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.