Insider's Guide to the Health System in Tanzania

Tanzania has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and is available to all Tanzanian citizens. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are not allowed to use the public healthcare system in Tanzania, but they can use the private healthcare system. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources. Private hospitals are generally better equipped and offer higher quality care, but they are more expensive.

Tanzania's Public Healthcare System

Tanzania's public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). It is available to all Tanzanian citizens and covers basic medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and some medications. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low, but the quality of care is often lower than in private hospitals.

Tanzania's Private Healthcare System

Tanzania's private healthcare system is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals are generally better equipped and offer higher quality care than public hospitals, but they are more expensive. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are better equipped to handle these types of cases.

Tanzania's Top Hospitals

The following are some of the most well-known hospitals in Tanzania:

• Muhimbili National Hospital (public) in Dar es Salaam
• Bugando Medical Centre (public) in Mwanza
• Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (private) in Moshi
• Aga Khan University Hospital (private) in Dar es Salaam
• Mbeya Referral Hospital (public) in Mbeya
• Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (public) in Dar es Salaam, specializing in orthopedic surgery

Health Insurance Companies in Tanzania

The most popular private health insurers in Tanzania are Jubilee Insurance, UAP Insurance, and Resolution Insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

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

"Tanzania has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more specialized care. The quality of medical services in Tanzania varies depending on the location and the resources available. In general, the public health system is underfunded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and limited access to specialized care. However, the country is making efforts to improve the quality of medical services, including increasing access to essential medicines and investing in training for healthcare workers," commented one member living in Tanzania.

"Healthcare services in Tanzania are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are not eligible for the same benefits as citizens. Expats in Tanzania typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of higher quality. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private services," commented one member living in Tanzania.