As an international student moving to Namibia can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maybe it is the unique opportunity to engage in research of the deserts, the developing mining industry, or one of many programs offered at UNAM and NUST. Whatever your reason, Namibia will surely provide you with a memory-filled time. But if you are bringing your spouse and/or children along, then the logistics of making sure they get medical care will go from easy to complicated — especially when it comes to their health-care.
Namibia has no domestic, federally mandated “family student medical plan.” In other words, unlike certain European or Oceanian countries which issue a single insurance policy to all new students and their families (i.e., Australia, Germany, Sweden etc.), Namibia allows you to choose from the multitude of options available in the global private insurance market.
This article gives a detailed analysis of the various ways to ensure the most suitable health insurance for your family; the major players offering plans in Namibia; and the day-to-day functioning of the healthcare delivery systems in Namibia.
The Reality of Healthcare in Namibia
Namibia has a two-tiered health care system. The public sector provides universal coverage at an affordable price with long wait lines, old buildings and a scarcity of specialized medical equipment for a lot of the services. Therefore, many international students do not rely on the public health care system alone.
The private health care sector in Namibia is very good (primarily located in Windhoek and major cities such as Swakopmund). Hospitals such as Roman Catholic Hospital and Lady Pohamba Private Hospital are among the best in the world. However, these hospitals are very expensive and have stringent requirements (i.e. proof of health insurance or a large down payment) to receive treatment. So while a good international policy is a required part of the visa process, it will also give you the peace of mind that if there are serious problems, you can get proper medical attention.
Top Family-Capable Insurers for Namibia
As a result of the absence of a “student” local insurance plan for an international student, it would be best to contact Global Medical Insurance (GMI) providers. GMI provides coverage to international students as well as expats and provide modular plans allowing you to add dependents.
To receive quotes from the global medical providers, be sure to choose the “Student” or “Expatriate” option when filling out the quote request form, and list your spouse and/or children on the quote request so that you can get the bundled rate for all family members. The following are some of the current GMI providers servicing the area in Namibia.
1. Cigna Global
Cigna has a large presence in the African expat market. Cigna’s plans are very flexible as they use modules; you can choose from several plans which include a base in-patient plan and add on modules for out-patient care, eye care, and/or dental care. This module design makes it ideal for those on a limited student budget.
2. Allianz Care
Allianz Care has an administration system in place that is considered one of the best worldwide. Allianz Care also offers international health insurance plans that clearly state Namibia is covered within the “Area of Cover”. Digital claims handling by Allianz Care is relatively fast and efficient.
3. Bupa Global
Bupa Global may be more expensive than other options but if you want to make sure you have access to the best medical care in Southern Africa then Bupa Global is your best option. Bupa Global has many contracts with leading hospitals throughout Southern Africa which allows for direct billing to Bupa Global, so you do not need to pay out-of-pocket for medical services.
4. APRIL International
International students find APRIL International appealing due to their range of plans geared toward the younger demographic and allow for family add-on coverage. APRIL International provides a good value for cost when compared to other international health insurance companies that provide similar levels of service.
5. IMG (International Medical Group)
– The Student Health Advantage plans provided by IMG are among several available student plans that allow for individual only coverage, however the “Platinum” version of the Student Health Advantage plan is often capable of allowing for dependent coverage as well; thus, it is a great option for families looking to save money.
6. AXA Global Healthcare
– AXA is a very dependable company when it comes to providing international expat health insurance. Their “Select” and “Comprehensive” options offer excellent coverage for families and also include 24 hour access to medical consultants that will be able to assist families in obtaining medical advice over the telephone.
7. GeoBlue
– Primarily for individuals with connections to the United States, GeoBlue is a provider of high quality international health insurance. If a U.S. citizen is attending school in Namibia, GeoBlue is likely to be the easiest option to utilize, especially if the family already uses U.S. based providers.
8. Aetna International
– Aetna has a significant presence in Africa, and they are known for utilizing “Care Management” for families managing chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes while living abroad.
9. Specialist Brokers: ExpatFinancial & AOC
– Many times the best route to finding a policy is through a broker. Brokers, such as ExpatFinancial and AOC Insurance Broker, have extensive knowledge of the African market and can compare policies from each of the previously mentioned companies without adding any additional costs to the customer, and ensure that the selected policy meets the necessary requirements for the Namibian visa.
10. Pacific Prime
– As a global brokerage firm, Pacific Prime specializes in comparing plans. They provide side-by-side comparison charts showing the differences in a family of three with the Allianz plan versus the Cigna plan in Windhoek.
What Will It Cost?
The Budget is the most Stressful Part of Moving. To plan for the Price Range of a Comprehensive Mid-Range Plan for an International Student with Spouse and One Child, here is what you can expect to pay each month:
- $250-$500 for a Full In-Patient Coverage Plan (Hospital Stays) and Out Patient Visits (Doctor Visits and Prescriptions).
- For Emergency Only / High Deductible Plans under $200 be aware that these typically require you to personally fund every Doctor Visit and only provide coverage if hospitalization is required. Maternity Care is almost never covered by these plans.
Insurance Company Premiums are determined by the age of the oldest applicant as well as any Pre-Existing Conditions. Each insurance company requires a Medical Questionnaire. Please be truthful; failure to disclose will result in cancellation of your policy at the worst time possible.
