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

How does the healthcare system work in Mali?

Healthcare in Mali is a mix of modern and traditional practices, with public, private (including NGOs), and religious organizations (community health bodies) all playing a role.
The system follows a hierarchy: local health centers → district/regional hospitals → specialist centers.
Unfortunately, every level suffers under poverty and ongoing conflict. Mali has one of the weakest healthcare systems in the world.
Challenges are everywhere: severe staff shortages (0.2 doctors per 1,000 people – ouch), rampant diseases, and a lack of infrastructure or equipment.
Access of healthcare is another big issue. Live outside the city? Be ready to travel far, often on foot.
Nurses are essentially the backbone of care in Mali. They’ll do a bit of everything – if you can actually find a healthcare worker.
In cities, pharmacies are easy to spot thanks to their big green plus signs. Don’t count on finding your preferred medication, though. Antibiotics are available without prescription.
Emergency services? Practically non-existent. A medical evacuation is often the only real option.

The state of public healthcare isn’t good. Hygiene is lacking, and so are the necessary facilities and doctors.
Local health centers (“centres de santé communautaires”) and district hospitals provide vaccinations, basic care, and emergency first aid.
Regional/university hospitals handle more complex cases (hospitalization, surgeries), but are still very limited.
Travel times are a huge barrier, especially outside Bamako: roads are bad, and transport is scarce.

The private sector plays a big role, especially as a supplement to the weak public system.
The private healthcare includes medical, paramedical, and pharmaceutical services, mostly concentrated in Bamako.
Care is generally better and faster than in the public sector, but still not “good.”
Prices for private healthcare are higher, which unfortunately widens the gap between rich and poor.

There’s no standard GP system.
In cities, you might be able to find doctors in private clinics for regular consultations.

Maternal and infant mortality rates are extremely high – a grim sign of the state of maternity care.
Some areas offer cost exemptions for pregnant women and young children, but expenses for medication, transport, and extras usually remain.
In rural areas, women often receive no care at all during pregnancy due to the absence of facilities.
In cities the pregnancy care is somewhat better, but still risky.
It is strongly recommended for foreigners to experience their pregnancy in other countries.

While locals are friendly, Mali is unfortunately unsafe. Risks include kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism.
Foreigners are particular targets.
Check the regions which are discouraged for travel.

Mali has widespread endemic diseases due to severe healthcare shortages.
Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are major risks, alongside other infectious diseases.
Tap water is unsafe, and improperly cooked food can be hazardous.

Driving is chaotic: poor roads, bad drivers, and sudden road or border closures due to the security situation.
Curfews and movement restrictions are common.
Public transport is generally unsafe.

Is the trip to Mali 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.

An international health insurance that covers care in Mali, plus medical evacuation and repatriation, is absolutely essential.
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 Mali.
Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Access:

Public

Check more