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

What is the quality of healthcare in Comoros?

• The Comoros is one of the poorest countries in the world and this is also reflected in the healthcare. There is no official healthcare system and the quality of care is substandard.
• The majority of healthcare workers (around 60%) are volunteers.
• There are very few pharmacies in the Comoros and there are often medicine shortages.
• Do you have a serious illness? Then there is a good chance that you will be taken to better care by helicopter or boat. Good, international health insurance is not a luxury here, but an absolute necessity.

How does the public healthcare system work in Comoros?

• The quality of public healthcare is not good. Power outages are the order of the day, running water is not guaranteed, and hygiene?
• You sometimes have to take care of hygiene yourself. Remember: your own hand gel and toilet paper are your best friends. 

How does the private healthcare system work in Comoros?

• There are some private doctors and clinics – especially in the capital Moroni – that offer a little more comfort.
• You can find them most quickly via the websites of foreign embassies of reliable sources. However, electricity and water can also fail here.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Comoros?

• Have you found a doctor? Congratulations, that is immediately your general practitioner, specialist and probably also your neighbour.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Comoros?

• There are a few private dentists in the Comoros, actually only in Moroni.
• There are also sometimes international organisations that offer free dental care to the local population.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Comoros?

• Less than half of all pregnant women receive the right care.
• With the support of the World Bank, there is a programme (COMPASS) that tries to offer reasonable and free care. 

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

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

• There is little crime in the Comoros. Despite the poverty, people are friendly, happy and will not quickly steal anything.
• You can usually walk the streets in the evening. This is quite different from other countries in Africa.
• Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas. You never know!
• From December to April, the rainy season, there is a risk of cyclones.
• There is also an active volcano, Mount Karthala, so keep an eye on the messages for activity of the volcano.

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

• There are many health risks in the Comoros. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya occur.
• HIV/AIDS is also common. Traveler's diarrhea is almost a rite of passage for foreigners.
• Tap water is not your friend, and neither is uncooked food.
• If you have had a tick, watch out for African tick fever and keep an eye out for symptoms such as a red sore with a dark center, fever, headache, muscle pain and a rash.

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

• The roads can often hardly be called roads and are full of holes and dangerous bends.
• There is also often no road lighting. So avoid driving in the dark to prevent accidents.
• There is no breakdown assistance, so find the nearest police station if something happens.
• Many people use taxis and rental cars. Public transport is often busy and unreliable.
• Traveling by ferry is not always safe and accidents sometimes happen.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Comoros?

• Is the trip to the Comoros 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 Comoros
• Insurance for studying in Comoros
• Insurance for internships in Comoros
• Insurance for volunteering in Comoros
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Comoros

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Comoros?

• A good international health insurance with evacuation cover and cover for care abroad is essential if you are going to live in the Comoros.
• International health insurance for Comoros
• International travel insurance for Comoros
• International life insurance for Comoros
• International income protection insurance for Comoros