Healthcare in Botswana

Healthcare in Botswana is dominated by the public sector, with the public system operating up to 98 percent of the health facilities. Nevertheless, there is a huge gap in quality between public and private medical provisions. As such, you should purchase private health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage while in Botswana.

As in much of the rest of Africa, the public healthcare system mainly serves a lower-income bracket, while expats and those who can afford it use the private healthcare system. Many local people in Botswana rely on faith healing or herbalists, both of which currently operate informally, as the country has yet to regulate traditional medical practice.

Although there are adequate provisions in Botswana’s private hospitals, medical evacuation to neighbouring South Africa is common in serious cases.

Public healthcare in Botswana

Botswana offers universal healthcare to all its citizens. A nominal fee may be charged for some services in the public sector, but sexual reproductive health services and antiretroviral therapy services are free.

Healthcare professionals working in public hospitals are generally well-trained. Unfortunately, understaffing and under-resourcing contribute to a strain on public healthcare. Large public health facilities are mainly found in Gaborone. Outside the capital, medical provisions are of a lower and variable standard, and resources are limited across the country.

The country’s public healthcare system focuses on disease prevention. Botswana has had one of the world's highest prevalences of HIV/AIDS infections, so several non-governmental organisations and public health facilities provide related services, such as counselling and testing.

You should carry identification and proof of medical insurance to avoid being taken to a public facility in an emergency.

Useful links

• Ministry of Health and Wellness

Private healthcare in Botswana

The standard of medical treatment in Botswana's major towns is typically good. Many doctors in private hospitals are locals educated elsewhere, who then return to their home country to practise medicine.

While mobile clinics are available in remote areas, health facilities are more limited further from urban areas.

Private healthcare in Botswana is expensive. Outpatients are generally asked to pay cash before receiving treatment. Moreover, patients may only be treated for emergency services if they have health insurance. So, to ensure access to the best quality of care and medical treatment, you should invest in a good health plan.

Health insurance in Botswana

If you travel outside of Botswana regularly or will be returning home, purchasing an international health plan that will cover them wherever you go is a good idea.

You should ensure that your health plan covers medical evacuation when you move to Botswana. If your employer provides medical cover, you should also evaluate whether it is comprehensive enough to provide for your specific needs. Health insurance, particularly international insurance, can be pricey, so we recommend shopping around. 

The cost of your health insurance will likely be determined by several factors, including your age, health status, and coverage level. You must ensure that you choose the right cover for you and your family's needs. 

Health hazards in Botswana

As an expat moving to Botswana, we recommend taking malaria prevention, particularly if you will be in the districts of Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, North-East and North-West. The cities of Francistown and Gaborone are generally considered to have low to no risk of malaria. Nevertheless, we recommend that you consult a healthcare professional about antimalarial medication and use mosquito nets and insect repellent.

Botswana has had occasional incidents of rabies and anthrax, while tick bites are also a risk in the bush. You are also advised to avoid drinking tap water, or at least drink filtered water. Heat exhaustion is also a risk factor in Botswana, so you should stay hydrated and use sunscreen when out during the day. 

Vaccinations for Botswana

There is currently a travel notice for polio in Botswana. It's recommended that those travelling to the country ensure they are up-to-date on their polio vaccines.

Before moving to Botswana, we recommend getting the following routine vaccines:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Influenza

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide, and as such, you are advised to get a measles vaccine for Botswana. Incidences of Tuberculosis are also high in Botswana, so expats should be aware of this. 

Emergency medical services in Botswana

If you need emergency medical care, you can dial 997 to call an ambulance. MRI Botswana is the country's leading emergency service provider, offering ground and air ambulances.