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

How does the healthcare system work in Cameroon?

The healthcare system in Cameroon has been struggling with the effects still noticeable. Many facilities and infrastructure have collapsed. At the same time, the population is growing rapidly and the spread of serious diseases is increasing rapidly.
The healthcare system in Cameroon consists of public and private options, but in practice it is chronically underfunded, even when it comes to NGOs and private initiatives.
Life expectancy is around 60 years, which speaks volumes about the state of healthcare.
There is a significant shortage of healthcare workers.
Most large hospitals and clinics are located in Yaoundé and Douala. Few facilities are available outside the cities.
For serious medical needs, everyone who can afford it, turn to South Africa, Morocco, or Europe.
Pharmacies in the major cities are usually adequate. Pharmacies do exist outside the major cities, but supplies are often much poorer.
Traditional and Chinese medicines are also widely available.
When there is a medical emergency, a taxi to go to the hospital is the best option.

An universal healthcare system was introduced in 2023 to improve access to care for all residents.
Even though public healthcare should be free, out-of-pocket payments are often required. It is not uncommon that you have to arrange bandages, medication, or even a bed yourself.
Public hospitals are still inexpensive for expats, but suffer from long wait times, staff shortages, and poor infrastructure.
In rural areas, healthcare is virtually nonexistent.
Basic amenities such as water, electricity, and medical equipment are not guaranteed.
In theory, foreigners can use the public system, provided they pay out of pocket. However, because healthcare isn't always up to par, most foreigners opt for private options.

Private clinics and hospitals are available in the cities, with better-trained doctors and more modern equipment.
Prices are higher than public healthcare, but often still cheaper than in Western Europe.
For expats and travelers, private healthcare is the only serious option, or evacuation/care abroad is an option.

There is no traditional general practitioner system.
People go directly to a private clinic or specialist for a consultation.
Expats often seek a permanent private doctor in Yaoundé or Douala as their point of contact for health issues.

Good dental care isn’t easy to find, which also means there's limited availability.
Dentists are available in the major cities, but the quality varies greatly.
There are options for basic care (cavity fillings, cleanings), but for specialized care or oral surgery, many people go to South Africa or Europe.
Arranging preventive dental visits in their own country is often preferred by expats.

Just like dental care, maternity care is also very limited in Cameroon.
Maternal and infant mortality is high, especially in rural areas.
The government is working on improving the maternal care facilities, many challenges remain.

Cameroon is not exactly safe. Crime rates are high, especially in the cities.
Theft is also common on trains, buses, and bush taxis. Taxis are not recommended because they are often involved in serious crime.
There is also considerable political unrest.
Therefore, warnings are often issued for the country.

Many diseases are prevalent in Cameroon.
Mosquito-borne diseases are a problem, as are infectious diseases caused by unhygienic food or unboiled/unfiltered water.
A large part of the population is living with HIV/AIDS.
Due to the tropical climate, drinking enough water is very important.

Traffic in Cameroon presents quite a few challenges.
Think of poorly maintained cars. Often not the best, friendliest, or most level-headed drivers.
A road crowded with cattle and people, especially at night.
Consider also more serious issues such as car hijackings and bribery.

Is the trip to Cameroon 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.

You are going to need a good, all covering, international insurance when going to Cameroon.
Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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