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

What is the quality of healthcare in Zimbabwe?

• Zimbabwe used to have one of the better-developed healthcare systems in Southern Africa. Due to economic problems, medicine shortages, and the departure of many doctors and nurses abroad, it has been declining in recent years. Nevertheless, good doctors and reasonable hospitals are still available, especially in larger cities such as Harare and Bulawayo.
• Healthcare consists of a combination of public hospitals (the majority), private clinics, mission hospitals, and health projects run by international organizations.
• For simple medical problems, people in urban areas can usually find a place to go. For complex surgeries, specialist care, or serious emergencies, evacuation to South Africa is necessary.
• For foreigners, the difference between public and private care is significant. Those who can afford it usually choose private clinics because of better facilities and shorter waiting times.
• Ambulance services exist in Zimbabwe, but availability varies greatly by region. Ambulances operate in Harare and other larger cities, although private ambulance services are often more reliable than public services. The general ambulance number is 999.
• Outside urban areas, medical assistance can be delayed or not arrive at all due to poor roads, long distances, and limited infrastructure.
• In practice, people also frequently arrange transportation via taxi, hotel, or private car in emergencies. This may sound chaotic, but for many locals, it is simply the fastest solution.
• In larger cities, basic medicines are available through private pharmacies. However, shortages occur regularly, especially in public hospitals.
• English is an official language in Zimbabwe and is widely used within the healthcare sector, which often makes communication easier than in some other countries in the region.
• In the event of serious medical problems, treatment in South Africa is frequently chosen.

How is public healthcare organised in Zimbabwe?

• Public healthcare is accessible to a large part of the population and to foreigners, but it faces significant challenges. Many hospitals are dealing with staff shortages, outdated equipment, and shortages of medicines or medical supplies. 
• Public facilities offer basic care, vaccinations, emergency care, and maternity care, among other things. Larger hospitals are present, especially in cities.
• In rural areas, people are often dependent on small clinics or health centers where options are limited. Sometimes, patients must purchase medicines, gloves, or other supplies themselves before treatment can take place.

How is private healthcare organised in Zimbabwe?

• Private healthcare is generally of better quality than public care and is widely used by expats, tourists, and residents who can afford it.
• Private hospitals and clinics usually offer:
  • shorter waiting times.
  • better facilities.
  • more continuity of care.
  • better availability of medicines.
• There are various private hospitals and specialized clinics in Harare and Bulawayo. Prepayment or proof of insurance is not uncommon before treatment begins.
• Although the quality in private institutions can be quite good, many specialist treatments are of limited availability within Zimbabwe itself.

How is the general practitioner system organised in Zimbabwe?

• Zimbabwe has general practitioners and GPs, particularly in urban areas and private clinics.
• In smaller villages and rural areas, people are more often dependent on nurses or local health centers.
• For expats, private GP clinics are often the most accessible.

How is dental care organised in Zimbabwe?

• Dental care is available in larger cities, mainly through private practices. For check-ups, simple treatments, and emergency care, you can usually go to Harare and Bulawayo.
• Specialized dental care is more limited and can be expensive. Therefore, some expats choose to have these types of treatments performed in South Africa.

How is pregnancy and maternity care organised in Zimbabwe?

• Pregnancy care is also available through public and private hospitals and clinics. Women can make use of prenatal check-ups, guidance by midwives, and hospital deliveries.
• The quality of care varies significantly between public and private institutions. In private hospitals, facilities are often more modern and there is greater continuity of care.
• More than 20% of women in Zimbabwe give birth without any form of modern professional assistance, due to costs, accessibility, and staff shortages—and consequently, a lack of personal attention. Many women in rural Zimbabwe therefore make use of traditional birth attendants. These are often women in the community who have extensive experience with childbirth.
• There is also an AI midwife nowadays—Nyamukuta. Designed by local women, for local women who do not have access to pregnancy or postnatal care.
• For expats, private care or care abroad is usually preferred. For high-risk pregnancies, care abroad (South Africa or, for example, the home country) is essential.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Zimbabwe?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Zimbabwe?

• Many travelers perceive Zimbabwe as a friendly and relatively safe country. Most visits proceed without major problems. However, crime does occur, particularly in cities such as Harare and Bulawayo.
• Pickpocketing, theft from cars, and street robbery occur, especially in crowded places and at night. Extra caution at ATMs, markets, and remote streets after sunset is advisable.
• Political tensions and demonstrations can sometimes occur. Zimbabwe is known for its impressive nature reserves and safaris. Wildlife is beautiful but remains unpredictable.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Zimbabwe?

• Tap water is not reliably drinkable everywhere. Many travelers and expats therefore use bottled water or filtered water, especially outside the larger cities.
• Malaria occurs in parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in warmer and lower-lying areas such as around the Zambezi Valley and Victoria Falls.
• Additionally, cholera outbreaks, traveler's diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses occur. At the same time, you don't have to live in permanent survival mode. In many places, the food is actually excellent, especially where locals themselves dine out in large numbers.
• HIV was a major problem in Zimbabwe, but the country is taking significant steps to combat the spread of AIDS.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Zimbabwe?

• Traffic likely poses a greater practical risk than wild animals. Roads can be poorly maintained, and street lighting is often absent outside of cities.
• Additionally, potholes, vehicles without proper lighting, and unexpected animals on the road make the journey even more challenging.
• Car accidents are therefore relatively common, especially during nighttime drives.
• Minibuses and long-distance buses are popular but vary greatly in maintenance and safety. Some bus drivers drive quite enthusiastically, as if they are participating in a Dakar Rally for which no one had officially signed up. 

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Zimbabwe?

• Is the trip to Zimbabwe and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Zimbabwe
• Insurance for studying in Zimbabwe
• Insurance for internships in Zimbabwe
• Insurance for volunteering in Zimbabwe
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Zimbabwe

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Zimbabwe if you are going to live there for a while?

• When applying for your visa, you are usually required to be able to prove that you have valid health insurance.
• When you would like to choose your own doctor in Zimbabwe, you have to have a private insurance.
• International health insurance for Zimbabwe
• International travel insurance for Zimbabwe
• International life insurance for Zimbabwe
• International income protection insurance for Zimbabwe