How to get healthcare in Senegal
As the saying goes, ‘without your health, everything else is worth nothing' and so finding out about healthcare in Senegal should be at the top of your to-do list. Luckily, the Senegalese healthcare system is considerably more advanced than in many other African countries. Senegal operates an insurance-based healthcare system and since 2013 it has been compulsory for the Senegalese population to have insurance.
However, there is a large discrepancy between the services you receive in Dakar and other major cities and those you receive in rural towns. Dakar, for example, hosts 70% of the country's doctors and 80% of the dentists. There are well-stocked pharmacies dotted in every district, as well as clinics, hospitals and even an ambulance service. In rural areas, you will have to travel to the nearest road-town for pharmacy services and even the nearest city for anything more serious.
Good to know:
The AIDS rate of Senegal is comparatively low for African countries and has remained stable at 0.7% for a number of years.
Healthcare for foreign workers in Senegal
If you are an overseas resident in Senegal and work for a Senegal-based company, you will benefit from your company's medical insurance. However, you have to be working for the company for at least two months to be eligible, so it is advised to have private health insurance for the first two months. In case you, or a family member, are hospitalised during the first two months, the company will bear the costs against subsequent repayment. The financial compensation will be calculated per patient per day and your employer will take care of administrative procedures in this regard.
Private health insurance
Most expatriates choose to get international health insurance before travelling to Senegal. There are many insurance companies to choose from, according to your needs and budget. Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and get a free quote on Expat.com's Health Insurance for expatriates in Senegal page.
Healthcare for entrepreneurs in Senegal
If you have set up your own business in Senegal, you may either sign up for private health insurance on enroll with the accident risks scheme provided by Senegalese Social Security. Rates range from 1% - 5% depending on the nature of risk. Your contribution will be calculated according to your annual income. Registration procedures have to be undertaken at the Social Security Fund.
Retirement in Senegal
If you wish to spend your retirement days in Senegal along with keeping your rights in your home country regarding healthcare and social security, you are advised to enquire about these with the insurance agency.
Good to know:
The Senegalese Social Security does not support people who are still within the working-age but who are not working. Nor do they support foreigners aged over 60.
Vaccination in Senegal
Before travelling to Senegal, you are highly advised to be vaccinated against the following: yellow fever, tetanus, polio, diphtheria, BCG, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), meningitis A and C, typhoid.
Good to know:
Malaria is not an issue in most parts of Senegal, especially along the coast.
Useful address:
Social Security Fund HQ
Square O.I.T. Colobane
B.P. 102
DAKAR
Tel: ( 221) 33 889 19 89
Fax: ( 221) 33 823 67 75
Website: www.secusociale.sn
Useful links:
List of recommended doctors by the French embassy
Clinique de La Madeleine (expats hospital of choice in Dakar)
SOS Medecin (ambulance service in Dakar)
