Guide

International Health Insurance in Ghana

For the expatriates residing or planning a move to Ghana, the country offers a unique tapestry of vibrant culture, history, and the warmth of its people.

Amidst settling into your new environment, securing international health insurance should be at the forefront of your preparations.

Designed to adapt to your length of stay, whether short or extended, such plans assure comprehensive coverage and seamless integration with Ghana’s healthcare services, protecting you and your family’s well-being.

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Von André Disselkamp

Co-Founder, Insurancy

Aktualisiert: 12.04.2024

Key Takeaways

Secure peace of mind with reliable health coverage as an expatriate in Ghana.
Choose plans tailored for short or long-term stays ensuring broad healthcare service access.
Benefit from the safety net against medical emergencies, with options covering a vast majority of disease conditions.
Understand the simple, in-person NHIS enrolment process and the associated small fee.
Leverage exemptions for various groups such as seniors, children, the ‚core poor‘, and pregnant women.
Plan your healthcare budget with knowledge of premium ranges, catering to different economic standings.

Introduction to Health Insurance for Expatriates in Ghana

As an expatriate residing in Ghana, you have the unique opportunity to benefit from expatriate health insurance plans tailored to meet your needs for international coverage and health protection. Such insurance not only aligns with the healthcare system in Ghana but also provides a much-needed safety net against unforeseen medical circumstances. Let’s delve into the statistical findings which showcase the tangible impact of health insurance on out-of-pocket expenditures in another region, pointing towards the potential benefits that can be carried over to your experience in Ghana.

Health insurance effectiveness: Noteworthy reductions in both health and medicine-related out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures highlight the efficacy of health insurance in managing healthcare costs.
Income’s role: As the income level of an insured individual rises, there is a marginal increase in OOP expenditure, showing health insurance’s flexibility concerning economic status.
Medicines versus health costs: Targeted insurance plans addressing medicine costs can bring about significant OOP savings, a pertinent aspect to consider for your health coverage choices in Ghana.
Expatriate considerations: The reference to a global network of hospitals and healthcare professionals alongside multi-market support points to the extensive reach of international insurance providers.
Customer service excellence: 24/7 customer service, available in numerous languages, ensures that, as an expatriate, you’re never out of touch with assistance when you need it.

Your quest for expatriate health insurance in Ghana should ideally lead to a plan offering comprehensive care and one that resonates with the insights gathered from other international insurance frameworks. Here’s a comparative analysis to illustrate the point further:

Insurance Impact	General Population	Citizens with Free Public Health Access
OOP Expenditure on Health	-2.0%	-3.6% (+0.4% with income rise)
OOP Expenditure on Medicine	-2.4%	-5.2% (+0.5% with income rise)

Embracing expatriate health insurance in Ghana could reduce your OOP expenditure similarly, allowing you to channel funds into other aspects of your expatriate journey, all the while ensuring your international coverage is robust. Companies like Cigna, with their expansive reach, and Allianz, a partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, underline the global nature of health protection that is accessible and reliable.

Consequently, your investment in a health insurance plan is not just a financial decision but a commitment towards your wellbeing and uninterrupted enjoyment of your expatriate experience in Ghana.

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Why You Need International Health Insurance in Ghana

While the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has significantly impacted healthcare accessibility in Ghana since its inception in 2003, individuals, particularly expatriates, benefit immensely from considering comprehensive health insurance that provides both short-term coverage and long-term protection. This becomes particularly vital when facing unexpected medical emergencies or when travelling internationally, where the NHIS may not offer comprehensive support.

Comprehensive Coverage for Long and Short Stays

Whether your stay in Ghana spans a few months or extends to several years, comprehensive health insurance tailored to Ghana provides the peace of mind you need. With policies that cater specifically for short-term coverage, typically ranging from one to twelve months, you are assured of receiving adequate care for the full duration of your visit. For those seeking long-term protection, the available plans offer extensive healthcare benefits that align with your extended stay in Ghana, securing your health across a broad spectrum of medical services.

