Health Insurance in the Gambia

In The Gambia, state healthcare is primarily funded by the government, international donors, out-of-pocket payments, and NGOs. It’s managed by the Ministry of Health, which oversees policy, service delivery and coordination of services.

The system has experienced a range of issues in recent years, including a lack of skilled healthcare professionals and modern medical equipment, and long waiting times for treatment.

Health insurance for expats in the Gambia

The health insurance system in The Gambia

Citizens and residents can use state healthcare services if they are enrolled on the country’s national health insurance scheme (NHIS), introduced in 2021 to improve access to medical care for the population. 

Expats are eligible for the scheme if they live in The Gambia for at least six months of the year. Registration can be completed either online or with their local government authority, and once complete, individuals are issued an NHIS card which enables them to access public healthcare services.

The Gambian public healthcare system is divided into three levels:

• Primary healthcare: primary healthcare typically serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking medical care. It's provided at local level and includes services such as doctor consultations, specialist referrals, and vaccinations.

• Secondary healthcare: this type of care is normally offered at regional or district hospitals across the country, and can include hospital treatment, emergency medical care and specialist consultations.

• Tertiary healthcare: this is delivered at four specialist hospitals that are located in Banjul, Bansang, Bwiam and Farafenni, and is used to treat the most complex and serious health conditions.

It’s worth noting that there’s a high prevalence of infectious diseases in The Gambia, such as hepatitis A and B, tetanus, malaria and yellow fever.* As such, consulting with a healthcare professional before travel is advisable to ensure appropriate vaccinations and preventative measures are taken.

*Everyone over the age of nine months must provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate when travelling here from certain countries.

How to choose health insurance in The Gambia: local or international?

Due to the problems currently facing the Gabonese public healthcare system, expats may consider private health insurance to protect their medical needs.

Local health insurance can offer access to private medical care and allow individuals to avoid long waiting times for medical care. However, coverage is generally restricted to treatment within the country where the policy was purchased.

An alternative option for expats living here is international health insurance. This can provide access to a broader range of cover compared to what is traditionally offered with a local healthcare plan, and the freedom to choose where and who they are treated by.