How does healthcare work in the Central African Republic, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Central African Republic?

Are you thinking about moving to the Central African Republic, one of the least developed countries in the world? Then you should know that you will not only face challenges in terms of safety, but also in terms of healthcare. Unfortunately, the country is facing shortages of healthcare workers, facilities and medicines.
Getting healthy here is a lot harder than getting sick. Medical care is limited, especially outside the capital Bangui, where most clinics are located.
Medical facilities consist of public and non-profit institutions.
Many foreigners in the Central African Republic face a language barrier in the country. So it can be useful to speak a few words of French, or even better, Sango!
There is a pharmacy in the Central African Republic, but there are shortages of medicines.
Because there is so little healthcare available, the chance of medical evacuation is very high. So make sure you have good insurance.

The quality of public healthcare lags far behind that of healthcare in more developed countries. There are also shortages of staff and good facilities, and hygiene is poor.
Healthcare is extremely limited. Medical evacuation is probably necessary if you become ill.

There are usually non-profits/NGOs active in the Central African Republic. The Red Cross, for example, has an international department.

That smile of yours? Keep it bright as long as you can, because it is better to postpone visits to the dentist until you are in another country. Flossing has suddenly become a life-saving procedure.

If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, this may not be the time for a sabbatical in the Central African Republic. Due to the years of conflict, there is hardly any access to good maternity care.
Fortunately, organisations such as Doctors Without Borders do offer help, but it remains makeshift. Maternal and child mortality are unfortunately still very high.

You are probably going here to make a difference with an NGO, so be prepared, because this is not the place for a spontaneous road trip or cozy stay.
There are many armed groups active in the country and the political situation is unstable.
You run the risk of encountering illegal roadblocks, being kidnapped or even killed.
Border areas in particular are very dangerous.
A curfew applies from 10 PM in the evening to 5 AM in the morning.

There are many health risks in the Central African Republic, including mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.
Mpox also occurs. So avoid contact with animals (especially primates and rodents).
HIV/AIDS is common in the Central African Republic.
Watch out for rabies, when you encounter wild animals.
Do you hear someone coughing? Then watch out for tuberculosis, which is common in the country.
And… as you might have expected, tap water is not safe.

Driving in the Central African Republic is not safe for several reasons. There are many traffic accidents and armed groups are active on the road in several places.
Public transport is virtually non-existent, at least not for foreigners.

Is the trip to Central African Republic 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 that offers coverage in countries such as the Central African Republic is an absolute must.
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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