Find a medical facility
Are you looking for insurance coverage?
See how you can find your health professional with MSH
Already a member?
Please log in to find your healthcare provider
Sales team
Customer services
Individuals sales team
From 9 AM to 6 PM (CET)
Send us an email
Corporates sales team
From 9 AM to 6 PM (CET)
Send us an email
Quick Access

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Discover how the system works in Senegal

The healthcare system in Senegal has been improving a lot over the last few years, thanks to a dedicated budget that has tripled between 1980 and 2000. However, there still remains some disparities, as doctors are not equally distributed across the country and are mainly located in Dakar. There are two types of medical insurances in Senegal: one that is public and one that is private. Due to the public sector’s shortcomings, the number of private medical offices has increased significantly. Overall, Senegal offers good quality care in major cities but the quality of medical services in the rest of the country remains quite poor.

Visiting a doctor in Senegal

Many doctors speak French. However, you need to go to large cities if you wish to see a doctor who speaks English. Consultations usually require an appointment and take place from Monday to Friday, between 9.30 a.m./12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. /6 p.m.

The cost of a consultation with a GP in the private sector is usually around 10,000 CFA Francs (around €15) while a consultation with a specialist in the private sector costs an average of 20,000 CFA Francs (around €30). Many doctors have received their training in France and the quality of medical care and services is very good. However, medical equipment is sometimes missing, in particular for medical imaging.

Remember to keep all of your invoices in order to be reimbursed by your international health insurance plan in Senegal.

Being admitted to hospital in Senegal

Clinics open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and hospitals provide 24/7 services. The healthcare system in Senegal includes public and private hospitals. The quality of care is quite good in hospitals located in large cities; however urgent care may not always be provided and you have to pay for a significant amount of money to be able to access most medical services (you will usually have to pay cash rather than by credit card).

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, you may have to be transported to a more appropriate destination; in this case do not hesitate to contact your international health insurance.

Buying medication in Senegal

Pharmacies can be found across the entire country. In Dakar, pharmacies provide many different drugs. Be aware of counterfeit drugs which are common in Senegal. If you go to rural areas, it is advised to bring your own medication and prescriptions with you.

Get your health insurance for Senegal

MSH can help you design the best international health insurance plan to suit your needs.

Going for less than a year and over 36 years old?  
Discover our health insurance plan to cover you up to 12 months, for any reason.

Going for less than a year and under 36 years old?  
Discover our health insurance plan to cover you up to 12 months, whether it's for internships, working holiday visas, or just tourism.

Going for a year or more?
Explore our comprehensive and highly flexible health insurance solutions to protect you and your family while you're abroad.

QUICK FACTS

OFFICIAL NAME

Republic of Senegal

MAIN CITIES

Thiès, Kaolack, Ziguinchor, Saint-Louis

CAPITAL

Dakar

GOVERNMENT

Semi-presidential republic

COMMON LANGUAGE

Wolof, Diola, Malinke, Pular, Serere, Soninke

CLIENT STORIES

Client story: MSH was a lifesaver

Matthieu was hiking in a canyon in Peru when he accidently fell down several meters and fractured his kneecap and elbow: "After 12 days in a local hospital, I was sent back to  France where I spent 2 more weeks in hospital and months in physiotherapy" he remembers. Matthieu's hospitalization, repatriation and rehabilitation expenses were all covered by MSH: "Without my private health insurance, it would have been a nightmare: €16,000 for the hospital and €50,000 for my repatriation with two air ambulances - can you imagine?"
Client story: my second opinion

Petra was very worried about the surgery she'd been prescribed following an accident at home. Before making her decision, she wanted a second opinion. Thanks to her private health insurance, which included the Second Medical Opinion guarantee, she quickly saw another doctor and got all the answers to her questions. The second doctor agreed that surgery was necessary and Petra went to hospital feeling reassured and confident.
Client story: The right decision

Bill and his family are based in Brazil. Unhappy with his previous insurer, Bill switched to MSH in December 2015: "One of the best decisions I've made since I've been here", he says, "for the level of service and the breadth and quality of the network."  Bill's insurance card is now recognized by the biggest and best hospitals in Sao Paulo. He even gets third-party payment for simple hospital tests without needing prior agreement: "MSH makes life easy", says Bill. 

For more information

Find out about other countries' healthcare system

Download our brochures
Find the right plan for you in just a few clicks
Want to learn more?
Find the right plan for you in just a few clicks
Contact our team of specialists
We're here to help you 24/7 in your language