How does healthcare work in Benin, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Benin?

Tropical Benin is a poor country, which is also reflected in the health of the population and the quality of healthcare.
There are few medical facilities and the quality is usually not very good.
There are more specialists in the cities. In the countryside, there is little healthcare available. There is also a good chance that medical evacuation or repatriation will be necessary.
In recent years, more and more private healthcare institutions have been added to Benin because the public institutions cannot meet the demand.
There is a big difference between healthcare facilities in the city and in the countryside.
The main language is French. If you do not speak French, it can be difficult to get medical help.
Pharmacies are fairly easy to find, but not all medicines are equally reliable and often medicines are out of stock. So make sure you bring your own supplies if you are dependent on medicines.
You can call 112 for help, but it is questionable whether they will come to the countryside.

Benin has a public health insurance, RAMU. This health insurance covers preventive care, pregnancy care and vaccinations. In general, this insurance does not apply to expats.
Public health care consists of health centres, district hospitals and specialist hospitals.
In Cotonou, the National University Hospital Centre offers the best and most advanced care.
The government has been working on improving care in recent years, but there are still many problems. For example, there are shortages of medical facilities and staff, long waiting times and there are still many health risks.

Foreigners generally choose the private health care sector because of the quality of public care.
The quality of care in private hospitals is therefore often better, the waiting times are shorter and there are more medical facilities.
There is also a greater chance that people speak English in private health care institutions.

There is no standard GP system like in some other countries. In public health care, most people simply go straight to a clinic or hospital. Private healthcare institutions do have a few clinics where you can go for general consultations.

Dental care in Benin is, yes you can see it coming, very limited. There are a few clinics, but you will have to discover for yourself whether they offer good care.
Most facilities can be found in Cotonou.

Benin has a high maternal and infant mortality rate.
Due to the state of healthcare, pregnancy and childbirth in Benin are quite a risk. There are shortages of facilities and doctors, among other things.
Although there are facilities for childbirth, it is not guaranteed that they are safe, hygienic and accessible.
It is therefore a consideration to experience your pregnancy and childbirth abroad.

If you are going to live in Benin, it is useful to take a number of things into account. Violent crime is not uncommon in Benin. Especially in Cotonou and on the border with Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
Pickpocketing is also common and, not uncommonly, especially in busy markets, bars and restaurants and tourist areas.
It is advisable to go out alone in the evening.
Terrorists are sometimes active, especially in the north of the country.
The rainy season also brings dangers. Roads can flood and bridges can be damaged.

Yellow fever, malaria and other tropical diseases are common in Benin. Make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes and that you have the right vaccinations.
There is a relatively high incidence of HIV/AIDS.
There are also many infectious diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis and hepatitis.
Only drink well-boiled or bottled water and avoid food that has not been properly cooked.

Traffic in Benin is quite chaotic. Expect crowds in the city, bad, unpaved roads in the countryside and checkpoints here and there.
Fuel shortages are common in the countryside.
Public transport is mainly found in the big cities and consists of shared (motor) taxis (zemidjans) and buses, but these are not always reliable. Motor taxis are fast, but pay attention to your safety!
Most people who can afford it, who live in Benin choose to have their own (rental) car.

Is the trip to Benin and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

Because healthcare in Benin has significant limitations, if you do not want to worry about (sudden) high costs, it is best to purchase international health insurance.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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