Healthcare in Ghana
Ghana's healthcare system is two-tiered: public facilities (overcrowded, limited resources) and private facilities (better quality, more expensive). Expats almost universally use private healthcare.
Healthcare System Overview
Public Healthcare:
- National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) available to legal residents
- Severely overcrowded and underfunded
- Long wait times for services
- Limited access to specialists
- Basic care available but below Western standards
Private Healthcare:
- Modern facilities with international-standard equipment
- Shorter wait times
- Better trained staff, some trained abroad
- Significantly more expensive
- Preferred by expats and affluent Ghanaians
Recommended Private Facilities (Accra)
Top Hospitals:
- Nyaho Medical Centre - High standard, multi-specialty
- Trust Hospital - Well-equipped, good reputation
- LEKMA Hospital - Modern facility
- Maamobi General Hospital - Private wing available
- 37 Military Hospital - Public but better resourced
Specialist Clinics:
- International Maritime Hospital - Emergency services
- Various dental clinics in East Legon and Osu
- Pharmacies widely available (ChemPlus, Entrance Pharmacy)
Health Insurance
Essential for expats - negotiate into employment package or purchase private coverage.
International Health Insurance Providers:
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Care
- Aetna International
- IMG Global
- GeoBlue
Local Options:
- Ghana Union Assurance
- SIC Life
- Enterprise Life
Key Coverage Elements:
- Outpatient care at private facilities
- Inpatient hospitalization
- Medical evacuation (critical - for serious conditions requiring treatment abroad)
- Repatriation coverage
- Dental and vision (usually separate)
Typical Healthcare Costs (Private)
| Service | Cost (GHS) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| GP Consultation | 200-400 | $18-36 |
| Specialist Visit | 400-800 | $36-73 |
| ER Visit | 500-2,000 | $45-180 |
| Hospital Stay (per day) | 1,000-3,000 | $90-275 |
| MRI/CT Scan | 1,500-3,500 | $135-320 |
| Dental Cleaning | 200-500 | $18-45 |
| Prescription Meds | 50-500 | $4.50-45 |
Common Health Concerns
Malaria: Endemic in Ghana - prophylaxis recommended, especially during rainy season
Dengue: Present but less common than malaria
Typhoid: Contaminated food/water risk - vaccination recommended
Yellow Fever: Vaccination required for entry
COVID-19: Vaccination facilities available in major cities
Pharmacies and Medications
Availability: Most common medications available over the counter
Counterfeit concerns: Stick to reputable pharmacies (ChemPlus, Entrance, hospital pharmacies)
Costs: Generally cheaper than Western countries for generic drugs
Medical Evacuation
For serious conditions (major surgery, complex procedures, specialized care), medical evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or home country is common. Insurance covering evacuation is essential.
Mental Health Services
Limited mental health services available in Ghana. Few trained psychiatrists and psychologists. Teletherapy with providers in home country often preferred by expats.
Pro Tips
- •Get international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- •Bring 6-12 months of prescription medications if possible
- •Use reputable private facilities - Nyaho, Trust Hospital, LEKMA
- •Malaria prophylaxis recommended, especially if traveling outside cities
- •Keep emergency contact for medical evacuation service
Have questions about healthcare in Ghana?