Health insurance in Cameroon
Whether you’re thinking about traveling to or are already living in Cameroon, getting the right health insurance plan can help cover medical costs while you are in the area. Pacific Prime can help you find the ideal plan for your needs, and within your budget. Click below to get a free quote or continue reading to find out more about health insurance in Cameroon.
Overview of healthcare in Cameroon
Located on the West coast of Central Africa, Cameroon is an interesting place to visit due to its cultural diversity and beautiful landscape. Cameroon’s geography consists of a variety of rainforests, mountains, desert plains, and plateaus.
While there are several public and private hospitals in Cameroon, health facilities in the country are not up to Western standards. In fact, even the best clinics and hospitals in Cameroon are not recommended to foreign travelers because of their low sanitation level. Most facilities are located in the capital city, Yaoundé, and Douala. The further you travel outside of these cities, the more limited healthcare facilities will be.
If you are in need of serious medical treatment, you will have to be medically evacuated to South Africa or a suitable medical facility.
It is highly advisable for international travelers to secure comprehensive medical insurance before traveling to the area, and to ensure that emergency evacuation is included in their policy.
Cameroon health-related travel advice
Travelers should regard all water in Cameroon as potentially contaminated and avoid using it for brushing teeth, drinking, or making ice unless it has been boiled or sterilized. Bottled water is a safe alternative.
Additionally, milk is unpasteurized and it is advisable to use canned or powdered milk instead. Any dairy products made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided.
Only eat fish and meat that have been prepared properly. Similarly, fruit should be peeled and vegetables should only be eaten if they are cooked.
Pharmacies in Cameroon feature a green cross outside. They tend to be very helpful and accept prescriptions from countries such as the UK. However, you may have to visit several pharmacies to find what you are looking for.
Note that if you are hospitalized in Cameroon and require drugs, either you or the person you are with will have to go to the closest pharmacy to purchase them first and go back to the ward for treatment. Some hospitals will have a pharmacy onsite.
The following vaccines are recommended for Cameroon:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Cholera
- Yellow fever
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- Shingles
- Chickenpox
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
How to find the best private health insurance in Cameroon
Pacific Prime is a one-stop insurance brokerage service provider for all of your insurance needs. We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations, and more. Additionally, we have a large variety of healthcare plans as well as travel insurance plans. Contact our professional advisers today to enjoy full insurance protection for you and your family.
