15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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 expat living in Tanzania.

"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," said one expat living in Tanzania.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Tanzania can be expensive for some people. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits and hospital stays, can be prohibitively expensive for those without insurance. Health insurance is available in Tanzania, but it is often expensive and not widely accessible. Many people in Tanzania are unable to afford health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to high medical costs," commented one expat who moved to Tanzania.

"Emergency services in Tanzania are limited and vary in quality. In major cities, there are some private ambulance services that can be called for medical emergencies. However, in rural areas, the availability of emergency services is much more limited. To call for an ambulance, one can contact the local police station or fire station, or contact a private ambulance service if available," wrote one expat.

"The cities of Dar es Salaam and Arusha are known for having some of the best medical specialists in Tanzania. Additionally, the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam is renowned for its highly trained medical staff and wide range of medical services. Other areas in Tanzania with a good selection of medical specialists include Mwanza, Tanga, and Zanzibar," said an expat in Tanzania.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Tanzania. Most medications are available through pharmacies, although some may require a prescription from a doctor. The availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region, but most commonly prescribed medications can be found in the country," wrote one expat.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Tanzania vary in quality. In urban areas, medical care is generally of a higher quality than in rural areas, where access to medical care is often limited. In general, medical facilities in Tanzania are often understaffed and lack the necessary equipment and resources to provide adequate care. However, there are some hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care, particularly in the larger cities," said one expat.

"Yes, foreigners living in Tanzania have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed. The facilities are often overcrowded and lack basic medical supplies. However, there are some private hospitals and clinics that offer better quality care," remarked one expat in Tanzania.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Tanzania. Access to healthcare has become more difficult due to the closure of many health facilities and the disruption of services. Many healthcare workers have been redeployed to focus on COVID-19 related activities, leaving fewer resources available for other medical needs. The government has implemented a number of measures to try to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare system, including providing additional funding for healthcare facilities and increasing the number of healthcare workers. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Tanzania is still struggling to cope with the increased demand for services," said one expat living in Tanzania.