Lesotho Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Lesotho

Private health insurance is crucial for anyone visiting Lesotho. Medical facilities in Lesotho are basically equipped and suitable for stabilizing patients only. Most visitors travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa for healthcare, and medical evacuation can be expensive.

Those moving or traveling to Lesotho will undoubtedly have many questions regarding the condition of healthcare in Lesotho as well as the available health insurance options in Lesotho. Learn more about Lesotho in this guide or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Lesotho

The Healthcare System in Lesotho

Most medical facilities in Lesotho are equipped for basic care only. In the event of a serious illness or accident, visitors and residents are advised to seek medical assistance in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which is a 90-minute drive from the capital Maseru.

Lesotho’s Public and Private Hospitals

There are three main hospitals in Maseru:

• Queen Mamohato Hospital
• Maseru Private Hospital
• Willes Private Hospital

Queen Mamohato Hospital operates a fully-equipped 24-hour emergency room though they are suitable for stabilizing patients only. Patients are often transported to receive further care in Bloemfontein, especially for complex and specialized care.

There are limited specialists available in town. Most travellers and residents travel to Bloemfontein for specialist consultation as well as better medical care in general.

Maseru Private Hospital and Willes Private Hospital are the main private hospitals in Maseru.

Maseru Private Hospital provides 32 hospital beds and is equipped with a small operating theatre, radiology department, and lab facilities.

Willes Private Hospital, run by Dr. Hoedoafia, is noted for clean and well-equipped facilities, with ample basic medical supplies and medications. The hospital is recommended for medical stabilization in case of emergencies, basic radiology and emergency care, and basic hospitalization.

Health Insurance Options in Lesotho for Expats

Due to the limited capacity of most medical facilities in Lesotho, health insurance plans such as international health insurance with coverage for medical evacuation are crucial for visitors to the country. The country does offer a universal public insurance scheme, though most citizens choose private insurance.

Public Insurance in Lesotho

Although citizens of Lesotho are covered by universal health coverage provided by the government, many still opt to pay out of pocket for private healthcare with better equipment and facilities.

Still, as the country has limited healthcare capacity, patients are usually transported to South Africa for necessary care in the event of a serious illness or accident. The same goes for advanced and specialized care such as invasive cardiac care and cancer treatment.

This makes private health insurance plans all the more important for their medical evacuation coverage as well as repatriation benefits.

Private Insurance in Lesotho

Private health insurance is highly recommended for anyone visiting or moving to Lesotho, as public insurance only allows access to Lesotho’s basic hospitals, and most individuals needing medical care must seek treatment outside the country.

As a globally leading insurance broker with over 20 years of experience, Pacific Prime is committed to help expats and travelers in finding a health insurance plan that will work best for their budgets and their needs.

Whether you are a traveler looking for travel insurance for your trip to Lesotho or an expat looking for an international health insurance solution, Pacific Prime works with top insurers across the globe to ensure you have ample selection of insurance plans that work for you.

Contact our insurance experts now for a free, no-obligation plan comparison or continue reading below for some options our top insurer partners have for offer.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Lesotho

Some of the leading private health insurance providers for expats spending time in Lesotho are Allianz, April International, and Cigna.

Allianz

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans for all expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to any basic policy that Allianz approves. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks.

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:

April International

April International has over 30 years of experience in the international health insurance market and provides both comprehensive and flexible plans to expats. They provide varying levels of coverage, fully customizable policies, and a wide direct billing network.

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:

Cigna Global

Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any private hospitals and private clinics. Their plans are both customizable and comprehensive.

Cigna has Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with varying levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:

Facts to Consider when Picking Insurance in Lesotho

There are certain factors to consider when choosing your health insurance plans for your stay in Lesotho, such as the nature of your trip, who is accompanying you, your health condition, the benefits you need, and exclusions.

Nature of Your Trip

Your insurance needs can depend on the length of your trip. International health insurance plans work best for someone who needs long-term coverage (a year or more) while travel insurance could suffice if you’re looking for a short trip.

