Madagascar 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 Madagascar

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

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

We can offer expatriates in Madagascar 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.

Madagascar Medical Insurance

The Republic of Madagascar is an island nation situated approximately 400 kilometers from the southeastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It has a relatively small population of just less than 20 million and a land area of 587,000 square kilometers. The capital city Antananarivo, is the economic and political center of Madagascar and the most populous city in the country. Other populated cities of Madagascar include Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, and Mahajanga. Madagascar is one of the poorest economies in the world. It is classified as a least developed country, experiencing challenges in economic stability as well as health and welfare standards.

One of Madagascar's major public health issues is the lack of health care facilities in rural regions of the country. With more than three-quarters of the population living in rural areas, access to health care is a serious concern in Madagascar. Infant mortality rates are high in Madagascar and approximately 3 out of 10 children do not survive past five years of age, with many dying from preventable illnesses. Lack of health education and prevention services contribute to the high incidence of malaria and respiratory infections across Madagascar. Only 45 percent of Madagascar's population have access to potable water, leading to a high incidence of diarrheal related illnesses.

The Madagascar Action Plan 2007–2012 (MAP), was implemented to improve the country's economic, health, social and welfare situation. As part of the MAP, 8 commitment goals were created, one which focused on improving healthcare services and eradicating HIV/AIDS. Mobile health centers have been introduced in remote and sparsely populated areas in an effort to increase general access to health care and information. Non governmental organizations, including Azafady and USAID, largely support the MAP program as well as other governmental healthcare initiatives. Azafady, a UK-registered charity dedicated to helping Madagascar employs community health agents to visit rural communities to implement PHAST (Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation), a health educational program targeted at increasing health care and sanitation knowledge. In addition, USAID have funded 'Mobile Video Units', educating rural communities on health issues including sexually transmitted diseases. To improve water and sanitation standards, Madagascar implemented the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) program, as initiated and recommended by the World Health Organization.

Madagascar's healthcare system comprises western medicine and traditional medicine practices. Western medicine is available through public and private facilities. The private sector is funded mainly through the Malagasy Lutheran Church, as well as international bodies. Traditional medicine is available throughout the country and practiced largely in rural provinces. Traditional medicine in Madagascar uses plant-based products for medicinal purposes; for example, the Raraha plant is used for its anesthetic qualities.

Hospitals are confined to the capital city Antananarivo. Other urban areas of Madagascar have hospitals, with rural areas largely lacking any presence of medical facilities. A large number of doctors in Madagascar are trained internationally within Europe or Cuba. Although Doctors are adequately skilled, lack of medical resources prevent them from delivering quality health care services in both public and private hospitals. In the event of a serious illness or accident, emergency evacuation to a hospital overseas such as La Reunion Island or South Africa will be required to receive the adequate level of medical care. Air transportation, as well as medical services are highly expensive in these locations. As such, expats are highly recommended to obtain an international health insurance policy, that includes emergency evacuation and repatriation and worldwide medical coverage.

Public hospitals in Madagascar are largely underfunded, resulting in shortages of modern medical equipment, medical supplies and health care staff. Regional hospitals are located in urban areas of Madagascar, offering emergency, general surgery, maternity and specialized services. District hospitals provide primary health care, diagnostic and non specialized service. Basic Health Centres (BHC) provide basic health prevention services and prenatal care. Basic Health Centres are located throughout Madagascar, including smaller provinces in the country.

The largest public hospitals in Madagascar are the Befeletnana Hospital and the Fort Dauphin Hospital, both located in the capital Antananarivo. Other large regional hospitals include the Centre Hospitalier Regional in Toliara, Hopitaly Loterana Manambara in Tolanaro, and the Hopitaly Loterana Antanimalandy in Mahajanga.

The best hospitals and health care services in Madagascar are provided by the private sector. With increased funding, modern medical equipment and health care staff are available and hygiene standards are significantly higher in Madagascar private healthcare facilities. Private, well equipped clinics in Madagascar include the Clinique des Soeurs Franciscaines, Espace Medical, and the Insitut Pasteur, all located in Antananarivo. Private healthcare is relatively expensive in Madagascar, as are facilities in South Africa and La Reunion. In cases of serious emergency, patients may have to be transported to nearby facilities in South Africa or La Reunion, which can be very expensive. As such, expats are strongly advised to obtain an international health insurance policy to ensure ease of assess to medical services in Madagascar especially a policy that would include cover for medical evacuation and transportation.

Communicable diseases are highly prevalent in Madagascar, including cholera, malaria, dengue, chikungunya fever, pneumonia, schistosomiasis (bilharzia), leprosy, rift valley fever, meningitis, and syphilis. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis is prevalent in Madagascar, but is relatively low in comparison to countries within the African continent. Immediate medical attention is required to treat these potentially life threatening illnesses.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted via contaminated water sources. It is important to drink bottled water, or sterilize water through boiling or using chlorine tablets. Expats should avoid swimming within areas of Madagascar due to the high risk of contaminated water within most areas of the country.

Vector borne diseases including malaria, dengue, and chikungunya fever are prevalent in Madagascar and with occasional outbreaks occurring from time to time. An outbreak of chikungunya fever was reported within the southeastern region of Madagascar in 2010, resulting in 111 reported cases to date. Vector borne diseases are transmitted via infected mosquitoes. Symptoms typically range from high fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, and severe joint pain. Expats should exercise preventative measures by wearing mosquito repellent, long sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets during the night. Anti-malarial medication, such as doxycycline, is also highly recommended to assist in prevention.

Madagascar experiences frequent hurricanes and periods of high rainfall, consequently resulting in floods. During heavy rain, typically between the months of November to April, the incidence of communicable diseases are significantly increased. High wind and rainfall have left thousands homeless during Madagascar’s major events of hurricanes in 2000 and 2004. Driving conditions are generally unsafe in Madagascar due to poorly marked roads; during heavy rain the large number of unsealed roads become unusable.

Emergency protocols should be adopted by residents in Madagascar to avoid risk of injury during the event of an accident, serious illness or criminal event. To call an ambulance dial 22-200-40; police department dial 22-227-35 or 22-357-09 or fire service dial 1-8. It is important to note the emergency response is usually delayed by traffic.

Expats living in Antananarivo can contact medical clinic Espace Medical on 22-625-66 or 22-219-72 for medical assistance.

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