Health insurance in Cameroon
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Why get private health insurance in Cameroon?
Cameroon has no general public health insurance. Social security (CNPS) only covers workplace injury and a maternity allowance, and the new universal coverage scheme reaches only vulnerable citizens in half the country's regions.
As an expat, you'll be paying privately, and hospitals expect cash up front. Without cover, a GP visit runs about XAF 17,500 (€27), and a hospital day around XAF 95,000 (€145). Serious cases are flown to France or South Africa, a much more expensive option.
Cameroon's long-stay visa also requires medical insurance with repatriation.
How does the healthcare system work in Cameroon?
Little public coverage
Cameroon has no national health insurance for general illness. The Ministry of Health runs the public hospitals, and social security (CNPS) only covers workplace injuries, a maternity allowance, and pensions — not GP visits or hospital stays. The new universal scheme reaches only vulnerable citizens in five of the ten regions. So most expats rely on the private hospitals in Douala and Yaoundé.
Cameroonian pharmacies & medication
Pharmacies are easy to find in Douala and Yaoundé but sparse in rural areas, and French is the working language. A rotating on-duty system covers nights and weekends, and Pharmacie du Plateau in Douala is open 24/7. One important warning: counterfeit medicine is a recognized risk, so stick to licensed pharmacies and avoid street vendors.
Emergency services in Cameroon
Dial 117 for police, 118 for fire, 119 national, or 112 pan-African. All are in French. Most expats call a private clinic directly. Urban response takes 30–90 minutes, and rural areas have no ambulance service at all. Hospitals require a cash deposit up front, and complex cases are transferred to France or South Africa. That's exactly where good cover earns its place.
What expats need health insurance?
Students
There's no national requirement, but some universities — like the American School of Yaoundé and the Catholic University of Central Africa — ask for proof of cover at enrolment.
Retirees
Older expats arrive via family or business routes, with no public cover. A three-day cardiac stay at a private hospital like Polyclinique Bonanjo runs around XAF 2.25 million (€3,430).
Families
Children's care is solid at the private Douala and Yaoundé clinics, but neonatal intensive care is limited. A private birth costs around XAF 1.25 million (€1,905), and local plans cap maternity low.
Gap year & job seekers
A tourist e-Visa gives you no public cover and no insurance, so bridge cover is a must.
Digital nomads
Remote workers come in on a tourist e-Visa with no public health access — and a single ER deposit in Douala can hit XAF 500,000 (€760) up front.
Visa applicants
Cameroon's long-stay visa requires cover for treatment, recovery, and repatriation — embassies look for at least €30,000 plus medical evacuation.
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How much is health insurance in Cameroon?
Without cover, a private GP visit costs about XAF 17,500 (€27), a hospital day costs about XAF 95,000 (€145), and a private birth costs about XAF 1.25 million (€1,905). The big one to plan for: an uninsured medevac to France can run around €70,000.
Public healthcare in Cameroon
There's no public health insurance open to foreigners. Social security funds only provide pensions, family allowances, and workplace injury, not GP visits or hospital care. The new universal scheme covers only vulnerable citizens in five of the ten regions, and doesn't extend to foreigners.
Private medical insurance
Feather's international plans start at €42/month for Essential and €63/month for Plus, with outpatient, dental, maternity, and medical evacuation coverage.
Visa & health insurance requirements for Cameroon
Cameroon's long-stay visa requires international health insurance covering treatment, recovery, and repatriation. Embassies look for at least €30,000 in cover plus medical evacuation.
Accepted for all major Cameroonian visas
Both Feather plans meet embassy expectations — for the long-stay visa, work permit and residence card (Carte de Séjour), and student and family visas.
Documents ready when you sign up
All your documents (proof of coverage, English certificates) instantly in your account. Accepted by Cameroonian consulates.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
Choose your plan
Compare Essential and Plus, pick your deductible, and sign up in under 5 minutes. No paperwork, no medical exams.
Get your documents instantly
Your confirmation and visa-ready proof-of-coverage documents land in your account straight away.
Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
Upload your bill in the app
Already paid? Open the Feather app, snap a photo of your invoice, and submit your claim in under a minute.
Get reimbursed to your account
We review your claim and reimburse you directly to your bank account. Most claims are processed within two weeks.
Cancel anytime after year one
There's a one-year minimum term. After that, cancel whenever you want. No penalties.
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