Benefits You Need

Travel insurance covers mishaps like lost luggage, trip cancellations, or delays, making it perfect for travelers. Meanwhile, expats needing comprehensive health coverage, including inpatient and outpatient services or more, should consider international health insurance plans.

Many insurance plans also come in different tiers, with different benefits and different premiums. If you’re a single traveller, you may not want to pay an extra premium for maternity coverage!

Your Trip Companion

Many insurers offer family plans that can be more cost-effective compared to an individual plan for all family members. If you are travelling with your marriage partner and/or your child, you might want to consider family plans for your family’s coverage.

Health Condition

Most health insurance do not offer coverage for pre-existing health conditions or offer coverage at a higher premium. If you have any existing health conditions that you want to have covered, you should discuss carefully with your insurers or insurance brokers for coverage that meets your needs.

Exclusions

Health insurance often has exclusions, like predicted natural disasters in travel insurance or pre-existing conditions in health plans. You will want to review these terms carefully to make sure you are not surprised by any unexpected billing or financial loss.

Insurance brokers, like Pacific Prime, can help you clear up any concerns regarding your policies as well as sift through the offers of each insurer for you.

Contact our insurance experts now for free plan comparison.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Lesotho

There are certain travel advisories travelers should follow during their stay in Lesotho including advisories on HIV infection, altitude sickness, prevalent insect-borne diseases, and recommended vaccination.

HIV Infection

Lesotho has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, with one quarter of the adult population living with HIV. Visitors should take extra caution when engaging in sexual activity or coming into contact with blood products.

Altitude Sickness

Many cities in Lesotho sit at a high altitude. Avoid rapid ascent to places with elevation more than 2,750 meter above sea level in one day. Give your body ample time to adjust to the lower oxygen level.

Crime

Lesotho has a high crime rate. Crimes such as robbery, car-jacking, sexual assaults, and home invasion have been reported, even during broad daylight. Visitors should always remain vigilant of their surroundings and avoid traveling alone in unlit areas at night.

Insect-Borne Diseases

Insect-borne diseases such as African tick-bite fever and chikungunya are prevalent in Lesotho. Visitors should avoid bug bites by carrying insect repellant, wearing protective clothes, and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Recommended Vaccination

Before traveling to Lesotho, the CDC recommends travelers stay up to date with their routine vaccination as well as COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, rabies, and typhoid vaccinations.

Ambulance Service

Ambulance service is not present throughout the country and can be poorly equipped. Patients are usually recommended to take a taxi or a private vehicle to get to the hospital due to long response time.

Hospital Payment

Please note that most medical facilities will require upfront payment in cash or a letter of guarantee of payment. Credit card payment is not always available, and travelers should make sure they have sufficient cash with them when visiting a hospital.

List of Medical Contacts in Lesotho

Queen Mamohato Hospital
Telephone: +266 2222 0000
Address: Bots’abelo, Lepereng, Maseru, 100

Maseru Private Hospital
Telephone: +266 2231 3260
Address: Hetsane, Maseru

Willes Private Hospital
Telephone: +266 2233 3600 / 2233 6664 / 6285 1040
Address: Maseru Hubetsoana

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lesotho safe for tourists?

Tourists should always be vigilant in Lesotho due to the high crime rate. Avoid traveling alone at night, and travelers should maintain their situational awareness at all times.

How is the healthcare system in Lesotho?

Lesotho has limited healthcare capability. Most people have difficulty accessing healthcare outside of major cities. Even in major cities, most healthcare facilities are basically equipped, and specialized care generally requires transportation to South Africa.

Is healthcare free in Lesotho?

Most medical facilities in Lesotho require payment upfront and usually in cash. Visitors should make sure they have sufficient cash when visiting any medical facilities. Credit card payment is not always available.

Conclusion

Private health insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers to Lesotho due to the country’s limited medical care capacity. With appropriate health insurance, travelers can rest assured that their healthcare is covered, whether in Lesotho or through medical evacuation to South Africa.

Pacific Prime has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and works with top insurers globally to make sure its clients have a hassle-free insurance experience.

Our insurance experts can help you identify and secure health insurance that works perfectly for your budget and your stay in Lesotho.

Contact us now for free, no-obligation health insurance plan comparison.