on international food aide during periods of drought in order to reduce the burden of famine.

Despite environmental challenges, the developing country is politically stable and hopes to see improvements in its health and welfare system in the near future. It has recently been recognized by the United Nations as one of the least developed countries in the world.

Health care facilities are extremely limited in Cape Verde. Expats living on the islands of Santiago and Sano Vicente can receive basic medical care at the local public hospitals in Praia and Mindelo, respectively. Other islands in Cape Verde have medical clinics, funded by the government, where very basic medical care can be received. The public healthcare system in Cape Verde provides free access to hospitals and medical clinics to all citizens and visitors from overseas. However the medical care provided in these public facilities is very basic. Due to the increase of tourism on the island of Sal, a private medical clinic has been built in Santa Maria. Designed for foreign patients and staffed by international doctors, the medical clinic provides basic health care services.

In the event of a serious health condition or accident, air evacuation to Santiago or overseas to the Canary Islands will be required. Air transportation is highly expensive, and can amount to over US$50,000. As such, a comprehensive health insurance plan that includes cover for emergency evacuation and repatriation services is highly recommended for expats living in Cape Verde.

Cape Verde lacks the appropriate control measures in preventing and treating epidemics. As a result the country is vulnerable to outbreaks of communicable diseases. As such, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides technical assistance and monitors the country's health information system, in order to assist the country in achieving a stable health care system.

A major outbreak of dengue fever occurred in Cape Verde in September 2009 following a short period of torrential rain. It is the first outbreak ever recorded in Cape Verde, and the worst outbreak registered in western Africa. The outbreak resulted in 6 reported deaths, over 3,000 confirmed dengue fever cases requiring treatment, and up to 13,000 suspected dengue cases. Cape Verde depended on foreign assistance provided by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as other international organizations. The country was provided with education on prevention and eradication, basic medical supplies, and assisted with the referral of suspected cases to hospitals.

Cape Verde is susceptible to further outbreaks of dengue fever or malaria. As such, expats need to exercise high caution during the rainy season which tends to fall between months of August to September. Expats should wear insect repellent and long sleeved clothing. A mosquito net can be used during the night and it is also advisable to take malaria prophylaxis medication.

Intestinal parasites and bacterial infections are prevalent in Cape Verda including guinea worms, tapeworms, amebiasis, giardiasis, brucellosis, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. These illnesses are often presented initially by symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea; and are transmitted predominantly via food and water sources. Expats living in Cape Verda should therefore drink bottled water only, otherwise sterilization of water can be achieved through boiling or using chlorine tablets. It is also advised to only eat meat and fish that is well cooked, as well as fruit and vegetables that are peeled or cooked. If symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is required, particularly among children who are susceptible to rapid dehydration.

Volcanoes are present on Cape Verde’s islands, although the only active volcano is located on Fogo Island, which last erupted in 1995. Approximately 20 civilians were treated with medical issues associated with the inhalation of volcanic ash. There were no reported fatalities. Cape Verde has adopted a Volcanic Disaster Assistance Program, funded by US Aid and the US Geological Survey. Volcanic eruptions and tremors can occur again on Fogo island, as such, expats need to be aware of evacuation plans and seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur following an event.

Emergency protocols should be adopted by residents in Cape Verde during the event of an accident, serious illness or criminal offense. Emergency services are available on Santiago island. To call the police department within Santiago dial 1-3-2, for the fire brigade service dial 1-3-1, or ambulance service dial 1-3-0.

For air transportation services, expats living in Cape Verde can contact Cape Verde Express by dialing +238-991-2813.

For more information about Cape Verde medical insurance plans, or to receive a free International Health Insurance Quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.