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

How does the healthcare system work in Uganda?

Uganda once had one of the least developed healthcare systems in the world, but since the 1990s it has made great progress. It’s now much better, though still far from what most Westerners are used to.
Several types of healthcare providers coexist in Uganda — public hospitals, private clinics, NGOs, and traditional healers.
In 1999, the Ugandan government introduced the National Minimum Health Care Package (UNMHCP), which helped make essential healthcare more accessible to the population.
Foreigners can use healthcare facilities too, expect mainly basic services.
Challenges remain — especially in rural areas, where roads are poor, facilities are limited, and trained staff are scarce.
Pharmacies are mostly found in cities and usually have a decent supply of medicines, though shortages of essential drugs can happen.
Some medications are only available in hospitals, so check there if the local pharmacy is out.
Traditional healers, herbal medicine, and local remedies are widely used, especially in rural areas or as a first step before going to a modern clinic.
Ambulance services exist mainly in larger towns, but coverage, speed, and reliability vary widely. The emergency number is 911, though in practice, help may not arrive very quickly.

Public healthcare is meant to provide an easy first step for locals to access medical care.
Local health centers deliver primary care such as vaccinations, common treatments, and basic maternal and child health services.
There are regional and national referral hospitals offering more advanced and specialized care — Mulago National Referral Hospital being the best-known example.
Most care of acceptable quality is found in the big cities.
That said, quality in public hospitals can vary dramatically. Some urban hospitals have fairly modern equipment, while others struggle with shortages of supplies, power, or even running water.

The private sector plays an important supplementary role. Clinics are reasonably spread across cities and rural areas, ensuring moderate access for many people.
Because Uganda hosts many expats and diplomats, there’s a market for high-quality private and specialized healthcare, especially in Kampala and other large towns.
Well-known private hospitals include Nakasero Hospital, International Hospital Kampala, and C-Care.
Private care generally offers better facilities, shorter waiting times, more comfort, and specialized services.
English is widely spoken in private hospitals, that makes communication easier.
However, costs for private healthcare are significantly higher and payment is usually required upfront.
Expats and wealthier locals typically use private healthcare facilities — or travel abroad for treatment — while private care remains out of reach for most Ugandans.

Uganda doesn’t really have a GP system.
Usually, whoever is present at the local health center, or the traditional healer, acts as the “family doctor.”
In cities, private doctors operate in clinics, where you can go for regular checkups or minor issues.

For dental care, cities are your best bet — especially Kampala, where there are several decent private dental clinics.
Specialist dental care (like orthodontics or implants) can be expensive, but is still often cheaper than in Western countries.

Prenatal care is available in many regions, and government programs encourage giving birth under medical supervision.
Many births take place in healthcare facilities, particularly in cities.
However, in some rural areas, women still give birth at home or with traditional birth attendants.
The quality of maternity care varies: some hospitals are well-equipped, others much less so — and complications can be risky in poorly supplied rural facilities.
The best and most comprehensive maternity care is found in private hospitals in Kampala, Bugolobi, Bukoto, and Makindye. It’s not cheap, but you’ll be in good hands.

Overall, Uganda is a fairly stable destination, especially compared to some of its neighboring countries.
However, certain regions can be unsafe, particularly border areas or zones affected by local conflicts. Check the latest safety instructions.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in crowded markets, taxi stations, and tourist areas.
Keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid showing valuables.

Malaria is widespread, so mosquito repellent is not optional.
Other infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis remain serious public health issues.
Avoid drinking tap water, and be careful with street food or raw produce.

Roads in the cities are usually paved and in decent condition, but rural roads are often unpaved and in poor shape.
Traffic in Kampala can be chaotic — think congestion, creative driving, and spontaneous honking as a language of its own.
Nighttime travel outside urban areas is not recommended due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and safety risks.

Is the trip to Uganda 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.
Private medical care is pretty decent in Uganda, but also pretty expensive. A good international health insurance is important to cover the costs of private care and possible medical evacuation/repatriation.
Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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