×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Gambia | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Serrekunda in The Gambia

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Gambia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Nov 17, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Gambia is generally lower than in the United States. Emergency services are limited and often lack the necessary resources to provide adequate care. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the Gambian Ministry of Health or the local police station.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

How are healthcare services Gambia?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Gambia, they replied:

"Gambia has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Gambia is generally considered to be low, with limited access to specialized care and medications. Foreign residents in Gambia are able to access the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not as high as in other countries. Expats in Gambia typically use private healthcare services, which are more expensive but offer better quality care. Private healthcare services are available in major cities, but access to these services is limited in rural areas," remarked one expat living in Gambia.

What are medical services in Gambia like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Gambia, they replied:

"Gambia has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and surgery. The quality of care varies from facility to facility, but overall, the medical services in Gambia are adequate for most basic medical needs. The country also has a number of private medical facilities that offer more specialized services," remarked one expat living in Gambia.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Gambia?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Gambia can be expensive for some people. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance can vary depending on the type of care needed and the provider. Generally, healthcare services are more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas. Health insurance is not widely available in Gambia, and those who do have it often pay high premiums. Additionally, many people in Gambia are unable to afford health insurance, leaving them without access to quality healthcare," wrote one expat.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

What are emergency services like in Gambia?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Gambia wrote:

"Emergency services in Gambia are limited and vary in quality. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the Gambian emergency number, 112. This number is free to call and connects to the Gambian Emergency Medical Services (GEMS). GEMS is a non-profit organization that provides emergency medical services to the public. They have a fleet of ambulances and medical personnel that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," remarked one expat in Gambia.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Banjul is home to the largest selection of medical specialists in Gambia. Other cities such as Serekunda, Bakau, and Brikama also have a wide range of medical specialists available. Additionally, the coastal towns of Brufut and Kotu are known for their excellent selection of medical specialists," said an expat in Gambia.

Are common prescription medications available in Gambia?

"Prescription medications are available in Gambia, although the availability of certain medications may be limited. Many pharmacies in Gambia carry a wide range of generic medications, as well as some brand-name medications. However, some medications may not be available due to limited supply or lack of availability in the country. Additionally, some medications may require a doctor's prescription in order to be purchased," said one expat living in Gambia.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Gambia?

"The medical facilities and medical care in Gambia are generally of a good standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by qualified medical professionals. The government has also invested in improving the quality of medical care, with initiatives such as the introduction of free healthcare for children under five and the provision of free antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients. However, access to medical care is still limited in some rural areas, and the cost of medical care can be prohibitive for many people," remarked one expat living in Gambia.

As a foreigner living in Gambia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Gambia have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed. The public healthcare system is largely focused on primary care, with limited access to specialist care. However, there are some private hospitals and clinics that offer higher quality care," said one expat.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Gambia if they have access to public healthcare in Gambia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Gambia. Access to healthcare has become more difficult due to the closure of many health facilities and the limited availability of medical supplies. Many healthcare workers have been overworked and underpaid, leading to a decrease in morale and an increase in burnout. The government has implemented a number of measures to try to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, such as providing free testing and treatment for COVID-19, but the lack of resources and infrastructure has made it difficult to provide adequate care. Additionally, the lack of public awareness about the virus has led to a lack of understanding of the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing masks and social distancing," said an expat in Gambia.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Gambia?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Gambia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Gambia before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Gambia. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Gambia. Additionally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Gambia, as medical costs can be high. Finally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the birth of a child in Gambia, as they may differ from those in your home country," explained one expat living in Gambia.

Are healthcare services good in Gambia?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Gambia. They wrote:

"Gambia has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics, as well as a few private medical facilities. Healthcare services in Gambia are generally of a lower quality than those found in more developed countries, and access to medical care can be limited in rural areas. The government has made efforts to improve healthcare services, including increasing access to essential medicines and providing free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five," explained one expat living in Gambia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Serrekunda in The Gambia

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Gambia Network Contribute
Help others in Gambia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Gambia.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides