Travel Insurance for Cameroon

Country Risk Code: High

Cameroon, a country located in Africa, has a little bit of everything, from rainforests and savannahs, beaches, mountains, and deserts to culture and languages. However, the country has its own risks to travelers. It's critical that you get Cameroon travel insurance that will protect you in this exciting but challenging country. Some insurance does not cover some areas in Cameroon, especially regions where corruption, diseases, and banditry looms.

Potential Risks in Cameroon

Political instability is a significant problem in Cameroon which makes business and humanitarian activities challenging to carry out. The north and border regions continue to struggle between government forces and separatists. There have also been reported cases of kidnaps in the southwest and northwest regions.

Terrorism isn't left out as there are reports from FCDO that terrorist attacks may likely occur in Cameroon. Boko Haram, a terrorist group, actively operates in the Far North region. However, attacks could happen in any part of the country, including major cities and towns like Douala and Yaoundé. Hotels, sports venues, significant marketplaces, and parks have been the primary targets of the terrorists. Babouang and Mbarang report events of massive gunfights and people taken as hostages.

In the north of Maroua, road travelers are likely to encounter carjackers as crackers are known to terrorise that route. If you plan to do business here, you should note that corruption, bribery, and scam is deeply rooted in Cameroon. You may have to buy your way in most circumstances. Piracy is also prevalent, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.

Transport Risks

Cameroon has a flawed road network system. Roads are poorly lit and impassable, especially during rainy seasons. Roads have very few safety and traffic signs. Poorly maintained vehicles, aggressive drivers, livestock, and pedestrians are commonly seen on roadsides. There is the risk of 'jungle justice' by an angry mob in the case of accidents with sustained injuries. You may experience little challenges at police checkpoints without a valid passport.

Furthermore, road bribery is common as some security officials stop vehicles to extort money or impose minor offenses. Taxis can be risky as drivers stop along the road to pick more passengers till the car is filled. There have been reported cases of taxi drivers conniving with passengers to commit criminal acts such as robbery. It's advisable to hire a private taxi if you must use one.

Health Risks

Cameroon has poor healthcare and low-standard medical facilities, especially in rural areas. There is limited provision of emergency facilities. Surgeries and treatment of major diseases are deterred due to a lack of medical experts, outdated kits for diagnosis, and poor sanitation. Pharmacies in major cities have many medicines, but in rural areas, these medicines are limited. Schistosomiasis and Malaria are prevalent in Cameroon.

Foreign visitors are advised to avoid being exposed to fresh and stagnant waters. There have been previous cases of cholera outbreaks in the country. In 2010, more than 7,800 cases of cholera were confirmed, and over 500 lives were lost to cholera. Cholera outbreaks occur now and then between December and June, especially in Littoral province, Douala city, the West and Southwest provinces.

Safety Tips to Stay In Cameroon

Choosing The Right Cover For Your Cameroon Trip

It's crucial that you get Insurance that covers medical emergency evacuation in case of an emergency. If you plan to do a shipping or an exporting/importing business in Cameroon, it's advisable to get Maritime Security Insurance or International Cargo Insurance to protect your goods.

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