15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Liberia
Last updated on Feb 17, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Liberia is generally lower than in the United States. Emergency services are limited and often unreliable. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the local police station or fire station. However, response times can be slow and the quality of care provided may not be up to the standards of the United States.
How are healthcare services Liberia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Liberia, they replied:
"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," mentioned one expat in Liberia.
What are medical services in Liberia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Liberia, they replied:
"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," remarked one expat in Liberia.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Liberia?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Liberia are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the quality of care is often inadequate. Health insurance is not widely available, and those who do have it often find that the coverage is inadequate. Additionally, the cost of health insurance is often prohibitively expensive for many people. As a result, many people in Liberia are unable to access the healthcare they need," wrote one expat.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What are emergency services like in Liberia?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Liberia wrote:
"Emergency services in Liberia are limited and often unreliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to contact the local police station or the nearest hospital. It is also possible to call the Liberia Emergency Medical Services (LEMS) hotline at 077-777-7777. However, due to the limited resources available, response times can be slow and the quality of care may not be up to international standards," remarked one expat in Liberia.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is home to the largest selection of medical specialists in the country. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include Gbarnga, Kakata, and Voinjama. Additionally, the coastal cities of Buchanan and Harper have a wide range of medical specialists available," remarked one expat in Liberia.
Are common prescription medications available in Liberia?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Liberia. However, the availability of certain medications may be limited due to the country's limited resources and infrastructure. Many medications are imported from other countries, and some medications may not be available at all. Additionally, the cost of medications can be expensive, making them inaccessible to many people," said an expat in Liberia.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Liberia?
"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Liberia is generally poor. The country has a limited number of medical facilities and a shortage of qualified medical personnel. Many of the medical facilities lack basic medical equipment and supplies, and the quality of care is often inadequate. Additionally, the cost of medical care is often prohibitively expensive for many Liberians," wrote one expat.
As a foreigner living in Liberia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Liberia have access to public healthcare. The quality of public healthcare in Liberia is generally considered to be low, with limited access to medical supplies and equipment. However, there are some private healthcare facilities that offer better quality care. Additionally, there are a number of international organizations that provide medical assistance to those in need," said an expat in Liberia.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Liberia if they have access to public healthcare in Liberia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Liberia. Access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult due to the closure of many health facilities and the lack of resources. Many healthcare workers have been overworked and underpaid, leading to a shortage of medical personnel. The government has implemented various measures to help contain the spread of the virus, such as travel restrictions, social distancing, and the closure of schools and businesses. Despite these efforts, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on the healthcare system in Liberia, with many people unable to access the care they need," wrote an expat living in Liberia.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Liberia?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Liberia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Liberia before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Liberia. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Liberia. Additionally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Liberia, as medical costs can be high. Finally, it is important to build a support network of family and friends who can help you during the pregnancy and after the baby is born," remarked one expat in Liberia.
Are healthcare services good in Liberia?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Liberia. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Liberia are limited and often inadequate. Access to healthcare is limited due to a lack of infrastructure, resources, and trained personnel. The majority of healthcare services are provided by the government, but there are also a few private clinics and hospitals. The quality of care is often poor, with limited access to medicines and medical equipment. The government has made efforts to improve healthcare services, but progress has been slow," remarked one expat 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.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Liberia?
- How do I find a place to live in Liberia?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Liberia?
- What is the average cost of housing in Liberia?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Liberia?
- What should I pack when moving to Liberia?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Liberia?
- Why do people move to Liberia?
- How are healthcare services in Liberia?
- What are medical services in Liberia like?
- What are typical rents in Liberia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?