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

What is the quality of healthcare in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• São Tomé and Príncipe have a small and limited healthcare system. Basic care is often available for simple medical problems, but specialist care is limited.
• The country consists of two small tropical islands off the west coast of Africa. Due to their isolated location, medical resources, equipment, and specialists are in limited supply.
• Many serious medical cases are evacuated to: Portugal, Gabon, Angola and sometimes South Africa.
• The healthcare system struggles with limited resources, medicine shortages, limited specialist knowledge, and limited emergency care capacity.
• For expats and travelers, good international insurance including medical evacuation is absolutely essential.
• Ambulance services are limited in São Tomé and Príncipe. Outside the capital, emergency transport can be difficult to arrange, and response times can be long.
• The general emergency number is 112, but the practical accessibility of emergency services varies. In serious medical situations, medical evacuation abroad is often resorted to.
• Medicines are in limited supply, and shortages occur regularly. In particular, specific medicines, specialist treatments, and high-quality medical equipment are not always available.

How does the public healthcare system work in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• The government provides basic healthcare through public hospitals and clinics.
• The main hospital is located in the capital, São Tomé.
• Public healthcare is inexpensive, but the quality is limited:
  • long waiting times.
  • limited equipment.
  • limited specialist care.
  • medicine shortages.
• In rural areas, often only small health centers are present.
• In the event of serious accidents or complex surgeries, treatment abroad is often necessary.

How does the private healthcare system work in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• Private healthcare in São Tomé and Príncipe is also limited.
• There are a few private clinics in the capital, but the range remains small compared to larger African countries.
• For complex treatments, people often travel abroad.
• Private healthcare does usually offer:
  • shorter waiting times.
  • slightly better facilities.
  • more personal guidance.
• However, private clinics also have limited options.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• For simple health problems, you can go to local doctors or clinics.
• English-speaking doctors are not always easy to find; Portuguese is the official language.
• For serious complaints, many foreigners choose to evacuate or seek treatment elsewhere.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• Dental care is available to a limited extent.
• For simple dental treatments, there are a few dentists present in the capital.
• Complex treatments are often performed in Portugal or other countries.
• A thorough check-up before departure is advisable, as a root canal treatment on a tropical island sounds more romantic than it usually is.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• Basic pregnancy care is available through public hospitals and clinics.
• However, the quality of care for complications is limited.
• Many expats and international workers choose to: give birth abroad or to temporarily leave the country in the case of high-risk pregnancies.
• Emergency care for premature births or serious complications is limited.
• Vaccinations, good hygiene, and regular check-ups are especially important.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in São Tomé and Príncipe?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• São Tomé and Príncipe is relatively safe and quiet.
• Violent crimes against foreigners are limited, but petty crime does occur, such as theft, pickpocketing, and burglary.
• Remote beaches or dark areas are not always safe at night.
• Due to tropical conditions, roads can become poor during heavy rainfall.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• Important health risks include:
  • malaria.
  • dengue.
  • diarrhea.
  • foodborne infections.
  • dehydration.
• Mosquito protection is very important to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
• Tap water is not safe to drink.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• Road quality varies – sometimes there are potholes, other times a smooth road surface.
• Outside the capital, roads can: be poorly lit, contain potholes and become slippery due to rain.
• Traffic rules are not always strictly followed. So, enjoy some adventurous driving!
• Public transport is limited; taxis and shared minibuses are common.
• During heavy rainfall, some areas may be temporarily difficult to access.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in São Tomé and Príncipe?

• Is the trip to São Tomé and Príncipe 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 São Tomé and Príncipe
• Insurance for studying in São Tomé and Príncipe
• Insurance for internships in São Tomé and Príncipe
• Insurance for volunteering in São Tomé and Príncipe
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in São Tomé and Príncipe

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

• When applying for your visa, you are usually required to be able to prove that you have valid health insurance.
• When you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in São Tomé and Príncipe.
• International health insurance for São Tomé and Príncipe
• International travel insurance for São Tomé and Príncipe
• International life insurance for São Tomé and Príncipe
• International income protection insurance for São Tomé and Príncipe