Health insurance in Ethiopia
Whether you’re thinking about traveling to or are already living in Ethiopia, getting the right health insurance policy can help cover medical costs while you’re in the area. Pacific Prime can provide you with the most suitable plan for your needs and budget. Click below to get a free quote or continue reading to find out more about private health insurance in Ethiopia.
Overview of healthcare in Ethiopia
As a predominantly rural country, Ethiopia has limited access to clean water, food, sanitation, and healthcare services. The country’s healthcare system includes clinics, primary health centers, and hospitals. Most of the hospitals are in the capital Addis Ababa, and hospitals with full-time physicians are only found in major cities. What’s more, only private hospitals provide adequate care for major health issues. Ambulance services and dentistry options are lacking.
Access to modern healthcare is limited in Ethiopia and is virtually nonexistent in many rural areas. In fact, healthcare facilities remain extremely poor outside of Addis Ababa. So much so that it’s recommended to carry a comprehensive medical pack when traveling outside of the capital.
Most healthcare facilities in the country are government-owned, and shortages of medicine and medical equipment are persistent problems. Even though the government’s considerable investments in the public health sector have led to improvements, communicable diseases remain a serious challenge in the country.
Ethiopia health-related travel advice
Some of the most common communicable diseases in Ethiopia include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Malaria
- Respiratory infection
- Diarrhea
Non-infectious diseases are also on the rise as Ethiopia’s middle class continues to grow, such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and hepatitis B&C.
Moreover, Bilharzia is present in most lakes in Ethiopia, so you should always check before swimming.
Since water-borne diseases are common, it’s advisable to only drink bottled or boiled water. You should also avoid ice in drinks.
The cost of international health insurance in Ethiopia
The cost of health insurance in Ethiopia varies depending on several factors, including your age, health status, and benefit requirements. Our Cost of Health Insurance Report 2020-2021, which is available for free download, reports that the average cost of health insurance for individuals and families in Ethiopia in 2020 was USD $3,333 and USD $9,329 respectively.
How to find the best private health insurance in Ethiopia
Be sure to secure comprehensive international health insurance that includes emergency evacuation and hospitalization. If you’re referred to a healthcare facility for treatment, it’s advisable to contact your insurance provider or broker right away.
Need a health insurance broker in Ethiopia or globally? Pacific Prime offers a wide selection of health insurance plans from top health insurance companies, as well as numerous benefit package options, ranging from inpatient and outpatient to maternity and specialist consultations. Contact our team of experts today to receive impartial advice or a free quote and experience the peace of mind that our health insurance plans offer.
