Mozambique's healthcare system is structured into public, private, military, and socio-professional subsystems, overseen by the Ministry of Health (MISAU). The public sector, known as the National Health Service (SNS), is the primary provider for the majority of Mozambicans. However, it is largely underdeveloped, particularly outside major urban centers, and faces significant challenges including underfunding, staff shortages, and limited supplies. In January 2026, the National Health System Law (SINS) was enacted, introducing a Community Health Subsystem to strengthen primary care and expand access, especially in remote areas. For foreigners and expats, the public system is generally not accessible, making reliance on the limited private healthcare sector and comprehensive international health insurance an absolute necessity. Most private facilities are concentrated in Maputo, and for complex or specialized medical procedures, medical evacuation to neighboring South Africa is frequently required.

The National Health Service (SNS) in Mozambique is funded primarily through general taxation and a substantial amount of external aid, which constituted 47% of the health budget in 2021. It operates on a hierarchical structure with services provided at primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels. While the system aims for universal access based on citizenship, expats are generally not entitled to utilize public healthcare services. Public hospitals and clinics are often characterized by frequent staff and supply shortages, excessively long waiting times, and limited geographical coverage, especially in rural areas where many Mozambicans must travel long distances for care. Medicines dispensed by the primary care network in rural areas are charged at a standard rate of 20 Mozambican Metical (MZN) per prescription, while some basic hospital medicines are free. The government has been working to expand healthcare coverage, notably through the 'One District, One Hospital' initiative and by significantly increasing the number of community health workers from 1,000 in 2018 to 8,300 in 2022. Despite these efforts, the quality of care and availability of resources in the public sector remain a significant concern.

Private healthcare facilities in Mozambique are predominantly found in Maputo and other larger cities. These clinics and hospitals offer a significantly higher standard of care compared to the public sector, with doctors often being expatriates themselves, well-trained, experienced, and English-speaking. Key private hospitals recommended by expats include Lenmed Maputo Private Hospital, which is equipped for emergencies, obstetrics, pediatrics, and radiology. Other private clinics like Clinica de Especialidades and International SOS Clinic also provide international standards of care. However, even the private sector in Mozambique may not offer the full range of specialized care found in Western countries. For complex procedures, specialist advice, or advanced oncology treatment, expats and wealthier locals frequently opt to travel to South Africa. The private sector currently provides approximately 25% of healthcare services in Mozambique, though largely in non-specialized areas, and the Ministry of Health is encouraging more private investment in specialized care and rural expansion.

Foreigners and expats in Mozambique are not entitled to public healthcare services and must rely entirely on the private healthcare sector. This means that access to medical care is primarily on a fee-for-service basis. There are no reciprocal health agreements that grant expats access to the public system. Therefore, securing comprehensive international health insurance is a critical prerequisite for any foreigner planning to live or work in Mozambique. For non-resident employees, there may be exemptions from local social security contributions if they can provide proof of comparable coverage by a foreign health scheme. Registration steps for accessing private care typically involve presenting your international health insurance details and identification at the private clinic or hospital of your choice. It is advisable to research and identify reputable private facilities in your area of residence, particularly in Maputo, before an emergency arises.

For expats in Mozambique, international health insurance (iPHI) is not just recommended but considered an absolute necessity. Expats are not covered by the public healthcare system, and private healthcare costs can be substantial, especially for serious conditions or medical evacuations.

Types of Plans:

• Voluntary Private Plans: These are the most common and recommended for expats, offering access to private clinics and hospitals in Mozambique and often covering treatment in neighboring countries like South Africa.
• International Health Insurance: Providers like Allianz Care, Cigna, AXA, Bupa Global, William Russell, VUMI, IMG International, DavidShield Group, NOW Health International, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions offer comprehensive plans tailored for expats. These plans typically include inpatient and day-patient care, outpatient treatment, cancer treatment, and crucial emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Employer-Provided Plans: Many companies, especially those in energy, mining, and infrastructure projects, provide international health insurance with evacuation coverage as a standard benefit for their expat staff and dependents.

