LiberiaUnderstanding the Health System in Liberia
Summary: Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Liberia and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.
Liberia's healthcare system is comprised of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is funded by the government. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Liberia, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. People do not generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery due to the lack of resources and quality of care. Public hospitals in Liberia are often overcrowded and lack basic medical supplies.
Liberia's Private Healthcare System
Private healthcare in Liberia is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is also of higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals due to the better quality of care and resources. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery due to the better quality of care and resources. Private hospitals in Liberia are typically well-equipped and have more resources than public hospitals.
Liberia's Top Hospitals
The most well known hospitals in Liberia include:
- John F. Kennedy Medical Center (public, Monrovia)
- ELWA Hospital (private, Monrovia)
- St. Joseph Catholic Hospital (private, Monrovia)
- Jubilee Hospital (private, Monrovia)
- Phebe Hospital (public, Bong County)
- C. B. Dunbar Maternity Hospital (public, Monrovia)
- J. J. Dossen Memorial Hospital (public, Grand Bassa County)
Health Insurance Companies in Liberia
The most popular private health insurers in Liberia are Star Insurance Company, Liberia Insurance Corporation, and the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Liberia: How to Navigate the Health System
"Medical services in Liberia are limited due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. The country has only a few hospitals and clinics, and most of them are located in the capital city of Monrovia. The majority of medical care is provided by non-governmental organizations and international aid organizations. The quality of care is often inadequate due to a lack of trained medical personnel and supplies. Additionally, many Liberians lack access to basic health services due to poverty and a lack of transportation," commented one member living in Liberia.
"Healthcare services in Liberia are limited and the quality of care is generally poor. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, and is unable to meet the needs of the population. The majority of healthcare services are provided by private clinics and hospitals, which are often expensive and out of reach for many people. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not as good as in other countries. Expats in Liberia typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and offer better quality care," commented one member living in Liberia.
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.
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