Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Guinea-Bissau nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Guinea-Bissau national and moving to Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Guinea-Bissau.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Guinea-Bissau we keep up on the latest insurance trends and Guinea-Bissau Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Guinea-Bissau 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.

Guinea-Bissau Medical Insurance

Guinea-Bissau is a small country located on the northwestern coast of Africa, sharing its borders with Senegal in the north and Guinea in the southeast. The population of Guinea-Bissau is approximately 1.5 million, with a land area of 36,125 square kilometers. The capital and most populous city in Guinea-Bissau is Bissau, with other major towns including Bafata, Gabu, Bissora and Bolama. Guinea-Bissau is regarded as one of the poorest countries in the world, resulting largely from years of war and civil unrest. Guinea-Bissau's largest industries include agriculture, fishing and cashew nuts.

The Liberation War, which ceased in 1974, marked a significant event in which Guinea-Bissau gained its independence from Portugal. From 1998 to 1999, Guinea-Bissau suffered a civil war, which resulted in thousands of displaced people and families and the laying of a majority of the country's landmines. Conflict in the Casamance region within Senegal, contributed to an even larger number of landmines in Guinea-Bissau.

Due to mismanagement of the economic sector and intermittent periods of fighting in Guinea-Bissau over the last few decades, productivity has stagnated in the country. The large number of landmines in Guinea-Bissau has prohibited the country from using its land for development and investment, such as the building of roads and agricultural farming. As a result, Guinea-Bissau's recovery from war has been hindered; the country lacks infrastructure and has deficiencies in its social, health and welfare system.

Landmines have been scattered throughout Guinea-Bissau; resulting in injury and death as well as preventing displaced communities return to their homes. International organizations have assisted in extensive demining efforts, and in 2006, the capital Bissau was declared landmine free. Areas most affected by landmines include Oio, Bafata, Biombo, Quinara, and the Tombali regions in Guinea-Bissau. As demining efforts continue, it is highly important that expats and travelers in Guinea-Bissau exercise caution by keeping close to roads and developed areas while outside the capital Bissau.

Access to potable water, electricity, health resources and education remain inadequate in Guinea-Bissau. With little access to healthcare resources and education outside urban areas, many children and adults die of preventable illnesses, particularly among rural communities. Child morbidity is very high in Guinea-Bissau, with diarrheal diseases, malnutrition and malaria contributing to the majority of deaths. Approximately thirty percent of the population have been estimated to practice adequate standards of hygiene. As such, outbreaks of cholera and other bacterial infections occur frequently in Guinea-Bissau.

Cholera is a serious public health issue in Guinea-Bissau, with major outbreaks occurring at least once a year. Outbreaks of cholera are typical during the rainy season, which is normally between the months from June to November. A major cholera outbreak occurred in 2008, where at least 14,000 cases were confirmed including 225 reported deaths. All areas of Guinea-Bissau report cases of cholera, particularly in the populated city of Bissau. The rate of survival is highly dependent on access to medical treatment. In the 2008 cholera outbreak, 9 percent of deaths were among those who did not receive medical care, and 1 percent of those who were hospitalized. As such, it is highly important that immediate medical attention is sought during the onset of cholera symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, high fever and abdominal pain.

Hospitals and health care facilities in Guinea-Bissau are located in the capital Bissau. Medical facilities outside Bissau are virtually non existent. Hospitals in Guinea Bissau are unable to cope with traumatic accidents or severe illnesses. Basic emergency care and inpatient health care services are available at the Raoul Follerau Hospital, a public facility in Bissau. The Simão Mendes, also a public facility in Bissau, provides basic health care inpatient services. Immediate cash payment is generally required prior to hospital admission and consultation. Pharmacies in Guinea-Bissau are located in the capital Bissau, including the Pharmacie Moçambique, which supplies basic medications and first aid kits. Healthcare facilities are of higher standard in the neighboring country of Senegal within the city of Dakar, however travel by air is very limited and not available on Sundays.

In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation or repatriation will be required. Any potential hazard in Guinea-Bissau is compounded by the fact that there is little access to quality medical care throughout the country, including the capital Bissau. The country is not only littered with landmines but has the potential for outbreaks of communicable diseases, given the poor level of water and sanitation standards throughout the country. Medical supplies fall short very quickly during outbreaks of cholera, relying on foreign aid for urgent assistance. Expats living in Guinea-Bissau are highly recommended to obtain an international health insurance policy which includes coverage for air transportation services and medical care overseas to ensure access to quality healthcare in case of emergency.

Communicable diseases in Guinea-Bissau include cholera, malaria, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, yellow fever, and schistosomiasis, which are all diseases that are highly prevalent in the country. Expats living in Guinea-Bissau should monitor the media for travel warnings and outbreaks of infectious diseases in Guinea-Bissau, particularly during the rainy season from June to November. To prevent the transmission of these communicable diseases, expats are advised to drink bottled water and avoid swimming in areas which may be contaminated by infectious bacteria. Water sterilization can be achieved through boiling water or using chlorine tablets. Sanitation and hygiene methods should be practiced, such as washing hands after toileting and before handling food. Symptoms of cholera, and other bacterial illnesses, typically include diahorrea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Immediate medical attention is vital due to the high risk of rapid dehydration and shock.

International organisations have contributed extensive aid to the rebuilding of Guinea-Bissau's infrastructure and improvement of health and welfare resources. UNICEF have initiated programs to assist in the improvement of health status among rural communities with the aim to combat child morbidity and the high incidence of malaria and cholera. UNICEF have distributed supplies throughout the nation including mosquito nets, medical kits, emergency medications, and multivitamins as well as educational programs to address issues regarding sanitation, water treatment and nutrition. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF-Spain) have provided support to Guinea-Bissau during cholera outbreaks including early detection and education programs through community home visits. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have deployed an epidemiologist to work together with Guinea-Bissau's Ministry of Health (MOH), assisting with the control of outbreaks in the country.

Demining efforts continue throughout Guinea-Bissau, sponsored predominantly by international organizations including UNICEF, Handicap International, Let's Fight Against Mines, National Mine Action Coordination Centre of Guinea Bissau, Lutamos Todos Contra as Minas, and Humanitarian Aid. UNICEF have developed mine-risk education (MRE) manuals which are delivered to community teachers, to deliver the message to the wider population.

Expats should monitor the media for current travel warnings in Guinea-Bissau, relating to violent acts, fighting, and health issues including outbreaks of infectious diseases. Expats and travelers to Guinea-Bissau should avoid public protests as these can turn violent without warning. Political events, such as elections, can also increase the risk of violence.

Emergency protocols and should be made familiar by expats and visitors to Guinea-Bissau in the case of an accident, serious illness or criminal offense. The emergency contact number in Guinea-Bissau 1-1-7 for the police department and 1-1-8 for the fire brigade. It is important to note that land line connections are very poor, as well as mobile phone reception.

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