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

How does the healthcare system work in Guinea?

Guinea’s healthcare system is underfunded, understaffed, and under pressure from poverty and corruption.
Life expectancy is low, around 60 years.
The system includes both public and private options, with most facilities concentrated in Conakry.
Hospitals are often poorly equipped; even basic medical devices and drugs may be missing.
A National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) exists, but its coverage and effectiveness are limited.
Pharmacies exist mostly in Conakry and stock a limited range of medicines; availability outside the capital is very poor.
For serious treatments or surgery, medical evacuation to Senegal, Morocco, or Europe is common.
The medical emergency number is 121, but emergency services are unreliable. Private clinic hotlines in Conakry often respond more effectively.

Public healthcare is officially accessible for all citizens, and in some cases for expats via the NHIS.
In practice, public hospitals face staff shortages, outdated equipment, and medicine shortages.
Long waiting times are the norm.
Patients are often required to bring their own supplies (syringes, bandages, medicine).
Major public hospitals include the Centre Hospitalier National (CHN) and Hospital Donka in Conakry.
Do not expect Western standards – sometimes even running water or electricity is missing.

Private clinics offer better care and shorter waiting times, especially in Conakry.
Facilities are limited but generally more reliable than public hospitals.
Consultations and treatments are more expensive, though still cheap by European standards.
For expats and travelers, private care is usually the first choice, provided you have insurance that includes medical evacuation.

There’s no GP system.
You go directly to a hospital or private clinic for consultations.
Some expats develop a “go-to” local doctor in a private practice for routine needs.

Dental care is available in Conakry, but facilities are basic and equipment may be outdated.
For anything beyond simple fillings or extractions, many people head to Dakar (Senegal).
Best tip: fix your teeth before your trip and don’t rely on emergency Guinean dentistry.

Public maternity wards are often under-equipped and risky.
Private clinics are better, but complications can still be dangerous.
Many expats and NGO workers choose to give birth abroad (Senegal or home country).
Prenatal check-ups are available in private clinics but not always up to Western standards.

Malaria and other mosquito borne diseases are everywhere – mosquito repellent, nets, and prophylaxis are musts.
Other risks: cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B.
Always drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.
HIV/AIDS is relatively common – take precautions.
Guinea was at the center of the Ebola outbreak (2014–2016); no outbreak now, but the system is fragile.

Is the trip to Guinea 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.