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

How does the healthcare system work in Burundi?

Despite the government working on better care, there are many challenges in the healthcare system and the care is not up to international standards.
The health care system depends on a combination of public funding, international aid and the private sector.
There are many international aid organisations active that are essential for, among other things, pregnancy care, vaccinations and combating infectious diseases.
The main languages are French and Burundi. So make sure you know at least a little of one of these languages (and then French might be your easy option).
There are several pharmacies in Burundi, especially in urban areas. It is possible that the medicines have run out. If you are dependent on certain medicines, bring your own supply.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS (MPHLAA) is responsible for overseeing health care in Burundi.
Public health care suffers from long waiting times, staff shortages and insufficient funding. There are three levels of public health care: clinics, health centres and hospitals.
Hospitals offer the best and most specialised care, including emergency care.
Health centres focus on family care, maternity care, preventive care and treatment of all kinds of diseases.
Clinics focus mainly on preventive care and education.

The private health care sector plays an important role in Burundi and often offers better and faster care than the public sector.
The private sector also offers better specialist care.
Private care is a lot more expensive than public care, which makes it inaccessible to many locals.
There is little regulation of the private sector, which means that the quality can vary considerably between different institutions. So ask other reliable sources living in Burundi for advice on a good private health care institution.

There are some, but not many, GPs in Burundi. There are shortages of healthcare personnel, including GPs.
In the private sector, you can see a GP more quickly, and this is a lot more expensive.
Most GPs can be found in Bujumbura.

You will not find much dental care in Burundi, because just like in the rest of the healthcare system, there are also shortages of dentists.
There are a number of quite expensive dental private clinics.
It may be smart to go abroad for dental care.

There are limited facilities and staff for good maternity care in Burundi. Despite the fact that the government provides free care, and many NGOs help, the infant and maternal mortality rates are very high and many children are stillborn in Burundi. These are all indicators of the quality of care and the health situation in the country.
Therefore, many expectant mothers and fathers consider spending their pregnancy and delivery abroad.

Burundians are incredibly friendly and although it is relatively quiet politically, there is a fair amount of crime.
For example, petty crime occurs, mainly committed by children. Kidnappings of tourists are rare but do occur, and sometimes there are attacks and gun battles in Bujumbura.
It is not recommended to travel to the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke on the border with the DRC due to the high risk of military violence.
Also beware of wildlife and always make sure you go with a professional guide in the nature reserves.

There are many health risks in Burundi. Mpox, yellow fever, malaria, dengue, chikungunya and even the plague occur.
So protect yourself well against insects, including fleas.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, severe headache or rash, you should seek medical help immediately.
HIV/AIDS is common in the country. There are sometimes large outbreaks of cholera. Drink only well-bottled, boiled or filtered water.

Driving in Burundi is an adventure. It is generally safe during the day, but there have been accidents with cars in the countryside outside Bujumbura.
Also, most drivers are not very experienced. If you don't have a driver's license yet, you can get one here fairly easily!
Don't expect traffic lights, road markings or smooth road surfaces.
During the rainy season, you better have a four-wheel drive!
In terms of public transport, the options are limited. There are eight airports (only one of which has a paved runway), a few public buses and a few private buses.

Is the trip to Burundi 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.

A good international health insurance with coverage in neighboring countries and for medical evacuation is a must for a stay in Burundi, if you want to avoid high costs.
So 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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