How does healthcare work in Côte d’Ivoire, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Côte d’Ivoire?

Côte d’Ivoire officially has a public healthcare system, but it faces structural problems: lack of funding, staff shortages, and outdated infrastructure.
Most hospitals and clinics are located in Abidjan. In rural areas, healthcare is often difficult to access.
Universal Health Coverage (CMU) was introduced, a kind of basic insurance for citizens. In practice, coverage is limited, and expats are usually not included.
It can be difficult to find English-speaking medical staff, especially in the public system.
Foreign travelers and expats rely on private care and often on medical evacuation to Ghana, Morocco, or Europe.
Pharmacies are relatively easy to find, but that doesn’t mean every medication is always available.

Côte d’Ivoire has a national healthcare system with a specific referral route: first you visit a health center, and with a referral you can go to a general or specialized hospital.
Around 70% of most healthcare costs are covered under this system.
Public hospitals are inexpensive but often overcrowded, understaffed, and poorly equipped.
Waiting times are long, and even basic services like water and electricity aren’t always guaranteed.
For minor issues, public hospitals may be sufficient, but for anything serious, you’re likely to be disappointed. Most foreigners therefore opt for private care.

In Abidjan, you’ll find private clinics and hospitals offering relatively good care, with better-trained doctors and somewhat more modern equipment.
Quality, however, is inconsistent: ranging from nearly Western-level to “a doctor with a stethoscope in a small office.”
Consultations and treatments are more expensive, but still cheaper than in Europe. For expats and travelers, private care is often the only viable option. Locals, unfortunately, often can’t afford it.
For complex surgeries or long-term treatments, many foreigners opt for evacuation abroad.

A traditional GP system does not exist.
You go directly to a clinic or hospital.
Many expats have a regular private doctor in Abidjan for both minor and major complaints.

Dentists are mostly located in Abidjan.
Basic care is available, but don’t expect modern chairs with tv screens or state-of-the-art equipment.
For serious procedures or oral surgery, many people travel to neighboring countries or Europe.

Pregnancy care under the national insurance system is free, but limited and not of the highest quality.
Giving birth in a public hospital is risky: limited hygiene, lack of equipment, and sometimes not even enough medication.
Private clinics offer better conditions, but quality still varies.
Maternal and child mortality rates remain high in Côte d’Ivoire.
Expats often plan childbirth in Ghana, Morocco, or their home country. For prenatal checkups, you can visit private gynecologists in Abidjan.

Côte d’Ivoire has become more politically stable in recent years, but tensions and protests can still flare up, especially around elections.
Crime is mostly found in Abidjan: pickpocketing, violent robberies, and car break-ins.
The borders near Burkina Faso and Mali aren’t considered safe.
Traveling at night outside the cities is not recommended.

Côte d’Ivoire is among the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS.
Malaria is endemic and widespread, along with other mosquito-borne diseases.
Other risks include cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and meningitis.
Drink only bottled water and avoid street food that has been sitting in the sun too long.

Traffic in Abidjan is chaotic: heavy congestion, little adherence to traffic rules, and aggressive driving.
Road travel outside the city is often risky due to poor road conditions; night driving is strongly discouraged.
Taxis are plentiful, but preferably use registered taxis or app-based services (such as Yango).

Is the trip to Côte d’Ivoire 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.

When applying for your visa, you are usually required to be able to prove that you have valid health insurance.
If you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in Côte d’Ivoire.
Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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