The Bank Hospital is closest to Western standards and most recommended for expats. University of Ghana Medical Center and Accra Medical Center are excellent. Luccahealth has US staff. Care costs far less than the US. $1,000 for 5 days. Malaria is the most common illness and easily treated.
Planning a trip to Ghana with children and want to know which hospitals to use? Here are the best medical facilities in Accra.
Top Recommended Hospitals
1. The Bank Hospital
The Bank Hospital is the most frequently recommended facility for expats. It's closest to Western standards with equipment and services above other hospitals. Expats consistently go there for quality care.
The hospital is private and not cheap, but charges fairly for the level of service provided. You can choose different room types including VIP wards. It accepts international insurance like 1Cover from Australia through the local agent Holistic.
2. University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC)
UGMC in Legon is a solid choice that balances quality and cost. It's a public hospital with good standards. Several people recommend it as a reliable facility.
3. Accra Medical Center
This private hospital offers top notch service with very good doctors. It provides quality care similar to Western standards.
Other Quality Hospitals
- Ridge Medical Center (not Ridge Hospital - they're different facilities)
- Euracare
- Lister Hospital
- Nyaho Clinic
- Luccahealth Medical Center - An American hospital with US staff
- Medifem
- Yeboah Hospital in East Legon
- Maritime Hospital in Tema (excellent service, private rooms)
What Care Really Costs
Hospital care in Ghana is far cheaper than in the US. Maritime Hospital charged about $1,000 total for a 5-day stay with private room, loads of tests, and medications. That's less than many long weekend hotel stays.
At The Bank Hospital, costs depend on room type you choose. If you have private health insurance, the VIP ward is covered.
Large hospitals have standard charges, so you're unlikely to get scammed. Pricing is consistent across facilities.
About Medications
Medication is easy to find in Ghana and much cheaper than in the US unless it's highly specialized. You can bring your own medications for precaution, but you'll likely find what you need locally.
When you arrive, find a quality pharmacy and pick up locally made mosquito repellent and a first aid kit.
Malaria Treatment
The most likely illness you'll face is malaria. This is easily treated at almost any hospital. You can bring malaria medication and start taking it 2 weeks before arrival as a precaution.
Private vs Public
Private hospitals provide the best service but cost more. If you bring all medications you need, you only pay for consultation. Public hospitals like UGMC and The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (formerly Ridge Hospital) offer good care at lower costs.
Depending on where you live in Accra, local doctors in your area would be suitable unless you're happy to travel to specific hospitals.
What to Expect
Hospital care in Ghana is professional. The charges at large hospitals are standard, and you won't get overcharged as a foreigner at reputable facilities. Some hospitals provide European or American quality healthcare.
Insurance Coverage
Some hospitals accept international insurance:
- The Bank Hospital accepts various international plans
- 1Cover from Australia works through local agent Holistic
- Many facilities require upfront payment with reimbursement later
Check with your specific insurance about coverage before you travel.
Getting Help
Join the "Ask Doctors in Ghana" Facebook group for medical questions. Doctors there can properly direct you to the right facilities for specific concerns.
What You Should Do
For a 3-month stay with children:
- Identify the hospital closest to where you'll stay
- Bring medications for precautions (malaria prevention, antibiotics)
- Find a quality pharmacy after arrival
- Buy local mosquito repellent
- Keep The Bank Hospital or Accra Medical Center as your backup for serious issues
- Budget for medical costs (much cheaper than US, but private care isn't free)
Most visitors never need hospital care. If you do, it's usually for easily treatable conditions like malaria.