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The Malawi healthcare system is managed by the country’s Ministry of Health, and is primarily funded through out-of-pocket payments, taxes and international donors.
The system is experiencing a range of issues that has impacted the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for patients, including a lack of medical equipment and facilities.
Expats can access public healthcare when they are living in Malawi, though they may encounter longer waiting times and limited resources compared to private facilities. While many of these services are heavily subsidised by the government, expats may still incur out-of-pocket costs for some types of medical treatment.
Knowing how Malawi’s healthcare system works is useful can make it easier to receive medical treatment when it’s needed. The system here is organised into three tiers:
Primary care: this is delivered at health centres by community healthcare workers, with services including basic diagnostics, routine check-ups and treatment for common illnesses.
Secondary care: provided at district hospitals, this type of care generally needs a referral and is intended for more specialist medical treatment.
Tertiary care: the most critical and specialised care, tertiary medical care is offered at the four central hospitals located in Mzuzu, Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe.
There’s some prominent health risks in Malawi to be aware of, such as typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A and B, so consulting with a medical professional before the relocation is recommended to be fully prepared. In addition, the drinking water is not considered safe, with bottled water necessary to reduce the risk of potential health issues.
Considering a move to Malawi? Securing private medical insurance cover can provide peace of mind and ensure access to quality healthcare when something goes wrong.
There are two main options for expats when it comes to health insurance living abroad: local or international cover. A local plan provides access to medical treatment at private facilities, but coverage is often more limited and typically restricted to the country where the plan was purchased.
Meanwhile, international medical insurance offers expats in Malawi coverage for a wider range of medical care than local plans, as well as the ability to receive quality medical treatment across multiple countries so long as it is within their area of cover.
Explore the benefits of international health insurance cover in more detail here.
Most hospitals in Malawi are government run facilities, while others are mission-based or private. When expats opt for care in a private hospital, they can often benefit from shorter waiting times and a more comfortable patient experience.
Common problems with hospitals in Malawi include a lack of skilled medical professionals and accessibility, with many major hospitals situated in large urban regions like Lilongwe and Blantyre.
It only takes a few steps to join and start benefitting from your international health insurance cover!
1. Find the cover that suits your situation from a range of options
2. Request a quote online and sign it electronically
3. Download the Easy Claim app and benefit from a wide range of features to help manage your plan with ease, wherever you are!
4. Get a call back or chat with one of our dedicated advisers at any time.
Protecting your health is a key concern when you’re looking to move abroad, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the destination country’s healthcare system.
International private medical insurance is designed to cover the cost of eligible treatment for people who are living, working or studying abroad.
If you’re planning to move abroad, there are many things to consider, from where you’re going to live, to possibly learning a language or finding a new job.
