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Burundi Expat Health Insurance / Healthcare System News |
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Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a healthcare system that reflects this fact. The medical treatment available for Burundians and visitors is limited and any serious illness or trauma victim will not receive adequate care.
As a foreign national in Burundi, you will find the healthcare system very inadequate and impoverished. Although public and private healthcare facilities are available in Burundi - both have limited resources, including the absence of modern medical equipment and lack of highly trained medical professionals.
Burundi relies heavily on international donations to support its healthcare system. As Burundi is a developing country, it receives US$ 40 million a year in charitable support to ensure it can supply at least basic medical needs. On average a Burundian has just US$ 1 to live on a day and the need for free medical care is vital for the majority of the population.
In 2006 a scheme was introduced in Burundi’s healthcare system offering children under the age of 5 and new mothers access to free medical care. Before the Burundian government provided free medical care to pregnant women, the majority of rural expectant mothers would not seek medical advice and would deliver their babies at home.
However, since 2006 - and the Burundi healthcare system providing free medical care for mothers and their children under five – there has been a further general decline in the quality of care provided by the already inadequate healthcare facilities in the country. Due to the added pressure of providing the free medical care for mothers and children under 5, there has been a shortage of medical professionals, over-crowding and lack of funds. With the indigenous population unable to pay for treatment or afford medication, Burundi's healthcare system is regarded as one of the worst in the world.
In addition to the public healthcare facilities, there are also private medical clinics available in Burundi. They cost more then the public run facilities, but still provide only limited medical care. The crippling state of the healthcare facilities - throughout the country - is worst in the rural areas to the extent that if a patient faces complications in a small rural clinic, they may need to be referred to a better equipped clinic or hospital in a town or city. As the healthcare facilities in towns or cities may suffer from over-crowding; admission may be declined, resulting in dire consequences for the patient.
Years of civil war has left the healthcare system in Burundi extremely under-developed; and the nation's poverty makes investing in the improvement of the healthcare sector difficult. There are fundamental issues with the funding of the healthcare system, which have been ongoing occurred for more than a decade; this has had a knock on effect on the medical treatment available in the country. Burundi's healthcare network continues to be hindered with little prospect for improvement in the medium to long term, as the country has inadequate means to generate sufficient revenue for funding developments. Healthcare facilities need to be up-dated, the education of medical professionals improved, and the system overhauled in order for Burundians to receive even basic levels of care – and generate an improved life expectancy beyond the current average 58 years of age.
The healthcare system in Burundi is clearly flawed, with no improvement expected in the near future. Without investment, the healthcare system in Burundi will continue to deteriorate; this will be apparent until it is given adequate financial backing, improvements in education and administration, together with eradication of the general security problems surrounding the country. If these fundamentals can be achieved, the much needed development may come to fruition for the Burundi healthcare system.
Be aware if you are an expatriate moving to Burundi or a short term visitor, you will find the healthcare facilities in the public and private sector incapable of meeting the majority of medical needs. You may feel more comfortable seeking medical care outside Burundi – if it is not essential care.
If you are an expatriate or holidaymaker in Burundi, expat health insurance is a crucial element of ensuring you are covered for the duration of your trip. By protecting yourself and your family for any unforeseen medical situations that may arise while in Burundi, it will ensure you are not saddled with the potential burden of excessive financial payments for medical treatment or evacuation to a country that can provide you with the treatment you may require.
When planning your trip to Burundi, you need to bear in mind the diseases that are endemic across the country and the potential security risks in the country. It is essential you take precautions prior to your trip to Burundi; consult a doctor to ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date while you are in the country and take sensible steps to avoid getting in harms way. By taking precautionary measures, you lower the risk of needing medical assistance. However, it is important to take out full Burundi expat health insurance which provides comprehensive medical care. This will ensure that if you require treatment you are fully covered, and - should you face exorbitant medical costs and / or emergency transportation payments – these costs can be recovered.
If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Burundi, an international medical insurance plan will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Burundi. Should you require further information on Burundi expat health insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now. |
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