Rich in history and culture, Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest country. While the current government is reasonably stable, from 1974 to 1991, Ethiopia was involved with a civil war. In addition to this, Ethiopia also experienced several tragic droughts and famines, making it one of the poorest countries in Africa. In recent years, terrorist groups have been operating out of Ethiopia and surrounding regions.
Healthcare in Ethiopia
Unfortunately, access to quality medical care in Ethiopia is quite limited. Health systems and infrastructure are quite poor, especially in remote regions of the country. For expatriates in Ethiopia, there are some hospitals and clinics that various international health insurance companies have direct access agreements with – such as Bethzatha Hospital, British Embassy Clinic and Girum Hospital. It is highly recommended that expatriates who reside in Ethiopia obtain medical evacuation coverage as part of a comprehensive health plan offered through one of Expat Financial’s insurance providers.
Insurance Plans for Expatriates and Some Local Nationals in Ethiopia
Securing comprehensive insurance coverage when living in Ethiopia is critical for any long-term foreigner living there. Living in Ethiopia as an expat requires comprehensive international health insurance due to the varying quality of healthcare services nationwide. We should note that Addis Ababa has private hospitals and international clinics offering decent medical care, but rural areas lack advanced healthcare facilities. Many expats seek medical treatment abroad, making medical evacuation coverage essential.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that life and disability coverage for expats in Ethiopia is a must, but so is kidnap and ransom coverage.
Key Expat Health Considerations for Ethiopia
- Emergency Evacuation: Critical for access to specialized medical care in Nairobi, Johannesburg, or in the UAE
- Access to Private Healthcare: Ensure coverage includes top private hospitals in Addis Ababa, such as Nordic Medical Centre and Korean Hospital – these are good choices for expats in the country, but check if your expat health plan gives you direct billing access.
- Routine and Preventative Care: Look for policies covering annual check-ups, vaccinations, and chronic conditions.
Expat Financial, a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd, is an expert at sourcing insurance coverage for expatriates in Ethiopia. Our staff has the necessary knowledge to provide you with complete insurance coverage to protect your expat staff who are posted to Ethiopia and other African countries. We can even assist in managing the coverage for your local citizen population in Ethiopia.