Key Considerations for Expats:

• Regional Scope: Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and treatment in South Africa, as this is a common destination for specialized care.
• Coverage Tiers: Plans vary significantly in annual limits (e.g., AXA plans from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000) and benefits, so choose one that aligns with your needs and budget.
• Flexibility: Look for modular plans that allow for optional dental, vision, or maternity coverage riders.
• 24/7 Support: Access to a multilingual customer care team is highly beneficial.

While specific monthly premium ranges in MZN are highly variable and depend on the chosen provider, coverage level, age, and medical history, expats should budget significantly for this essential coverage.

Healthcare costs for expats in Mozambique primarily revolve around the private sector, as public healthcare is generally not accessible.

• GP Visits: A standard private doctor consultation in Maputo in early 2026 typically costs between 3,000 and 4,000 MZN, which translates to approximately 45 to 60 USD or 40 to 55 EUR.
• Specialist Consultations: These will generally be higher than GP visits, varying by specialty and clinic. Specific figures are not readily available, but expect them to be in line with or higher than GP costs.
• Hospital Stays: Costs for private hospital stays, procedures, and surgeries can be very high. International health insurance is crucial to cover these expenses, especially given the potential need for medical evacuation.
• Prescriptions: While some basic medicines in public facilities in rural areas are charged at a nominal 20 MZN, private pharmacy costs for imported medications can be higher. Expats should be aware that supply can be unreliable, and it's advisable to know generic names for important medications.
• Dental and Vision Care: These are typically considered out-of-pocket expenses unless specifically included as riders in a comprehensive international health insurance plan. Costs will vary widely based on the procedure and provider.

It is important to note that the yearly per capita public expenditure for health in Mozambique is approximately MZN 1600 (about $25 USD), highlighting the significant difference in funding and cost structures between the public and private sectors.

Emergency medical services in Mozambique can be challenging for foreigners due to the unreliability of public services and potential language barriers.

• Emergency Numbers: The primary emergency number is 112, which is intended for police, fire, and ambulance services. Other numbers include 117 for ambulance and 198 for fire services. However, these public numbers are often unreliable and may not connect.
• What to Expect: In public facilities, expect long waiting times and limited resources. For medical emergencies, expats are strongly advised to contact their nearest private hospital or private ambulance service directly.
• Private Ambulance Services: In Maputo, private ambulance services like Medi Response and International SOS offer more reliable and advanced emergency medical care. International SOS, for example, operates a clinic in Pemba with 24/7 emergency services and has an assistance center in Johannesburg for clients in Mozambique.
• Medical Evacuation: For serious incidents or specialized treatment, especially outside Maputo or in remote areas, air evacuations are often the only viable and fast option. Comprehensive international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage to South Africa or other regional hubs is therefore crucial.
• Cost for Foreigners: Emergency treatment in private facilities will incur costs, which should be covered by your international health insurance. Public emergency services are generally free for citizens, but expats are not typically covered.

The quality of healthcare in Mozambique varies significantly between the public and private sectors, and generally falls below the standards many expats are accustomed to in Western countries.

• Public Sector Quality: The National Health Service (SNS) is basic, limited, and struggles with numerous systemic issues. These include frequent staff and supply shortages, long waiting times for even basic care, and insufficient geographical coverage, particularly in rural areas. There are also concerns regarding the motivation and training of health workers in the public system. Despite efforts to expand primary healthcare and increase community health workers, health outcomes and expenditure efficiency have not kept pace with needs.
• Private Sector Quality: Private clinics and hospitals, mainly in Maputo, offer a higher standard of care, with better-trained staff (often expats), more modern equipment, and shorter waiting times. However, even these facilities may lack the advanced technology and specialized expertise available in more developed nations. For complex surgeries, oncology, or highly specialized medical advice, expats are frequently advised to seek treatment in South Africa.
• International Rankings and Comparison: Mozambique's health expenditure per capita was $115 in 2021, projected to reach $136 by 2026, ranking it low globally. While its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Effective Coverage Index was 44 in 2021, one of the highest in Africa relative to its low GDP, this reflects coverage rather than high quality across the board. Compared to neighboring countries with more developed healthcare systems like South Africa, Mozambique's facilities, particularly in the public sector, are significantly less advanced. The reliance on foreign non-governmental organizations and external aid underscores the system's challenges.