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

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 07, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Madagascar is generally lower than in the United States. Medical facilities are often understaffed and lack the necessary equipment and resources to provide adequate care. Emergency services are limited and often unreliable. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the local police station or fire department.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How are healthcare services Madagascar?

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

"Healthcare services in Madagascar are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, resulting in limited access to quality healthcare services. The quality of public healthcare is generally poor, with inadequate medical supplies and equipment, and limited access to specialized care. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not always reliable. Expats in Madagascar often opt to use private healthcare services, which are more expensive but offer better quality care," remarked one expat in Madagascar.

What are medical services in Madagascar like?

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

"Medical services in Madagascar are limited and often inadequate. The country has a shortage of medical personnel, and many of the existing medical facilities are poorly equipped and lack basic supplies. The majority of the population relies on traditional healers for medical care, and access to modern medical care is limited to those who can afford it. The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, but the country still faces many challenges in providing adequate medical services," wrote one expat.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Madagascar?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Madagascar can be expensive for many people. The cost of medical care is often high, and the quality of care can be inconsistent. Additionally, health insurance is not widely available, and those who do have it often find that it does not cover all of their medical expenses. As a result, many people in Madagascar are unable to access the healthcare they need due to the cost," wrote one expat.

What are emergency services like in Madagascar?

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

"Emergency services in Madagascar are limited and vary in quality. In major cities, there are some hospitals and clinics that provide emergency care, but in rural areas, access to medical care is limited. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the national emergency number, 17, or contact the local police station," wrote one expat.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Antananarivo is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics. The coastal city of Toamasina is also home to a number of medical specialists, including those specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and dermatology. The city of Fianarantsoa is home to a variety of medical specialists, including those specializing in ophthalmology, psychiatry, and endocrinology. The city of Mahajanga is home to a variety of medical specialists, including those specializing in oncology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. Finally, the city of Antsirabe is home to a variety of medical specialists, including those specializing in urology, nephrology, and infectious diseases," remarked one expat living in Madagascar.

Are common prescription medications available in Madagascar?

"Prescription medications are available in Madagascar, although the availability and quality of medications may vary. Many medications are imported from other countries, and some medications may not be available at all. In addition, the cost of medications can be high, and some medications may not be covered by insurance. It is important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications in Madagascar," said one expat living in Madagascar.

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

"Medical facilities and medical care in Madagascar are generally of a lower quality than in many other countries. The country has a shortage of medical professionals and a lack of access to modern medical equipment and technology. Many people in Madagascar rely on traditional medicine and home remedies for their healthcare needs. The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, but the quality of care remains inadequate in many areas," wrote an expat living in Madagascar.

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

"Yes, foreigners living in Madagascar 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," said one expat.

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

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

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on Madagascar's healthcare system. The country has limited resources and infrastructure, making it difficult to respond to the pandemic. The government has implemented measures such as closing borders, restricting travel, and enforcing social distancing, but these measures have been difficult to enforce due to the country's limited resources. The healthcare system has also been strained due to the lack of medical supplies and personnel. Many healthcare workers have been overworked and underpaid, and there have been reports of medical staff being infected with the virus. Despite these challenges, the government has been working to provide support to healthcare workers and to ensure that the healthcare system is able to respond to the pandemic," mentioned one expat in Madagascar.

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

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

"It is important to research the medical facilities available in Madagascar before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Madagascar. It is also important to ensure that you have access to quality medical care in case of any complications during the pregnancy or delivery. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Madagascar, and to be prepared to adjust to them. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with having a baby in Madagascar, such as the risk of malaria, and to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your baby," remarked one expat in Madagascar.

Are healthcare services good in Madagascar?

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

"Healthcare services in Madagascar are limited and often inadequate. The country has a shortage of healthcare professionals, and many of the existing healthcare facilities are underfunded and lack basic medical supplies. Access to healthcare is also limited in rural areas, where many people lack access to basic medical care. The government has made efforts to improve healthcare services, but progress has been slow. In addition, the cost of healthcare is often prohibitively expensive for many people, making it difficult for them to access the care they need," said one expat in Madagascar.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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