How does the healthcare system work in Angola?

What is the quality of healthcare in Angola?

• Healthcare in Angola leaves a lot to be desired. Foreigners are therefore advised not to use public healthcare.
• The most and best healthcare can be found in Luanda.
• Pharmacies (farmacias) are mainly found in Luanda. Do not just assume that your medication is in stock, because you will often be disappointed. If you are dependent on certain medications, take your own supplies with you.
• Call 112 in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, this only works in Luanda.
• Most patients are taken to South Africa for care.

How does the public healthcare system work in Angola?

• Public healthcare is free, but has many problems. For example, the government does not invest enough money in the sector, which results in shortages of facilities and staff.
• In addition, medical staff is often not well trained and the conditions in healthcare institutions are unhygienic.
• Everyone, who can afford it, prefer to opt for the private sector.
• There is no national health insurance system in Angola.

How does the private healthcare system work in Angola?

• Private healthcare is better than public healthcare, but still limited.
• In private clinics you will find general practitioners and you can go for routine treatments. Most doctors also speak at least some English.
• Private healthcare institutions can be found in Luanda. Outside of these institutions, you will at most find the private naturopath.
• Healthcare in private institutions is very expensive. And for more serious care, treatment in South Africa is necessary.
• Many people therefore ultimately opt for healthcare abroad.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Angola?

• General practitioners can be found, when you can find them it is hard, due to shortages, at private clinics.
• The costs for a visit to the private clinic are generally high.

How is the dentist arranged in Angola?

• Most dental practices can be found in Luanda, but there is an even greater shortage of dentists than of general practitioners.
• You often have to pay in advance.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Angola?

• Pregnancy and childbirth in Angola come with risks. Healthcare is not of good quality and is not equipped for medical emergencies.
• It is therefore safer to spend your pregnancy and childbirth in another country (for example South Africa).

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Angola?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Angola?

• There is a lot of crime in Angola. As a foreigner you can live here safely, but that does require some preparation.
• Beware of pickpocketing, lightning-fast muggings from scooters, armed robberies and car hijackings.
• Kidnappings also occur, especially in Luanda.
• The risk of becoming a victim exists all day long, but is greater in the evening.
• Public unrest can arise and sometimes this gets out of hand. This applies in particular to Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte and Cabinda.
• Be careful in busy areas, do not walk the streets at night and try to change your route. If you are a victim of a sexual crime, make sure you seek help quickly because of the risk of HIV/AIDS.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Angola?

• There are various health risks in Angola, including Mpox and Polio.
• There is a relatively high incidence of HIV/AIDS, so take necessary precautions.
• Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria are also not uncommon. Protect yourself well against mosquitoes by wearing body-covering clothing and possibly using spray.
• Rabies is a risk. So stay away from animals in public places.
• Tap water is usually not drinkable and there are regular cholera outbreaks.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Angola?

• Moving through Angola is not without danger. There are many armed groups active in the country, there are landmines and it is best to always keep your windows and doors locked.
• There are many checkpoints in Angola and you are only allowed to drive with permission. So make sure you always have the right papers with you.
• The police are not always trustworthy and can just issue fines. Always ask for a ticket, so that you do not have to pay on the spot and if necessary ask for the name and badge number of the officer.
• The roads can become very dangerous during the rainy season. The unpaved roads often become impassable.
• The traffic in the center of Luanda can be very congested. The roads are also often not good, and the drivers even less so…
• The most important means of public transport are the “Candongueiros” minibuses, but these buses are not very safe.
• Most people who can afford it, arrange a private driver.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Angola?

• Is the trip to Angola 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.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Angola if you are going to live there for a while?

• A good international health insurance with medical evacuation cover, repatriation cover and cover in other countries is very important for a stay in Angola.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.