By Alex Ababio
Introduction
If you are planning a trip to Ghana, travel insurance is not optional. Your UK health insurance – including the NHS – does not cover you outside the United Kingdom. The NHS provides free or low-cost care within the UK, but in Ghana, you are on your own.
A medical evacuation from Ghana back to the United Kingdom can cost anywhere from £40,000 to £120,000. Without insurance, that bill is yours. This guide covers what you need, what medical evacuation is, and how to choose a policy.
Why UK Health Insurance Won’t Help You in Ghana
The NHS does not cover medical treatment abroad except in limited emergency circumstances within Europe. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC for new applicants, but it only provides reduced-cost or emergency care in EU countries. Ghana is not covered.
Some private UK health insurance plans may offer international coverage, but most do not. You must check your policy. Without travel insurance, you will pay out of pocket for any medical care in Ghana.
What Is Medical Evacuation and Why You Absolutely Need It
Medical evacuation (medevac) is emergency transport from a hospital in Ghana to a better-equipped facility, either in another country like South Africa or back to the United Kingdom.
Ghana has decent hospitals in Accra – Korle Bu, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Nyaho Medical Centre. But for serious conditions like a major heart attack, stroke, or complex brain surgery, you may need evacuation. An air ambulance from Ghana to the UK costs £40,000 to £120,000.
What Standard Travel Insurance Covers
Emergency medical expenses (hospital stays, surgery). Medical evacuation (usually £250,000 to £1,000,000). Trip cancellation and interruption. Baggage loss or delay. 24/7 emergency assistance hotline.
Exclusions: pre-existing conditions (unless waived), extreme sports without add-ons, pandemics (check COVID-19 coverage), travel to regions with FCDO Level 4 warnings.
Medical Evacuation Coverage Limits – How Much Is Enough?
The average medical evacuation from West Africa to the UK costs £40,000 to £120,000. A helicopter evacuation from a remote area to Accra costs £8,000 to £20,000.
Recommend minimum £250,000 medevac coverage, but £500,000 to £1,000,000 is safer.
Top Travel Insurance Providers for Ghana (2026)
GeoBlue: Offers £1,000,000 medevac, works with international hospitals.
World Nomads: Popular with travellers, medevac up to £500,000.
Allianz Travel Insurance: Medevac up to £1,000,000 on premium plans.
Seven Corners: Good for long-term and mission trips.
Medjet: Membership programme that arranges evacuation to your home hospital.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Ghana Cost?
Basic plan (emergency medical only, £100,000 medevac): £30 to £65 for a 10-day trip.
Mid-range plan (£250,000 medevac, trip cancellation): £65 to £120 for 10 days.
Comprehensive plan (£1,000,000 medevac, full benefits): £120 to £250 for 10 days.
Factors affecting price: age (over 65 pays more), trip length, pre-existing conditions, add-ons.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose and Buy Travel Insurance for Ghana
Step 1: Assess your needs. Adventure activities? Pre-existing conditions?
Step 2: Compare at least three providers using comparison sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip.
Step 3: Check medevac limits. Do not accept less than £250,000.
Step 4: Read the fine print on exclusions. Make sure COVID-19 is covered.
Step 5: Purchase before you leave. You cannot buy insurance after an emergency happens.
Step 6: Save the emergency contact number in your phone.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Susan, 58, from Manchester, bought a GeoBlue policy for £100. She developed appendicitis in Accra. Surgery cost £7,000. Insurance covered it all. She paid nothing out of pocket.
Example 2: Mark, 45, from Birmingham, skipped travel insurance to save £70. He was in a taxi accident and broke his leg. The hospital required £10,000 upfront. He paid with credit cards. His UK insurance denied the claim. Do not be Mark.
Medical Facilities in Ghana
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Accra) – largest but overcrowded. University of Ghana Medical Centre (Legon) – modern, good standards. Nyaho Medical Centre (Accra) – private, expat-friendly, higher costs. Trust Hospital (Accra) – reliable for non-emergency care. Regional hospitals in Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast – basic care only.
Common Mistakes
Assuming your credit card offers sufficient coverage – most cards have very low limits. Buying the cheapest policy without checking medevac limits. Not disclosing pre-existing conditions. Waiting until you arrive in Ghana to buy insurance. Losing the emergency contact number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my credit card offer travel insurance for Ghana? Some premium cards offer limited coverage, but medevac limits are often too low. Check your terms.
Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in Ghana? Yes, but it will not cover any emergency that has already occurred.
Does travel insurance cover political evacuation? Some policies include security evacuation as an add-on.