Mozambique Health Insurance
After nearly 500 years of Portuguese colonial rule, Mozambique became fully independent in 1975 following a bloody conflict that led to successive large scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, severe food shortages, and civil war after the Portuguese had left. This greatly hindered Mozambique′s development until the mid 1990′s.
In recent years there have been major gains made to the Mozambique healthcare system, however, the supply and infrastructure are nowhere near enough to cope with the demand of the Mozambique public, let alone tourists who visit the country. Most tourists needing any major health treatment are sent to South Africa via air ambulances. As a result, it is important that expats and tourists ensure their private health insurance in Mozambique covers them for treatment internationally too.
Mozambique’s Healthcare System
Health services in Mozambique are provided for by the "Ministerio de Saude" (commonly known as MISAU or the Ministry of Health) through hospitals, health centers, and health posts. Mozambique′ s current government sees health as the main priority, and will more likely subtract funds from other important sectors, such as education and infrastructure, before cutting funds from the health sector. It is also quite common in Mozambique that donors give funds to the government for specific health programs and infrastructure.
The current public healthcare policy is based on the principle that all Mozambicans should have access to quality care at an equitable price. Public healthcare in Mozambique is largely complemented by the private sector (mainly in larger cities) and NGOs. Mozambique has three main central hospitals located in the country which service citizens′ major medical needs, one in Maputo that services the southern region, one in Beira which services the central region, and one in Nampula for the northern region. In addition to this, there are a number of health centers, small rural hospitals, and provincial hospitals, all of which only cover the most basic health needs.
Private healthcare in Mozambique is available, however only in Maputo and other larger cities. Doctors in private clinics are expatriates themselves and can speak English. However, for any specialized care, or more complex procedures, expats are forced to seek medical help outside of Mozambique, mostly in neighbouring South Africa.
Expats residing in or traveling to Mozambique should be aware that there is no national emergency number in Mozambique. Only private ambulances are available and only in the capital of Maputo. Anywhere outside the capital, such services are unavailable, or unreliable. Expats and travelers should, therefore, secure private health insurance in Mozambique that also includes the medical evacuation benefit.
Does Mozambique have good healthcare?
Despite major gains made by its healthcare system over the past decade, Mozambique's healthcare system is still relatively poor Lack of funding and a relatively high prevalence of major infectious diseases continue to plague the country, and until these key issues are addressed, Mozambique is a long way off modernizing their healthcare system.
The only way to avoid such issues and concerns is by securing a quality international health insurance plan. These plans give you the flexibility to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice, meaning that no matter where in the world you may be located, from Asia, through Europe to Africa, you will always be able to receive the highest standard of care available. For more information about international health insurance that covers Mozambique, or to receive a free comprehensive international health insurance quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisors today.
