The healthcare system in Gambia is a mix of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is free for Gambian citizens. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Gambia, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. Public hospitals are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals.
Gambia’s Public Healthcare System
Gambia’s public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is free for Gambian citizens. The public healthcare system is comprised of a network of health centers, clinics, and hospitals located throughout the country. The public healthcare system is not typically used by foreigners, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals.
Gambia’s Private Healthcare System
Gambia’s private healthcare system is comprised of a network of private hospitals and clinics located throughout the country. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but the quality of care is higher. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more reliable and offer better quality care. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Gambia’s Top Hospitals
Gambia’s top hospitals include:
- Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (public, located in Banjul)
- Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (public, located in Banjul)
- Medical Research Council (public, located in Fajara)
- Banjul Private Hospital (private, located in Banjul)
- Bakau Health Centre (public, located in Bakau)
- Kanifing General Hospital (public, located in Kanifing)
- Sukuta Health Centre (public, located in Sukuta)
- Brikama Health Centre (public, located in Brikama)
Health Insurance Companies in Gambia
The most popular private health insurers in Gambia are Star Health Insurance, Atlantic Health Insurance, and Trust Health Insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Gambia: How to Navigate the Health System
“I’ve been living in Gambia for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live on $3,000 a month here, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. Firstly, you’ll want to avoid living in the more expensive areas like Fajara and Kololi, as the cost of living there can be quite high, especially when it comes to rent. Instead, consider more affordable locations like Brufut or Serekunda, where you can find decent housing at a lower cost. When it comes to utilities, you might have to deal with occasional power outages and water shortages, so it’s important to be prepared for that. Internet service can also be a bit slow and expensive compared to what you might be used to, but it’s manageable. Transportation is relatively cheap, especially if you use local taxis and buses. However, if you prefer to have your own car, be prepared for higher fuel costs and maintenance expenses. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food, but if you prefer dining at more upscale places, your food budget will increase significantly. Groceries can also be a bit more expensive than you might expect, especially for imported goods. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options like visiting local markets, beaches, and cultural sites. However, if you’re into more high-end activities like golfing or attending fancy events, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget. Overall, living in Gambia on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle,” said one expat living in Gambia.
“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,” commented one member living in Gambia.
