Guinea-Bissau Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Guinea-Bissau

If you’re an expat considering visiting or living in Guinea-Bissau, you should secure international health insurance to help cover medical treatment worldwide , especially because of the country’s limited medical care. 

Are you looking to relocate to Guinea-Bissau as an expat? Is healthcare part of your concern? Fret not; this article will provide you with all the information required to give you a head start to your journey. 

Keep reading this Pacific Prime guide to learn more about the healthcare system, health insurance, the best insurers, and health and safety tips in Guinea-Bissau, or click below to get a free quote. 

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Guinea Bissau

Allianz Care Health Insurance

• World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
• Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
• Quick and Efficient Claims Process
• Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000

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Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna's trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

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The Healthcare System in Guinea-Bissau

Public and private healthcare facilities in Guinea-Bissau are poor. If you require immediate medical attention, you will likely have to be flown elsewhere. While the US and Europe are ideal choices for emergency evacuation, the closest option to seek adequate medical treatment is Dakar. 

Public Healthcare in Guinea-Bissau

The public healthcare system is structured into three levels across eleven regions and 114 health districts. The system is limited in resources, faces infrastructure challenges, struggles with access disparities, and suffers from an inadequate supply of health workers. 

Key aspects associated with the public healthcare system include: 

• Limited Resources: Public spending constitutes about 20% of total health expenditure, primarily allocated to staff salaries. Donors finance nearly 90% of recurrent costs, including essential medicines and supplies.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Many healthcare facilities lack basic amenities such as electricity and water. Instances have been reported where healthcare workers deliver babies by candlelight without access to sterile water.
• Access Disparities: Approximately 66% of the population resides more than 5 kilometers from the nearest health facility, with services predominantly concentrated in Bissau and regional capitals.
• Human Resource Constraints: The healthcare sector suffers from an inadequate supply of health workers, coupled with insufficient clinical and managerial training systems.

Public Hospitals in Guinea-Bissau

The most prominent public hospital in Guinea-Bissau is the Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes, located in the capital city of Bissau; other public hospitals include the Hospital Raoul Follereau, also in Bissau, and regional hospitals like the Hospital Regional de Bafatá and Hospital Regional de Gabu. 

Listed below are the details of each hospital:

• Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes: The most prominent public hospital in Guinea-Bissau, located in Bissau, the capital. It serves as a national referral center, offering a wide range of healthcare services and specialized treatments critical for the country's medical infrastructure.
• Hospital Raoul Follereau: Also situated in Bissau, this key public hospital provides essential healthcare services to the community. It plays a vital role in delivering medical care and supporting the overall health system in the capital.
• Hospital Regional de Bafatá: Located in the city of Bafatá, this regional hospital caters to the central part of Guinea-Bissau. It offers general medical services and is a crucial component of the regional healthcare network.
• Hospital Regional de Gabu: Serving the eastern region, this hospital provides essential healthcare to local communities. It supports public health efforts by offering a variety of medical services and improving access to care outside the capital.

Private Healthcare in Guinea-Bissau

Private healthcare in Guinea-Bissau is limited and still growing. These services are not to be relied upon and are for specialized care. It is strongly recommended that expatriates receive all specialized treatment in  other countries through a medical evacuation service. 

Private Hospitals in Guinea-Bissau

Some of the private hospitals known for patient-centered care and comprehensive diagnostics in Guinea-Bissau include Hospital de Bandim and Hospital 3 de Agosto, both located in the Bissau region. 

Listed below are their descriptions: 

• Hospital de Bandim: A private hospital located in the Bissau region, known for offering a range of medical services with a focus on quality patient care and modern treatment facilities.
• Hospital 3 de Agosto: Also situated in the Bissau region, this facility provides specialized and emergency healthcare services, emphasizing efficient and high-standard care for its patients.

Health Insurance Options for Expats in Guinea-Bissau

The majority of doctors in Guinea-Bissau will request payment in cash, and healthcare facilities are often considered unreliable, making international health insurance the most logical choice, given the importance of medical evacuation.

Public Insurance in Guinea-Bissau

Public insurance in Guinea-Bissau is minimal. Few formal schemes exist, so many rely on out-of-pocket payments. The public health system is underfunded, with most care centralized in Bissau and primarily financed by government and donor support.

Listed below are the reasons why: 

• Limited formal insurance schemes force reliance on self-payment.
• Public health funding is scarce, impacting care quality.
• Healthcare services are concentrated in Bissau.
• Funding mainly comes from government budgets and international aid.

Private Insurance in Guinea-Bissau

International health insurance plans provide expatriates in Guinea-Bissau with a range of customizable benefits and global coverage. These plans can be tailored to meet the specific needs of expats, taking into account factors like age, health, and lifestyle. 

Below are key considerations for private health insurance for expatriates in Guinea-Bissau:

• Limited Local Private Insurance Options: Guinea-Bissau's local insurance offerings are primarily designed for citizens and may not provide the comprehensive coverage required by expatriates.
• International Health Insurance Plans: Given the limited availability of suitable local insurance, expatriates are encouraged to secure international health insurance policies that offer coverage both within Guinea-Bissau and globally.
• Emergency Evacuation Coverage: Due to the country's limited advanced medical infrastructure, it is essential to have insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage to nearby countries, such as Senegal or Portugal, for specialized care when necessary.
• Global Coverage for Frequent Travelers: For expats who travel frequently, international health insurance plans with worldwide coverage ensure access to healthcare services in multiple countries.
• Customizable Plans: Many international insurance providers allow expats to tailor their policies to include features like comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, dental and vision coverage, maternity benefits, and options for family members.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Guinea-Bissau

International insurance providers like Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, and others offer a wide range of coverage options for expatriates in Guinea-Bissau. Below, we will discuss each provider and provide a summary of the features offered by each plan.

