Algeria Health Insurance
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Located in Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria is nestled between
Morocco and Tunisia. An estimated 91 percent of Algeria’s 34.9
million inhabitants live along the Mediterranean seaboard on
just 12 percent of the country’s land area of 2,381,741 square
kilometers. The populace continues to relocate to the northern
coast despite the Government’s efforts to discourage urban
migration. Daily life in Algeria is a vivid mix of modernism
and tradition, a colonial past permeated with Islam,
traditional values and tribal culture. Similar to that of many
other North African countries, Algerian cuisine is heavily
influenced by Turkish, French, Arab and Amazigh culinary
traditions. Most locals are bilingual if not multilingual,
speaking French and Arabic, the latter being Albania’s
official language, as well as Berber dialects. The backbone of
the economy is the hydrocarbons sector, accounting for over 97
percent of export revenues and nearly 30 percent of GDP.
Algeria’s arid to semiarid climate results in hot, dry
summers, attracting visitors to popular beaches and the
turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Prehistoric cave
paintings, impressive palaces, ancient towns and the scorched
Saharan desert also encourage visitors to tour this
fascinating country. Algeria is also home to several World
Heritage Sites. Previously on par with neighboring Morocco as
a popular tourist destination, Algeria’s tourism industry
disappeared with the outbreak of civil war in 1992. An
improving security situation is slowly enticing adventurers
back to the country however. While tourist attractions remain
mostly undeveloped, tourism facilities are available in
populated areas, although these can vary in quality. Travel
advisories suggest only reputable guides and tour-operators
should be used and that expatriate health and travel
insurance, which covers all activities travellers wish to
undertake, is prearranged.
Algeria Health Care and Insurance
Following liberation from France in 1962, the newly
independent government inherited a run-down and poorly
resourced health sector, suffering significant disparities in
quality and delivery of services. At that time, the doctor to
patient ratio was a mere 1 physician for every 33,000
citizens, and a curative approach rather than preventive
medicine was the practicing model. Since then, the government
has implemented a series of reforms, introducing legislation
guaranteeing all citizens the right to healthcare, a focus on
preventative care and investment in health centers, clinics
and immunization programs. Algeria now has a ratio of an
estimated 39 doctors for every 33,000 citizens. Steady
improvements in health outcomes are evident, with infant
mortality rates dropping from 67 deaths per 1,000 live births
in 1990 to 25 per every 1,000 live births in 2011. An
improvement in life expectancy has also resulted with
estimates currently at 72 years for men and 76 years for
women.
Despite these outcomes, challenges still exist. Primary
facilities are reportedly underutilized, and the availability
of medications is inconsistent. Health infrastructure and
equipment lack maintenance, and some specialist areas of
medicine are not provided for. Facilities are sparse or
non-existent in rural and mountainous areas and the quality of
services variable. Some clinics and health centers can only
provide basic care, supporting the notion that the public
system is underfunded and under resourced. To ensure options
are available to travellers of bypassing the public system in
favor of the private sector, an international medical
insurance policy can be arranged to assist visitors in
avoiding wait times and ensure any unexpected medical expenses
are covered.
Healthcare is administered through 185 health districts,
each being responsible for the delivery of services to
residents living in their jurisdictions, however overall
responsibility for the system is held by the Ministry of
Health. Infrastructure consists of university hospitals,
polyclinics, medical centers, basic health units and
specialized hospitals. The majority of Algerian’s are limited
to using the public sector, as a private health insurance
system is not yet operating in the country. A national Algeria
medical insurance scheme is available for salaried employees,
independent workers and the dependents of each group, which
allows access to healthcare in state-run facilities. Of public
health concern is Algeria’s rapidly changing epidemiological
profile, with cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and
cancer rates all on the rise. The resurgence of diseases such
as tuberculosis and cholera could potentially overwhelm the
public system, given the abrupt surge in illness which
accompanies such diseases.
The private sector is generally well equipped, which is
especially true of facilities in the capital, Algiers. The
regulatory framework for the sector is however lacking, and
despite filling a niche to some extent, the sector has been
unable to offset the deficiencies of the public system in the
areas of access and quality of care. Access is limited to
those who can afford out-of-pocket payments, thus rendering
the vast majority of Algerian’s unable to receive treatment
via private means. Costs can be considerable, and payment is
often expected in cash at the time of treatment. Serious
medical conditions will likely require evacuation to another
country for treatment, given Algeria’s health system does not
have the capacity to treat some illnesses. This necessitates
international health insurance coverage being arranged to
cover the considerable cost associated with medical
evacuation.
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Algeria's medical insurance industry is a fast paced ever evolving market however our staff are experts and at your disposal. |
Expatriates and Travelers in Algeria
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Algeria Travel Insurance Concerns
All foreign currency must be disclosed upon entry into Albania, and
despite the regulation being unpublicized by customs
officials, penalties can be severe if travellers are found in
possession of undeclared currency when departing the country.
Checking with officials regarding this requirement is advised
upon arrival. To reduce the risk of contracting a disease
while in Algeria the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
recommends inoculations for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and
Rabies, in addition to routinely administered childhood
vaccinations. Expatriates are also recommended to take
measures against insect bites as virus-carrying insects
commonly transmit Dengue Fever, Filariasis and Leishmaniasis.
Hazardous conditions prevail on Algeria’s overcrowded roads
where a significant number of people are killed in traffic
accidents each year. Compounding the danger is the
installation of false road blocks by terrorists to facilitate
ambushes and kidnappings. Military and police checkpoints are
on many of the major routes however advisories recommend that
overland travel be avoided. Extra precautions are required for
those planning to explore the Sahara. Sandstorms, fuel
shortages and bandits pose a risk, highlighting a need for
adequate preparation before embarking on such expeditions. A
security briefing is advisable, as well as an additional
supply of fuel. A spate of kidnappings resulted in a law
change determining it illegal to drive alone in the desert,
and a number of checkpoints have been installed to ensure
adherence of the group travel requirement. Assassinations and
bombings occur regularly, especially in the Kabylie region and
kidnapping for ransom poses an immediate threat in both the
South’s trans-Sahara region and in northeastern Algeria.
Social unrest has become commonplace and petty theft, mugging
and burglary statistics are also steadily rising. Advisories
recommend individuals take prudent security measures to ensure
personal safety while in Albania and arrange an international
medical and travel insurance policy to cover unexpected
medical bills or the replacement of stolen personal effects.
Algeria Expat Health Insurance
Medical facilities are available and the level of care is
improving in the larger urban centers, however are not
considered comparable with western standards. Response times
for emergency services are often unpredictable, and also not
on par with services available in developed countries.
Comprehensive health insurance is recommended to mitigate the
risk of being forced to stay in the country to receive
treatment in the public system. Insurance coverage can be
arranged through International Medical Insurance, which covers
you whenever and wherever you travel. Globally transferable
policies provide for a range of medical needs, from emergency
evacuation and maternity services to doctors’ fees, specialist
consultations and medications. To guarantee access to
healthcare when travelling to Algeria, contact one of
International Medical Insurance’s consultants to discuss your
requirements.
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