Emergency Medical Expenses and Evacuation

One of the key facets of international health insurance is the safeguarding against emergency medical expenses and ensuring support for medical evacuation. The robustness of such plans is evident in the coverage of substantial medical emergencies up to a significant financial cap, which often includes provisions for emergency dental care. The integration of these plans with Belgium’s health infrastructure provides a crucial bridge for expatriates, encompassing services that range from in-patient care to maternity and emergency care contingencies.

Safeguarding Your Health while Travelling Internationally

International health insurance is indispensable for anyone travelling internationally to Ghana, ensuring that health risks are minimised. As sometimes volatile health conditions can arise without warning, having a policy that covers medical evaluation and repatriation benefits can be life-saving. The need for such comprehensive policies is underscored by statistics which reveal that pregnant women enrolled in international health insurance plans are more likely to receive consistent prenatal care, reflecting the broader benefits of safeguarding health through insurance.

The NHIS, despite its commendable coverage of about 95% of disease conditions in Ghana, is not tailored specifically to the needs of expatriates or those travelling internationally, which is why international health insurance emerges as a critical component in securing your wellbeing. With no penalisation for non-enrolment and certain demographics exempt from premiums under the NHIS, it becomes a personal responsibility to seek additional coverage that can comprehensively address your health needs while in Ghana.

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Understanding Ghana’s Healthcare System

As you embark on your expatriate journey in Ghana, acquainting yourself with the local Ghana healthcare system is crucial. Currently, the health infrastructure is such that only 54.4% of the population is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). With less than 40% of NHIS membership stemming from the informal sector, it’s evident that a considerable portion of Ghanaians may not have direct access to state-sponsored healthcare.

Moreover, a concerning figure from 2019 reports suggests an estimated 36% of health care expenditure is comprised of out-of-pocket expenses, highlighting the financial burdens families might face during medical emergencies. Commendably, the Government of Ghana is striving to rectify this by committing to achieving at least 80% coverage of essential health services, but the challenge remains due to limited finances.

Indeed, health spending in Ghana was noted to account for less than 3.5% of GDP in 2019, a portion that might seem inadequate to service a rapidly growing population. This concern is further compounded by the fact that, from 2015 to 2020, funding from development partners for the health sector in Ghana experienced an annual decline of over 10%. In a context where donor funding once represented 13.2% of the health budget in 2016, by 2020, this support had dwindled to just 6.3%.

Faced with these statistics, obtaining international health insurance becomes not just a safety precaution but a necessity for expatriates desiring comprehensive care. Recognising that access to quality healthcare is paramount, international health insurance is designed to align with the Ghanaian medical landscape while filling the gaps for expatriate care. This is of particular importance given the reduced donor funding which, since Ghana achieved lower middle-income status, has impacted the financing for healthcare in Ghana.

A critical look at these facts underscores the importance of securing insurance that leverages on the strengths of the health infrastructure while mitigating its challenges. For instance, introducing a health financing primary health care roadmap could be a transformative step towards sustainable healthcare improvements, ensuring individuals, and by extension expatriates, benefit from well-rounded medical services.

Ultimately, your security and wellbeing hinge on the strength of your health insurance plan. As you navigate Ghana’s healthcare system, remember that quality international health insurance is your gateway to peace of mind during your time in the country.

The Application Process for Health Insurance in Ghana

If you’re planning your healthcare in Ghana, navigating the insurance application process smoothly is crucial for your peace of mind. The journey to obtaining comprehensive health insurance coverage in Ghana begins by either visiting local branches or contacting local brokers. With an array of private health insurance schemes available, backed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), it’s important to choose a plan that aligns with your healthcare needs and financial possibilities.

Visiting Local Branches or Contacting Brokers

Should you opt to secure health insurance, engaging with local brokers can provide you with an in-depth understanding of the health plan options and the unique benefits they offer. These brokers are well-versed in the intricacies of health insurance in Ghana, making them a valuable resource for expatriates and residents alike. Their insight can be particularly helpful given that Ghana hosts over 1,800 public and 1,300 private healthcare facilities, each varying in the services and care levels they provide.