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

Cigna offers global health plans with different tiers (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that cover services such as hospitalization, inpatient and day-patient treatments, emergency evacuation, and preventive care. This flexibility makes Cigna a preferred option for those needing adaptable coverage.

Some examples of shared coverage by all Cigna insurance plans include:

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in

• Hospitalization
• Inpatient and daypatient treatments
• Cancer treatments
• Physiotherapy
• Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation

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AXA

AXA Global provides various levels of customizable coverage, including options for hospitalization, emergency care, medical evacuation, and outpatient treatments. AXA’s plans are popular among expats for their flexibility, with coverage for a wide range of health services across multiple levels. 

Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in

• Hospital charges and surgery
• Virtual doctor service
• Mind health service
• Emergency coverage
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Wide range of cancer treatment
• Ambulance transport
• CT, PET and MRI scans

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Allianz

Allianz offers international insurance plans that can cover hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostics, and outpatient care. Expats in Guinea-Bissau can add riders for dental and optical services to any basic plan, providing a tailored insurance experience that accommodates different health needs.

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in

• Inpatient costs
• Diagnostics and laboratory tests
• Surgeries
• Ambulances transport
• Cancer treatment

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April International

April International specializes in health insurance for expats, offering plans that cover hospitalization, outpatient services, dental, and maternity. Known for user-friendly mobile claims and support, April International also has a 24/7 telemedicine service and a vast direct billing network.

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Emergency repatriation
• Emergency evacuation
• Maternity coverage
• Vision and dental coverage

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Additional Health Insurance Benefits and Coverage

Many insurance providers allow expats in Guinea-Bissau to enhance their benefits by opting for additional coverage options. These may include services such as dental, optical, maternity, and more.

• Dental: Additional benefits can cover dental check-ups, cleanings, and major dental procedures.
• Maternity and family coverage: Expats planning to start or expand their families can tailor international health insurance plans to include coverage for prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and additional benefits for newborns.
• Preventive care: Certain plans offer regular health checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs, aiding expats in maintaining their well-being during their adventures abroad.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in Guinea-Bissau

When selecting health insurance as an expatriate in Guinea-Bissau, it’s essential to choose a plan that addresses the country's limited healthcare infrastructure. Comprehensive coverage, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergencies, may require evacuation to neighboring countries for treatment.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure your plan covers inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services as well as medical evacuation, which may be necessary due to the lack of advanced medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Verify how insurers handle pre-existing conditions, including waiting periods, premium adjustments, or exclusions, to avoid surprises.
• International Coverage: Since healthcare in Guinea-Bissau can be limited, international coverage is vital for frequent travelers, providing access to healthcare services globally and ensuring emergency evacuation when needed.
• Cost-sharing Mechanisms: Assess any co-pays, deductibles, and benefit limits in the policy to understand your out-of-pocket expenses, should medical care be needed.
• Claims and Support Services: Choose insurers with an efficient claims process, preferably offering support in your language and direct billing options to reduce the financial burden.

Health and Safety Tips for Expats and Travelers in Guinea-Bissau

Expats and travelers in Guinea-Bissau should take extra precautions, particularly when it comes to road safety, food and water safety, and understanding healthcare access. Guinea-Bissau faces infrastructure challenges, but by staying informed and prepared, travelers can ensure a safe experience.

• Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers. For medical emergencies, dial 112, and for police assistance, dial 113.
• Healthcare Access: Guinea-Bissau’s healthcare system is underdeveloped, with most facilities lacking basic infrastructure. In case of serious illness or injury, it’s advisable to seek medical care in neighboring Senegal or Portugal.
• Vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations and consult a healthcare provider about any additional vaccinations for diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, and yellow fever.
• Food and Water Safety: It is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water and avoid street food to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, especially in rural areas.
• Personal Medications: Bring a sufficient supply of any personal medications, as specific brands may not be available locally. A basic travel health kit for minor ailments is also advised.
• Road Safety: Road conditions can be difficult, especially in rural areas. Exercise caution, especially during the rainy season, as floods and mudslides are common.
• Natural Disasters: Guinea-Bissau is prone to natural disasters, including flooding and storms. Stay updated on weather conditions and emergency evacuation procedures.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and be mindful of cultural norms to ensure positive interactions with the local population.
• Legal Considerations: The possession and use of illegal substances are prohibited in Guinea-Bissau and can result in severe penalties. Always familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do expatriates in Guinea-Bissau need international health insurance?

The local healthcare infrastructure in Guinea-Bissau faces significant challenges, including limited resources, infrastructure issues, and inadequate staffing. Public and private healthcare facilities often lack the capacity to provide reliable medical care. 

Does Guinea-Bissau offer private health insurance options for expatriates?

While private healthcare services are available in Guinea-Bissau, they are limited and not equipped to handle complex or specialized medical cases. Local private insurance options are primarily designed for citizens and may not meet the comprehensive needs.

What should expatriates consider when choosing health insurance for Guinea-Bissau?

Expats should look for plans that include emergency evacuation coverage, global coverage, customizable benefits, direct billing, and cashless claims. 

Compare Plans and Quotes Now

If you are an expat or visitor who is looking for peace of mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in the event of an accident or illness while traveling to Guinea-Bissau, buying comprehensive travel insurance or expat medical insurance plan is the optimal solution for you. 

Pacific Prime’s advisors can help you find the best health insurance in Guinea-Bissau that also covers medical evacuation, a benefit especially needed for those traveling to this African country. 

Contact us to speak to our expert advisors or receive a free quote today.