Health Care in Benguela
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Benguela: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Benguela.
The healthcare system in Benguela is a mix of public and private facilities, with the public system being underfunded and facing challenges in providing quality care. The private sector, on the other hand, offers better services but at a higher cost.
Angola's Healthcare System
Angola's public healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (NHS), is available to both locals and foreigners. However, the public hospitals in Benguela are not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries due to their limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. Public hospitals in Benguela are often overcrowded, understaffed, and lack essential medical supplies. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Angola, but they usually prefer private hospitals for better quality care. Private hospitals in Benguela are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer better facilities and services compared to public hospitals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Benguela
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Benguela include:
- Clínica Sagrada Esperança - a private clinic located in Benguela, offering a range of medical services.
- Hospital Geral de Benguela - a public hospital located in Benguela, providing basic healthcare services.
- Clínica Multiperfil - a private clinic in Luanda, the capital city of Angola, which is approximately 430 km away from Benguela. This clinic specializes in various medical fields and is often used by expats for specialized care and surgeries.
Emergency Services in Benguela
There are ambulance services in Benguela, but they may not be as reliable or prompt as those in more developed countries. To call for an ambulance, dial 112 or 116. However, due to potential delays and limited resources, it is advisable to arrange for private transportation in case of an emergency.
Health Insurance Companies in Benguela
Some popular private health insurance companies in Benguela include Angola Previdente, Mundial Seguros, and ENSA Seguros. These companies offer various health insurance plans catering to the needs of locals and expats. However, expats and digital nomads may prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers for more comprehensive coverage and international support.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.