Essential Guide to the Health System in Ivory Coast
Summary: Gain insight into the health care system in Ivory Coast. Explore its accessibility and limitations for expatriates, remote workers, retirees, and others who choose to live in Ivory Coast.
The healthcare system in Ivory Coast is composed of both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) and is funded by the government. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Ivory Coast, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. Public hospitals are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources. A public hospital in Ivory Coast is usually very basic and lacks modern medical equipment.
Ivory Coast's Private Healthcare System
The private healthcare system in Ivory Coast is composed of private hospitals and clinics. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more modern and have better resources than public hospitals. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are better equipped and have more experienced staff. A private hospital in Ivory Coast is usually well-equipped and has modern medical equipment.
Ivory Coast's Top Hospitals
The top hospitals in Ivory Coast include:
- Hôpital Général de Treichville (public hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de la PISAM (public hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de la Mère et de l'Enfant (public hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital du Plateau (public hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de Yopougon (public hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de Cocody (public hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de la Riviera (private hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de la Paix (private hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de la Clinique (private hospital located in Abidjan)
- Hôpital de la Providence (private hospital located in Abidjan)
Health Insurance Companies in Ivory Coast
The most popular private health insurers in Ivory Coast are Assurance Maladie Ivoirienne (AMI), Assurance Maladie de Côte d'Ivoire (AMCI), and Assurance Maladie de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (AMO). Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Ivory Coast: How to Navigate the Health System
"Ivory Coast 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 advanced medical care. The quality of medical services in Ivory Coast varies depending on the location and the type of facility. Generally, the public health system is underfunded and lacks the resources to provide adequate care. Private hospitals and clinics tend to be better equipped and offer higher quality services. However, they are often expensive and out of reach for many people," commented one member living in Ivory Coast.
"Healthcare services in Ivory Coast are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is available to all citizens. However, the quality of public healthcare is generally considered to be low, with limited access to medical supplies and equipment. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may be required to pay for some services. Expats in Ivory Coast typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and offer better quality care. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private care," commented one member living in Ivory Coast.
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.
Additional Information:
- Ivory Coast Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ivory Coast
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ivory Coast
- Best Places to Live in Ivory Coast
- Guide to Real Estate in Ivory Coast
- Pros & Cons of Living in Ivory Coast
- Cost of Living in Ivory Coast
- Zika Virus in Ivory Coast
- How to Rent a Home in Ivory Coast
- How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Ivory Coast
- How to Get a Driver's License in Ivory Coast
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ivory Coast 2024