15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Gambia

"Gambia has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Gambia is generally considered to be low, with limited access to specialized care and medications. Foreign residents in Gambia are able to access the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not as high as in other countries. Expats in Gambia typically use private healthcare services, which are more expensive but offer better quality care. Private healthcare services are available in major cities, but access to these services is limited in rural areas," said an expat in Gambia.

"Gambia has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and surgery. The quality of care varies from facility to facility, but overall, the medical services in Gambia are adequate for most basic medical needs. The country also has a number of private medical facilities that offer more specialized services," mentioned one expat in Gambia.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Gambia can be expensive for some people. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance can vary depending on the type of care needed and the provider. Generally, healthcare services are more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas. Health insurance is not widely available in Gambia, and those who do have it often pay high premiums. Additionally, many people in Gambia are unable to afford health insurance, leaving them without access to quality healthcare," commented one expat who moved to Gambia.

"Emergency services in Gambia are limited and vary in quality. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the Gambian emergency number, 112. This number is free to call and connects to the Gambian Emergency Medical Services (GEMS). GEMS is a non-profit organization that provides emergency medical services to the public. They have a fleet of ambulances and medical personnel that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," commented one expat living in Gambia.

"The capital city of Banjul is home to the largest selection of medical specialists in Gambia. Other cities such as Serekunda, Bakau, and Brikama also have a wide range of medical specialists available. Additionally, the coastal towns of Brufut and Kotu are known for their excellent selection of medical specialists," remarked one expat living in Gambia.

"Prescription medications are available in Gambia, although the availability of certain medications may be limited. Many pharmacies in Gambia carry a wide range of generic medications, as well as some brand-name medications. However, some medications may not be available due to limited supply or lack of availability in the country. Additionally, some medications may require a doctor's prescription in order to be purchased," commented one expat living in Gambia.

"The medical facilities and medical care in Gambia are generally of a good standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by qualified medical professionals. The government has also invested in improving the quality of medical care, with initiatives such as the introduction of free healthcare for children under five and the provision of free antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients. However, access to medical care is still limited in some rural areas, and the cost of medical care can be prohibitive for many people," said one expat living in Gambia.

"Yes, foreigners living in Gambia have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed. The public healthcare system is largely focused on primary care, with limited access to specialist care. However, there are some private hospitals and clinics that offer higher quality care," mentioned one expat in Gambia.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Gambia. Access to healthcare has become more difficult due to the closure of many health facilities and the limited availability of medical supplies. Many healthcare workers have been overworked and underpaid, leading to a decrease in morale and an increase in burnout. The government has implemented a number of measures to try to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, such as providing free testing and treatment for COVID-19, but the lack of resources and infrastructure has made it difficult to provide adequate care. Additionally, the lack of public awareness about the virus has led to a lack of understanding of the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing masks and social distancing," said one expat living in Gambia.