All you need to know about
health insurance in Africa

Mutuelle Afrique: how to choose health cover?

Access to healthcare in Africa varies according to the country, the quality of the medical infrastructure and the cost of treatment. Whether you’re an expatriate, a frequent traveler or planning to move to Africa, it’s essential to choose the right mutual health insurance plan to benefit from serene and effective medical cover.

Why take out international health insurance in Africa?

In Africa, local mutual health insurance plans are primarily designed for residents, and often offer limited coverage. Based on a model of community solidarity, they adjust premiums according to members’ financial means. However, they do not always cover specialized care, costly hospitalization or medical evacuation.

For expatriates and travelers, international health insurance provides :

• coverage of medical expenses in private clinics and quality hospitals.
• Repatriation assistance, essential in the event of serious illness or accident requiring treatment in another country.
• Access to specialists and cutting-edge treatments, often unavailable in certain African countries.

How to choose international health insurance for Africa?

Before taking out health insurance for Africa, there are a number of criteria to consider:

1. Medical care coverage

Some insurances only include emergency care, while others also cover medical consultations, medicines, routine examinations and dental care. It’s important to check the scope of coverage before taking out any insurance.

2. Repatriation assistance

Africa presents specific challenges in terms of access to healthcare. In some countries, medical infrastructures may be insufficient to treat certain complex pathologies. With repatriation insurance, you can be evacuated to a neighboring country or to Europe if necessary.

3. Partner healthcare networks

Some international health insurers have partnerships with private hospitals and clinics in Africa, facilitating access to care without advance payment. It is advisable to check whether your destination has partner medical facilities.

4. Exclusions and reimbursement limits

Each insurance contract has specific exclusions (pre-existing illnesses, certain specialized treatments, etc.). What’s more, reimbursement ceilings can vary: hospitalization in a private hospital in Africa can cost several thousand euros, so it’s essential to have sufficient coverage.

Comparison of the best international health insurances for Africa

The main companies offering health insurance for expatriates and travelers in Africa include :

• CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger): ideal for expatriates wishing to maintain a link with French Social Security.
• April International: offers packages tailored to the needs of expatriates and seconded workers.
• Allianz Care: comprehensive coverage with access to partner private hospitals.
• Cigna Global: strong presence in Africa with flexible cover.

We advise you to use an international health insurance comparator such as Santexpat.fr to find the solution best suited to your needs.

Health insurance for expatriates in Africa

Whether you’re an expatriate, a digital nomad or a frequent traveler, choosing the right health insurance in Africa is essential if you’re to access healthcare without unpleasant surprises. With the right coverage, you can avoid unexpected costs and enjoy peace of mind. Before signing up, take the time to compare offers to find the one that really suits your needs and your destination.