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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Zimbabwe | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Zimbabwe

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 05, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Zimbabwe is generally lower than in the United States. Zimbabwe has a shortage of medical personnel and a lack of access to modern medical technology, which can lead to poorer outcomes for patients. Emergency services in Zimbabwe are limited and often unreliable. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the local police station or the Ministry of Health.

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How are healthcare services Zimbabwe?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Zimbabwe, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Zimbabwe 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 a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Zimbabwe typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of a higher quality. However, some expats may choose to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," said an expat in Zimbabwe.

What are medical services in Zimbabwe like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Zimbabwe, they replied:

"Medical services in Zimbabwe are generally limited due to a lack of resources and funding. The country has a shortage of medical personnel, and many hospitals and clinics lack basic medical supplies and equipment. Despite these challenges, the government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, including providing free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five. Additionally, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare, such as training more medical personnel and providing better access to medicines," said one expat living in Zimbabwe.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Zimbabwe?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Zimbabwe are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the quality of care is often lower than in other countries. Additionally, health insurance is not widely available, and those who do have it often find that the coverage is inadequate. As a result, many people in Zimbabwe are unable to access the healthcare they need due to the high cost," mentioned one expat in Zimbabwe.

What are emergency services like in Zimbabwe?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Zimbabwe wrote:

"Emergency services in Zimbabwe are limited and vary in quality. In order to call for an ambulance, one must dial the emergency number 995. This number is available 24 hours a day and is answered by a dispatcher who will then send an ambulance to the location. However, due to the limited resources available, response times can be slow and the quality of care may not be up to the standards of other countries," commented one expat living in Zimbabwe.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city has a wide range of medical facilities, including private and public hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers. Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe, also has a good selection of medical specialists, with a number of private and public hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers. Other cities in Zimbabwe with a good selection of medical specialists include Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, and Chinhoyi," said one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Zimbabwe?

"Prescription medications are available in Zimbabwe, although the availability of certain medications may be limited. Many of the medications available are generic versions of brand-name drugs, and some medications may be in short supply due to economic and political instability in the country. In addition, some medications may be difficult to obtain due to a lack of access to medical facilities or a lack of knowledge about the availability of certain medications," commented one expat who moved to Zimbabwe.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Zimbabwe?

"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Zimbabwe varies greatly. In urban areas, there are some well-equipped hospitals and clinics that provide quality care. However, in rural areas, access to medical care is limited and the quality of care is often inadequate. In addition, the lack of resources and trained medical personnel in Zimbabwe can lead to long wait times and inadequate care," said one expat living in Zimbabwe.

As a foreigner living in Zimbabwe, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Zimbabwe have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and limited resources. However, there are some private healthcare facilities that offer better quality care," mentioned one expat in Zimbabwe.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Zimbabwe if they have access to public healthcare in Zimbabwe. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Zimbabwe. Access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult due to the lack of resources and the closure of many health facilities. Many people have been unable to access essential medical services, including testing and treatment for COVID-19. The government has implemented a number of measures to try and mitigate the impact of the pandemic, including providing free testing and treatment for COVID-19, as well as providing additional resources to health facilities. However, the lack of resources and the closure of many health facilities has meant that access to healthcare remains a challenge," remarked one expat living in Zimbabwe.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Zimbabwe?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Zimbabwe about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Zimbabwe before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Zimbabwe. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Zimbabwe. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding birth registration and citizenship in Zimbabwe. Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Zimbabwe, as medical costs can be high," remarked one in Zimbabwe.

Are healthcare services good in Zimbabwe?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Zimbabwe. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Zimbabwe are generally limited due to a lack of resources and funding. The country has a shortage of medical personnel, and many hospitals and clinics lack basic medical supplies and equipment. The government provides some free healthcare services, but these are often inadequate and of poor quality. Private healthcare is available, but it is expensive and out of reach for many people. The country also faces a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases, which further strain the healthcare system," explained one expat living in Zimbabwe.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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