Healthcare In Cape Verde

Heathcare is obviously something that investors of property in Cape Verde should be aware of and make provisions for. Compared with European and American standards, hospitals are rather primitive on the islands.

Visitors receive free treatment in hospitals on presenting their passports, but it is essential to have health insurance that covers repatriation when going to the Cape Verde islands. Private physicians will expect payment in cash regardless of whether you have insurance or not.

There are limited medical facilities in the islands. Praia and Mindelo have small hospitals but any serious illness would require evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities

Medication

Ensure that you have sufficient supplies of any medication you need in their original containers, clearly labelled. It is important that you have a letter from your doctor explaining what medication you take and why. If you are diabetic, for example, and need to carry syringes make sure you have a letter from your doctor explaining the need you have. If you have any allergies especially to penicillin or other medications, ensure that you have your medialert bracelet with you.

Vaccination.

Although Cape Verde is not a high-risk malaria area, it is advisable to take protection before, and while, you are visiting the islands especially if visiting Santiago Island and Praia. There have been recent out breaks on these islands

While not compulsory, vaccination against Typhoid, Diphtheria-Tetanus and Hepatitis A is recommended and will help to ensure that you have an illness free holiday.

Food drink:

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water.

Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.