How does healthcare work in Congo-Kinshasa, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Congo-Kinshasa?

Congo-Kinshasa, officially the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is a country that fits three times the size of France. This also brings with it quite a few challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare. The country’s poverty doesn’t help matters, so be aware that the state of healthcare is far from ideal.
The combination of poverty, a shaky healthcare system and tropical diseases queuing up to use you as a host makes this not an ideal place to get sick.
The country has a mixed healthcare system of both public and private, as well as non-profit options. There are big differences between the public and private sectors.
The quality of healthcare is probably not what you are used to. There are shortages of facilities, healthcare staff and the options are very limited.
Most foreigners therefore opt for healthcare abroad or medical repatriation, but for this it is important to have good insurance.
Although there are many pharmacies (especially in Kinshasa), the shelves in the smaller villages are more often empty than full.
There is no medical emergency number in the DRC. The fastest way is to book a taxi or take your own transport to the nearest hospital.

Public healthcare is not very good. The facilities are often outdated, in poor condition or sometimes even absent. Healthcare is not free and there are staff shortages.
Most options can be found in Kinshasa, in the countryside there is hardly any access to healthcare.
The government works together with humanitarian aid organisations to provide some care in remote areas.

Foreigners and locals who can afford it go for private healthcare. Reasonable basic care is possible here.
The best care can be found in Kinshasa. But even here they cannot always help, so there is a big chance of medical evacuation.

A well-functioning general practitioner system? That is still a pipe dream here. Your best chance of general care can be found in private clinics.

There are several dental practices in Kinshasa, but be sure to consult with others about their experiences there, before you book an appointment.

There are also huge shortages in maternity care. Not only in terms of staff but also in terms of resources to safely manage a pregnancy. The country has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world.
Since 2023, there has been free maternity care for women from half of the country's regions, but it is questionable whether the facilities and staff can support this.
As a pregnant mother, it is probably wiser to spend your pregnancy and delivery abroad. Is this not possible? Then you will find the best chance of care in Kinshasa.

The DRC does not offer a safe haven for people to live. There are many conflicts and armed groups and kidnapping of foreigners is common (especially in the east and northeast of the country).
There is a lot of crime. Especially in the east of the country, Lubumbashi and Kinshasa. It is better not to walk alone on the streets after dark.
Violent protests can occur, especially in Kinshasa.
Roadblocks are also not uncommon and can be set up at any time.
If something happens in your area, make sure you find shelter.
In addition to all the human danger, there is also a risk of volcanic eruptions and, in the rainy season, landslides and flooding.

There are a lot of health risks in the DRC, which is why many people choose not to live here. It is almost too much to mention.
Malaria is the biggest cause of death in the country, but cholera, measles, meningitis, mpox and tuberculosis are also a major problem.
There are also many diseases that are spread through water and food.

A car is popular in the DRC. It is best to have your own driver, as they are often better able to cope with the hectic traffic conditions.
Some companies offer this as a condition of employment to their staff!
The roads outside Kinshasa in particular are of poor quality, which does not make driving easy. The rainy season worsens this situation and the risks even more.
Roadblocks are common, so make sure you always have the correct papers with you.
Air travel is the most common between cities.
There are trains, but these are not very reliable and are mostly used for industry rather than human transport.
There are boats and ferries to cross the large river network, but always check the safety!
The cheapest way to travel is by bus and minibus, you get what you pay for: poor condition of roads and safety of bus travel.

Is the trip to Congo-Kinshasa and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

Don’t want to risk having to pay sky-high medical evacuation or repatriation costs? Or, more positively, do you want to feel reassured about your healthcare options if you fall ill? Then make sure you take out good international health insurance.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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