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Expat Exchange - How to Navigate the Health System in Angola
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How to Navigate the Health System in Angola

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Gain insight into the health care system in Angola. Explore its accessibility and limitations for expatriates, remote workers, retirees, and others who choose to live in Angola.

Angola's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is free for citizens. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Angola, however, it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Angola are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources and equipment to provide quality care.

Angola's Public Healthcare System

Angola's public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is free for citizens. The public healthcare system is not used by foreigners, as they are not eligible for free care. Public hospitals in Angola are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources and equipment to provide quality care. It is not recommended to use public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Angola's Private Healthcare System

Angola's private healthcare system is composed of private hospitals and clinics that offer quality medical care. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to have the necessary resources and equipment to provide quality care. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Angola are often more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer better quality care.

Angola's Top Hospitals

The following is a list of some of the most well known hospitals in Angola:

  • Hospital Geral de Luanda (public hospital, located in Luanda)
  • Hospital Central de Luanda (public hospital, located in Luanda)
  • Hospital Militar de Luanda (public hospital, located in Luanda)
  • Hospital de Cacuaco (public hospital, located in Cacuaco)
  • Hospital de Viana (public hospital, located in Viana)
  • Clinica Girassol (private hospital, located in Luanda)
  • Clinica de Luanda (private hospital, located in Luanda)
  • Clinica de Benguela (private hospital, located in Benguela)
  • Clinica de Cabinda (private hospital, located in Cabinda)

Health Insurance Companies in Angola

The most popular private health insurers in Angola are Angola Seguros, Seguradoras Unidas, and Seguradoras Lusitania. These companies offer health insurance plans for individuals and families. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Angola: How to Navigate the Health System

"Angola has a limited number of medical facilities and services, with most of the country's medical infrastructure concentrated in the capital city of Luanda. The majority of medical services are provided by the public sector, with a few private clinics and hospitals available. The quality of care varies greatly, with some facilities lacking basic medical supplies and equipment. Access to medical care is often limited due to a lack of resources and infrastructure, and many rural areas have limited access to medical services. The government has made efforts to improve the healthcare system, but much work remains to be done," commented one member living in Angola.

"Healthcare services in Angola are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and is characterized by inadequate infrastructure, limited access to medical supplies, and a shortage of qualified medical personnel. The quality of public healthcare is generally poor, with many facilities lacking basic medical equipment and supplies. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is often substandard. Expats in Angola typically use private healthcare services, which are more expensive but offer better quality care," commented one member living in Angola.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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