Critical Coverage “Must-Haves” for Namibia
Reading through a 40-page insurance policy booklet is very confusing as well as time-consuming. There are five key areas of concern for a family living in Namibia:
1. Medical Evacuation (No Exceptions)
Medical evacuation is the most important area of concern. Although Windhoek is a city that has some excellent medical facilities, sometimes children need specialist surgery such as pediatric heart surgery or they may require emergency cardiac care which could necessitate a medevac to Johannesburg or Cape Town. The price tag for air ambulance can run into thousands of dollars. Make sure your plan includes coverage for “Medevac to the closest Center of Excellence”
2. Outpatient Services
Kids get sick. Kids get earaches. Kids get fevers. Kids get tummy aches. If your plan does not include outpatient services, each trip to the Windhoek pediatrician will be paid out of pocket. Look for a plan that has an “Outpatient Rider” or “Wellness Rider” to pay for the numerous times your kids are seen by a doctor.
3. Coverage for Chronic and Infectious Diseases
Namibia has unique health challenges. Make sure your plan provides coverage for malaria and tuberculosis. Also make sure your plan does not exclude treatment for pre-existing conditions (i.e., asthma) after a predetermined amount of time.
4. Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Services
Plan ahead; a minimum of one year before you travel to Namibia. Most international insurance companies impose a 10-12 month waiting period for maternity services. Therefore, if you become pregnant while living in Namibia, it will be almost impossible to find an insurance company willing to provide coverage for delivery.
5. Repatriation
Unfortunately, this is another serious subject that needs to be considered. Repatriation means the cost associated with bringing a seriously ill patient back to their home country or, in extreme cases, the deceased’s remains.
Practical Tips for Your Stay in Namibia
You’ve only just begun by purchasing your policy. To use that policy as effectively as possible when studying in Namibia will take some local know-how.
Pay and Claim vs. Direct Settlement Doctors practicing in Namibia often do so on a “pay and claim” basis. For an N$800 (Namibian dollars) consultation fee, you would pay the doctor for the services rendered, receive a receipt, and then upload that receipt to your insurers’ apps for reimbursement. Additionally, for larger hospitalization fees, your insurer should issue a “Guarantee of Payment” (GOP). Keep a copy of your insurance identification card, and save the 24 hour emergency contact number in your mobile phone.
University Compliance Check with your university’s International Office prior to purchasing your policy. Your institution may require a specific minimum level of coverage (i.e., “minimum of $100,000 for medical costs”), and ensure that your global health policy has or exceeds this value to prevent any problems with your study permit.
Prioritize Hospital Coverage over Doctor Visits When your student stipend is very tight, it might be tempting to choose a cheaper policy and sacrifice your hospital coverage for the sake of paying less for your premium. It is much more cost effective to pay for the doctor to visit yourself rather than incur a $10,000 surgical bill because you were trying to save money by choosing a “budget” policy with low limits.
How to Shortlist Your Top 3 Plans
Don’t try to analyze twenty companies. It will lead to paralysis by analysis. Follow this three-step workflow to find your family’s match:
- Consult a Broker: Contact a firm like Pacific Prime or ExpatFinancial. Tell them: “I am a student moving to Namibia with a spouse (age) and child (age). I need a plan that includes medical evacuation to South Africa.”
- Compare Two Tiers: Ask for a “Silver” (Mid-range) and “Gold” (High-end) quote from the top three providers they suggest (usually Allianz, Cigna, and IMG).
- Check the Network: Ask the broker if the insurer has a history of “Direct Settlement” with the major private hospitals in Windhoek.
Pro Tips
Relocating to Namibia for your family will be a bold yet rewarding adventure. The land has dramatic landscapes, a warm-hearted community, and an increasing educational system.
Having a global medical plan in place to cover the geographic uniqueness of Southern Africa removes the “what ifs” from your new journey.
Take a little time to review and compare the plans offered by the global providers. Spending just a few hours researching now can provide you with peace of mind when your child suddenly develops a high fever while traveling in a foreign city. Your thoughts should be on your child’s well-being rather than how much it may cost. Welcome to Namibia; safe travels.
References:
- AOC Insurance Broker. (n.d.). Namibia expat health insurance guide. https://www.aoc-insurancebroker.com/namibia-expat-health-insurance-guide
- APRIL International. (n.d.). What does international student health insurance cover? https://www.april-international.com/en/international-student-insurance/guide/what-does-international-student-health-insurance-cover
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International health insurance for individuals and families. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/
- Expat Financial. (n.d.). Namibia healthcare system and medical insurance for expats. https://expatfinancial.com/healthcare-information-by-region/african-healthcare-system/namibia-healthcare-system/
- International Medical Group. (n.d.). International student health insurance. https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-insurance
- Pacific Prime. (n.d.). Top health insurance companies in Namibia for expats. https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-namibia-insurance-companies-expats.html
- Sable International. (n.d.). Expat personal insurance. https://www.sableinternational.com/wealth/other-residents/expat-personal-insurance
- Student Insurance Portal. (n.d.). Study in Namibia: Health insurance for international students. https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/namibia
