Fast enrolment
100% digital insurance
Free 24/7 telemedicine
Moving to Gabon offers a unique experience in Central Africa, with its rich biodiversity and cultural contrasts. For expats, integrating into this new environment also means securing solid health coverage that meets the country’s specific needs. With a developing healthcare system and a range of care options, choosing the right health insurance is essential to access quality care and enjoy a worry-free stay.
For expats in Gabon, health coverage is crucial, whether for routine consultations, hospital care, or potential medical evacuations to neighboring countries. The question of finding suitable insurance arises as soon as you arrive and depends on individual needs for medical care, available healthcare in Gabon, and the potential need for treatment abroad.
Gabon has a growing healthcare system structured around mandatory insurance for private and public sector employees, managed by the National Health Insurance and Social Security Fund (CNAMGS). While this coverage is widespread, it doesn’t always guarantee access to the highest quality care, especially for specialized treatments. The country’s public hospitals face logistical challenges and patient overload, which can limit service accessibility and quality.
To address these limitations, many expats opt for private insurance, which allows access to private healthcare facilities or consideration of medical evacuation for complex health issues. In this context, international insurance offers an advantage, as it covers not only healthcare expenses in Gabon but also treatment abroad, an appreciated flexibility when it comes to specialized treatment needs.
Local insurance options in Gabon generally provide basic coverage at an affordable cost, which may meet primary healthcare needs. However, they don’t always cover complex care or evacuation to other countries, a limitation expats should consider. Such plans are often suited to those relying on standard care in Gabonese facilities.
Conversely, international insurance offers extensive coverage tailored to expats needing access to quality care worldwide. With international insurance, you can freely choose your healthcare provider, access private clinics, or plan a medical evacuation to a specialized care facility. This flexibility offers comfort and security in a country where healthcare options are still developing.
Good to know: Some international insurers, like APRIL International, offer customizable plans based on the specific needs of each expat, including services like telemedicine, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance.
Gabonese public hospitals, although numerous, face equipment shortages and staffing issues, which can impact the speed and quality of care provided. Private facilities, though more costly, generally offer better healthcare conditions, although their availability is limited, particularly outside of the capital, Libreville. Expats often prefer these private establishments for specialist consultations, surgery, or emergency care, while more serious cases may require evacuation to neighboring countries or Europe for adequate treatment. Depending on the chosen insurance plan, care may be covered in the country’s private clinics or as part of a medical evacuation.
It only takes a few steps to join and start benefitting from your cover by tomorrow!
1. I look for the cover that suits my situation and choose my options.
2. I request a quote online and sign it electronically.
3. I download the Easy Claim app and take advantage of all my online services.
4. I can get a call back or chat at any time with an adviser.