Submission of Documents and Quotation

Following your initial consultation, you’ll need to submit the requisite documents to proceed. The document submission phase is vital, as it paves the way for an accurate insurance quotation. This quote encompasses premium payments, which can vary significantly, from 7.2 GhC for lower-income individuals to higher amounts for others, mirroring the country’s commitment to a graded premium system that factors in the capacity to pay. It’s important to review this quotation meticulously, considering the fact that in the Accra Metropolitan Area alone, there are multiple district health insurance schemes which could affect the healthcare services available to you.

Making Premium Payments for Your Peace of Mind

Concluding the application process requires making the premium payments. Premiums in Ghana reflect a commitment to ensuring that various social groups have access to health insurance. For instance, the NHIS exempts individuals like the „core poor“ and pregnant women from paying premiums, reflecting the scheme’s inclusiveness. Once you’ve made your payment, which starts from GH¢60 and spans to rates accommodating the „very rich,“ you will be issued a travel insurance smart card. This card is your passport to accessing a wide array of medical services, ranging from surgeries to maternity care, thereby granting you peace of mind throughout your stay in Ghana.

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FAQ

What is International Health Insurance in Ghana?

International health insurance in Ghana refers to the coverage options available to expatriates and international travellers who require protection against medical emergencies during their stay in the country. It offers a safety net for unforeseen illnesses, accidents, and healthcare needs while abroad, aligning with Ghana’s healthcare services.

Why do expatriates require International Health Insurance in Ghana?

As an expatriate, obtaining international health insurance is essential as it provides health protection and comprehensive coverage for both short-term and long-term stays in Ghana. It mitigates the risk of incurring high medical costs and ensures access to quality healthcare during emergencies, giving you peace of mind while living or travelling in Ghana.

What does Comprehensive Coverage for Long and Short Stays include?

Comprehensive coverage for long and short stays in Ghana typically includes emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and sometimes even routine check-ups and dental care, depending on the plan. It’s tailored to suit the duration of your stay, whether it is for 1 to 12 months or longer than a year.

What are Emergency Medical Expenses and Evacuation benefits?

Emergency medical expenses and evacuation benefits provide coverage for immediate medical treatment costs incurred as a result of an illness or accident. They also cover the costs for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility, or repatriation if required, and can include repatriation of mortal remains.

How does International Health Insurance safeguard your health while travelling internationally to Ghana?

When travelling internationally to Ghana, international health insurance safeguards your health by providing emergency medical cover, repatriation benefits, accidental death, and permanent total disability coverages. It ensures you have access to necessary medical care and financial protection in cases of emergency.

How does Ghana’s healthcare system impact the necessity for International Health Insurance?

Ghana’s healthcare system varies in terms of infrastructure and care levels across different regions. International health insurance is designed to fill any gaps in the local healthcare offerings and ensure that expatriates have access to quality medical services, which is crucial due to the potential disparity in healthcare standards.

Can you explain the process to apply for Health Insurance in Ghana?

Applying for health insurance in Ghana involves a few steps. Firstly, visit local branches or contact insurance brokers for a personal consultation. Then, submit a completed proposal form and necessary documents to receive a quotation. The final step is to make the premium payment to activate your coverage.

What documents are needed for Health Insurance application in Ghana?

Documents typically required for a health insurance application include identification such as a passport or national ID, proof of residence status, medical history, and any other documentation as requested by the insurance provider to assess your insurance needs and risk profile.

How are International Health Insurance premiums calculated in Ghana?

Premiums for international health insurance in Ghana are calculated based on factors such as the duration of cover needed, the age and medical history of the individual, the chosen deductible, types of coverage, and the inclusion of any additional benefits like dental or vision care.

Are there immediate coverage options available for urgent travels to Ghana?

Yes, there are international health insurance plans available for urgent travels that can provide immediate coverage. These are designed to meet the needs of travellers who are making last-minute trips to Ghana and need quick access to insurance protection.