Ghana (GH)

Ghana is one of West Africa's most attractive expat bases: English-speaking, politically stable, culturally warm and increasingly connected to the global African diaspora.

Capital: Accra

Region: Africa

Language: English

Currency: GHS (GHc)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 31)

Emergency: 112

Healthcare in Ghana

Ghana has a mixed system: public hospitals and clinics, NHIS coverage for many services, and a large private sector used by expats for speed, comfort and specialist access. Serious emergencies may require evacuation depending on condition and insurance.

Best facilities are concentrated in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and a few regional capitals; rural coverage is thinner.

Public healthcare: National Health Insurance Scheme

NHIS

Eligibility:Ghanaian residents and eligible foreign residents can register; requirements and premiums depend on category and local office.

Monthly cost:Premium/category dependent; 2026 free registration campaigns may be temporary.

What's included:

Primary care
Common outpatient services
Many essential medicines
Maternity/child services
Referral care within benefit package

Not included (or co-pay required):

Many private hospital services
Some specialist care
Dental/optical beyond limited coverage
Medical evacuation
Premium imported medicines

Co-payments:NHIS should reduce covered costs, but out-of-pocket payments occur for uncovered medicines, private rooms and non-covered services.

How to enrol:Register/renew through NHIS district office, MyNHIS app or *929# where eligible. Ghana Card or active NHIS card is increasingly important.

Waiting period:Waiting periods can apply outside special free-registration windows.

Private healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics

Who can use it:Anyone who can pay or has accepted insurance.

When it makes sense:Most expats use private care for GP, maternity, diagnostics, dental, specialists and faster appointments.

Monthly cost:International insurance often USD 1,000-5,000+/year; local plans vary.

Major providers:

Nyaho Medical CentreLUGA/UGMCEuracareAirport ClinicLister HospitalThe Bank Hospital37 Military Hospital private wing

Accessing care

GP system

No strict gatekeeper. Expats usually choose a private clinic/hospital and keep a regular doctor.

Specialist referral

Private specialists can often be booked directly, though insurers may require referrals/pre-authorisation.

Emergency care

Call 112/193, but many expats go directly to a known private emergency facility if safe to transport.

Out of hours

Private hospitals offer emergency departments; smaller clinics may close evenings/weekends.

Prescriptions

Pharmacies are widespread. Use reputable pharmacies and avoid street medicines/counterfeit risk.

Dental

Mostly private; quality clinics exist in Accra but costs are out-of-pocket or insurance-based.

Mental health

Private psychologists/psychiatrists and teletherapy are the main expat routes; public mental health is resource-constrained.

Maternity

Private maternity care is common for expats; choose hospital early and confirm NICU/emergency capability.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Choose nearest private emergency hospital
Buy insurance including evacuation
Register NHIS if eligible
Store blood type/allergies/medications
Carry yellow fever certificate when travelling

Finding English-speaking doctors:English is the professional medical language.

International insurance:Strongly recommended, ideally with evacuation to South Africa/Europe/Middle East if medically necessary.

Emergency card info:Carry passport/Ghana Card copy, insurer card, emergency contact, allergies and preferred hospital.

Pharmacies (Pharmacy / Chemical shop)

Hours:Urban pharmacies often open long hours; 24-hour options exist in Accra but confirm before relying on one.

After-hours / emergency:Ask your clinic for nearby after-hours pharmacy; large hospitals have pharmacy access.

Prescription rules:Prescription enforcement varies; still use doctors for antibiotics, malaria drugs and chronic medication.

Available over-the-counter:

oral rehydration salts
paracetamol
antihistamines
malaria test kits
mosquito repellent
basic stomach medicines

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	GHS 0–200 copay depending on insurer plan; NHIS-registered facilities may have lower copays
GP visit (private pay)	GHS 300-900 private
Specialist visit	GHS 500-1,500+ private
Emergency visit	GHS 500-3,000+ before tests/admission
MRI scan	GHS 2,000-6,000+
Prescription average	GHS 50-500 depending on medicine/imports
Dental check-up	GHS 300-1,000
Baby delivery	GHS 8,000-40,000+ private depending on hospital and complications

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