spRING 2011 GlobAl MARKETs INTERNATIoNAl - Willis

aCCIdent and HealtH
health CaRe iNsuRaNCe iN suB-sahaRaN aFRiCa
Gaining access to Health Care has become one of the worlds greatest
achievements of the last century for Westernised economies. Generally
speaking, with the exception of the United States until recently, the
cost of health care in developed countries has been assumed by the
State or by private health care insurance institutions.
Elsewhere, the majority of people in developing countries have to pay
for their own medical care. This creates a fundamental barrier to lower
GNP countries. For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s
annual average income per capita is USD 120, and approximately
90 per cent of health care expenditure comes directly from these
household’s disposable income.
a stRoNg develoPMeNt iN the health iNsuRaNCe seCtoR
In many African countries, there is no social security system in place
which covers ‘workers health care costs.’ Employers in the private
sector are therefore arranging private health care insurance policies
for the benefit of their staff and families. Third party intermediaries
have been created in order to simplify the payment structure for
their clients – thus avoiding the need for patients to bear this cost
themselves. Further, in 2003 some health care insurance companies
took a decisive step forward in Africa, making it possible for the
payment of AIDS treatment. Development is ongoing, with the market
for retirement and pension products constantly growing, in spite of
some cultural reticence.
Providing access to health care will be one of the greatest challenges
facing companies and world nations at the start of the 21st century.
According to some economists, this type of cover is possibly a
fundamental factor which could contribute towards economic growth.
Health care insurance in Sub-Saharan Africa
compiled by Gras Savoye, Paris.
| Willis | Mining Market Review 2011
" tHe demoCratIC
rePuBlIC of
Congo’s annual
aVerage InCome
Per CaPIta Is
usd 120, and
aPProxImately
90 Per Cent of
HealtH Care
exPendIture
Comes dIreCtly
from tHese
HouseHold’s
dIsPosaBle
InCome"