Health Insurance in Liberia

Health Insurance in Liberia

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Long-term (12+ months) Short-term (1-12 months)

Liberia’s healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and funded through various sources, including the government, out-of-pocket payments, and international donations.

Although the government is working to improve healthcare access for citizens, it remains a widespread challenge throughout much of the country.

Health insurance for expats in Liberia

The health insurance system in Liberia

Expats can use Liberia’s public healthcare system without registration, but may have to pay out-of-pocket costs for some of their medical treatment.

The system is currently experiencing problems such as a shortage of healthcare professionals and long waiting times. The government launched the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) in 2021 to help address these challenges, though its implementation is still ongoing and coverage remains uneven across the country.

State healthcare in Liberia is divided into three tiers: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary medical care is usually the first point of entry for those seeking medical treatment, providing services like doctor consultations and preventative care.

Secondary care is designed for more specialist medical treatment and usually requires a doctor referral. The most complex and serious cases are handled at the tertiary level, which is primarily delivered at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia.

Prominent health risks in Liberia include malaria, yellow fever and ebola, so it’s recommended to consult with a doctor about any required or recommended vaccinations before relocating. For instance, travellers from some countries are required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry if they’re older than nine months.

How to choose health insurance in Liberia: local or international?

Those moving to Liberia could opt for private medical insurance, where they can typically choose between a local or international plan.

A local plan may allow prompt access to a range of private medical plan, sometimes a cheaper option than international cover. However, its benefits are often more limited and cover normally restricted to the country where the plan was purchased.

International health insurance can offer broader cover for individuals, including doctor and specialist consultations, hospital treatment, cancer treatment and maternity care. It also provides greater flexibility, letting policyholders choose where and who treats them across the world, so long as it is within their coverage area.

Discover more about what international medical insurance can cover by clicking here.

Care in Liberia

Choosing hospitals in Liberia

Access to hospital treatment can be challenging for many living in Liberia, as most hospitals are located in the nation’s capital, Monrovia.

Hospitals here face an array of issues such as a lack of equipment and skilled healthcare professionals. For greater comfort and access to more modern medical equipment, expats may choose to seek treatment at a private medical facility.

Health facilities

Monrovia

ELWA Hospital

+231 881 485 485

Local call rates apply

Monrovia

GIMS Hospital

+231 770 333 111

Local call rates apply

Monrovia

John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital

+231 886 422 004

Local call rates apply

Emergency Numbers in Liberia

  • 911
    Emergency services

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