 |
|
|
| |
Macedonia International Health Insurance / Healthcare System
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The Republic of Macedonia was part of the former Yugoslavia and is
located on the Balkan peninsula of southeast Europe. Due to a
naming dispute with Greece, it officially joined the United
Nations in 2003 under the name “Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia” or FYROM. The landlocked nation has a population of
just over two million, and its annual GDP per capita of just under
USD5,000 makes it a middle income country, and when measured
according to purchasing power parity, this figure nearly doubles;
though estimates vary widely, black and “grey” market trading make
up a significant portion of Macedonian GDP. Despite its best
efforts at opening its economy following the break up of
Yugoslavia, unemployment and poverty persist in Macedonia.
However, the country is becoming an increasingly popular tourist
destination, as it is located at the crossroads of eastern and
western culture and boasts a number of important cultural
attractions.
Health and health care in Macedonia are somewhat in line with
regional standards. Life expectancy in Macedonia is 71 years for
males and 76 for females, which is slightly lower than the
developed country average in Western Europe.
Health care expenditure in Macedonia was USD623 per capita in
2006, the latest year figures are available, which is only about
one tenth of the WHO European Regional average; this figure
represents 8.2 percent of the Macedonian GDP. Government health
expenditure represents about 66.5 percent of total health funding.
Out of pocket expenditure makes up nearly all of private health
care spending, as local private health insurance is nearly
nonexistent, and it is forbidden to opt out of the state system.
Doctors may treat private and public patients, although treatment
from doctors not registered with the state system may not be
reimbursed by the Macedonian Health Insurance Fund.
Macedonia has long provided universal emergency care to all
citizens. In 2009, it added free universal primary health care to
all citizens and registered foreign residents. This is in line
with the Macedonian Constitution, which has a provision on
‘coverage and protection of the health of all citizens’.
Macedonia’s universal health care covers unlimited visits to
primary care physicians, treatment from specialists,
hospitalisation, basic dental treatment, pregnancy and childbirth
as well as treatment overseas if necessary. Emergency treatment,
including ambulances, is available to everyone in Macedonia, even
those not registered with this state health care system.
Persons employed in Macedonia must make mandatory contributions of
0.5 percent of their gross annual salary to the Health Insurance
Fund of Macedonia. The costs of prescription medicines are
reimbursed, although a 20 percent co-pay may be required. All
major Macedonian cities and towns have adequate hospitals and
health care clinics; those patients covered by state insurance
will generally have to share a room with two to three other
patients. Most pharmacies are also state-run and subsidised,
making the cost of prescription drugs actually lower than over the
counter drugs in some cases.
Benefiting from the legacy of infrastructure development in the
former Yugoslavia, Macedonians enjoy nearly universal access to
improved drinking water and sanitation facilities, although the
latter are not quite available in all rural areas.
Access to birth and postnatal medical services in Macedonia are
also near-universal, with births attended by skilled health
professionals and infant measles immunisations above the European
average. This is in spite of the number of Macedonia’s skilled
professional health care workforce of doctors, nurses and midwives
being below the regional average.
Before visiting Macedonia or any foreign country, visiting a
travel health specialist is highly recommended in order to update
routine vaccinations. Travellers planning to visit areas with wild
animals, particularly spelunking in caves with bats are strongly
advised to ensure that their rabies immunisations are up to date.
Tickborne encephalitis is widespread, especially in summer months.
Insect repellent, long trousers and sleeves are all recommended,
especially when hiking.
As in with most travel destinations, the most common ailment for
tourists is gastrointestinal discomfort. Visitors should ensure
that they drink only bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked
foods. Iodine pills and water purification tablets are recommended
for trips to remote areas. Automobile accidents are also a leading
cause of tourist injury and death. Drivers should familiarise
themselves with the local rules of the road, wear a seatbelt at
all times and never drink alcohol and drive; traffic in Macedonia
drives on the right.
As a European Union candidate country which has successfully
achieved market transition from the socialism of Yugoslavia,
Macedonia is very much a modern developed country. Its state-run
health care system is modelled after the British National Health
Service, and aims to provide reasonable and universal coverage to
all. While Macedonia has achieved much success in this aim, staff
shortages due brain drain and grey market pharmaceutical sales
have diluted the level of care provided in the country. Some
medical issues and emergencies may require levels of private care
which require top-up insurance coverage in country; more serious
cases may require evacuation and transport to one of the EU member
states. Hence, travel insurance to cover this contingencies should
be arranged before embarking on a trip to Macedonia.
|
|
Macedonia International Health Insurance |
| |
Globalsurance can assist with the international traveller with any
health insurance needs. Whether you are traveling or working in Macedonia, international health insurance can extend to you some of the most extensive insurance coverage available. Our experienced teams worldwide are
equipped to provide a no-cost consultation on available insurance
options. Please contact a
Globalsurance representative today for further details and a free
global health insurance consultation.
|
|
