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Healthcare in Namibia

Julien

Hi,

how does the healthcare system work in Namibia ? Is it efficient ?

What are the main differences between public and private sectors?

Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Namibia?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience !

Julien

See also

Living in Namibia: the expat guideAssistance on how to register to with HCPAHow to register for the Health Profession Medical CouncilMedical InternshipMedical doctor internship in Namibia
virginie_l

Hi Julien,

I have the same questions! did you have any answer since you posted?

Thanks!

Virginie

Chips & Cheese

Hi Virginie,
There is a massive difference between the two here currently.
I would never risk using the national healthcare provider. It's much safer to use private medical aid + clinics.
Unless you like bats and roaches and huuuge queues that is ;)

People that can afford to pay for medical aid/insurance, do so.
There are plenty insurers around, with varying levels of services.

Harriet.

virginie_l

Hi Harriet,

Thanks for your reply!

I will look for a private health insurance!
Could tell me a bit about how the healthcare system works? are you telling that it is not efficient?

Chips & Cheese

In a sentence, Hells yeah!
The National healthcare here is appalling in my humble opinion :/
Massive queues, bad doctors, buildings are falling down, they aren't equipped properly. There are literally bats flying around in the operating rooms.
I know someone whos baby died just because they had no oxygen.

Private insurance isn't cheap either, but it's a necessity if you want peace of mind. Private clinics/practices are much better equipped.
For me, my partner and child, we have one of the better options and we pay about N$3000 a month.

Basically, with medical aid (depending what grade you choose) you get a certain nº of visits to a private doctor a year covered. It'll cover most of the medication you get prescribed.
It really depends on what grade you choose, for cover on operations/giving birth etc, at private clinics/hospitals

And there are many private hospitals/clinics you can choose from these days.

Harriet.

virginie_l

Thanks Harriet for your reply!

What about the social security?
I am on the social security commission website and there are various documents for application. As an expat, will I be eligible to apply and to register?

Virginie

Chips & Cheese

No problemo.
Hmmm... not so sure about that.
My employer sorted it all for me here. I am domisciled in Namibia, this kinda works like a renewable work visa for me.
I think as long as you have some kind of long term visa/permit and are working or investing here then yes you can apply easily.
I think there are a few agencies here you can contact to sort these issues out for you, If you want to be properly informed about legalities.

Social security in Nam entitiles you to: maternity leave; sickness/injury on duty pay; death benefits; and a pitiful state pension.

Harriet.

Julie

Hi,

In order to help expats and soon-to-be expats, we would like to invite you to share your experience on this topic, with updated info on the healthcare system.

Thank you in advance,

Julie
ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã Team

Jon Moonsamy

Hi, this is Jon. While here during my falsely concocted criminal charges since 2012 I am unable to afford private heath care. The public facility is shocking and disgusting. An entire day is insufficient to get treated for a simple flu. Medication is forever out of stock and restroom is never cleaned and don't work.

29namibstar55

Hi Have read some of the things written about the health care system.
I know its horrible.
Does anybody know if there is any alternative care in Namibia, and if its covered by Insurances.
I was in Cuba last year, and learnt that the Cuban doctors are very well educated, I seem to remember Namibia have Cuban doctors...guess in the national system ?
Anybody got an answer? thanks in advance

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã health insurance
Protect your health and get easy access to treatment for expats in Namibia.
29namibstar55

I have found a Permacuture page and know its doing well in Namibia.
What im looking for is a living working community where young and old live together and care for each other,
Is there something like this in Nam especially near the coast yet?