Chad Medical Insurance
As one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad has very limited health care resources, with only 4 physicians per 100,000 population, just one sixth of the low regional average. This is complemented by 28 nurses and midwives per 100,000 people, which is clearly insufficient to support a country with such vast health care needs, particularly as 72 percent of Chadians live in sparsely populated areas outside of urban centres and transportation infrastructure is limited. Government expenditure makes up 54.1 percent of total health expenditure (THE), while private spending makes up the rest. However, 96.2 percent of private health expenditure is paid out of pocket, with only 0.4 percent of (PvtHE) coming from insurance companies and the remainder coming from non-profit entities, charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The country is heavily reliant on humanitarian aid to cover a significant portion of its healthcare costs. Nearly 10 percent of total health expenditure in Chad comes from external funding from global organisations such as the World Health Organisation.
Visitors to Chad should be prepared by at minimum updating their routine immunisations, such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) and poliovirus vaccines. Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies and yellow fever vaccines should also be updated propr to arrival in the country. Consult with a physician before your trip about the necessity of meningococcal vaccination depending on the time and destinations of your trip, as outbreaks of meningitis have occured in the region in recent years.
Malaria is widespread in certain parts of Chad. Insect repellent containing at least 50 percent DEET is recommended, as are long-sleeved clothing and bed nets. Antimalarial prescription drugs should be brought before arriving in Chad, due to the unreliability of local health care. Note that Chloroquine is not a reliable antimalarial in Chad, and Halofantrine should only be used in emergencies where no alternative treatment is available. Also, over the counter diarrhoea medicine, along with iodine tablets and water filters should be brought in order to cope with unreliable local drinking water. Latex condoms are advised before partaking in any forms of sexual intercourse to avoid transmission of HIV. Insect-borne disease, parasitic infection, avian influenza and even plague are not unknown in this region, precautionary measures are highly recommended.
While pre-travel vaccinations and other preparations are prudent and will improve peace of mind before a visit to Chad, the country’s extremely limited local health care means that extra precautions are required before making a trip. Currently, only two clinics, both in the capital city of N’Djamena, offer international standard medical care and both require advance membership and do not allow walk-in patients.
Due to the extremley low standards of healthcare within the country any expatriates within Chad who suffer from a serious illness or accident will most likely require evacuation overseas to receive medical treatment. As the costs of an emergency medical evacuation can be high it is reccomended that all foreign nationals within the country obtain some form of comprehensive Chad health insurance policy.
If Chad is on your itinerary, Pacific Prime is qualified to help you with any health insurance needs. Our qualified teams worldwide would be delighted to provide a no-cost consultation on what insurance options are available, whether you are traveling alone, with your family or with a tour group. The policies we offer cover a wide range of medical services including dental, maternity, specialist consultation, transportation, inpatient services, and many more. Please contact one of our advisers today for a free health insurance consultation.
