Medical emergencies in Zambia

Many safari operators include emergency medical insurance in their rates, but this may only cover the immediate situation and exclude further treatment and/or repatriation. In any event, it’s essential to be fully insured, especially if you’re headed into Zambia’s more remote regions. Every travel insurance policy is different so make sure you know how yours operates. Some policies will expect you to pay up front and seek reimbursement later, others have ties with Zambia’s private hospitals and direct payments are possible.

Speciality Emergency Services (SES) is Zambia’s main country-wide emergency medical support service and your best option if you need urgent assistance. They also offer short-term medical and evacuation insurance if you’ve concerned with the cover offered by your main provider. Their local emergency number is 737, or dial +260962740300 or +260977770302 from outside the country. ses-zambia.com.

Zambia has very limited mobile-network cover outside the major centres. Safari camps and lodges will always have a means of contacting emergency services, but if you’re self-driving to remote areas, a satellite phone is highly recommended.

Healthcare system Zambia

Zambia’s public healthcare system is very basic by first-world standards and suffers from inadequate funding and a lack of infrastructure and facilities, especially in rural areas. There are good private hospitals in Livingstone and Lusaka and if you have any kind of medical emergency you’ll be transferred there as soon as possible. For very serious or on-going treatment, patients may require evacuation to South Africa which has the best medical facilities in the region. Treatment…

Languages in Zambia

Multiple ethnicity in Zambia mean a plethora of languages and dialects Zambia’s official language is English, but there are more than 70 different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Almost everyone will speak or understand some English and most Zambians living in the urban centres speak it fluently. Signs and official documentation are almost always in English and/or Bemba and Nyanja, the country’s two most widely spoken local languages. Bemba is spoken by…

Travel insurance for Zambia

Comprehensive medical insurance is essential for holidays to Zambia. It should include cover for emergency evacuation and private hospitalisation within Zambia, transfers for specialist treatment in neighbouring countries and, ultimately, repatriation. Make sure you’re covered for safari activities and close wildlife encounters, and any other adventure activities you plan on doing. Walking and canoeing safaris usually require special cover. Bungee jumping and white water rafting…