Health Insurance in Haiti, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: Port-au-Prince
Total area: 27,750 km2
Population: 9,598,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +509 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Haiti

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Haiti has a limited public health system that struggles with lack of funding and infrastructure capacity nationwide.

·      The Ministry of Public Health oversees public hospitals, health centers and community health workers in decentralized zones.

·      Only about 30% of the population has access to public primary healthcare services due to majorshortages.

·      Private and NGO facilities provide the bulk of medical services outside the capital but coverage is unequal.

·      Only approximately 20% of the population has any form of health insurance through employers or private plans.

·      Health expenditure amounts to around 6% of GDP but most is out-of-pocket payments in private settings.

·      Doctors, nurses, facilities and equipment are vastly inadequate nationwide especially in rural areas.

·      Maternal and child mortality rates are among the highest in the Western Hemisphere due to limited accessible care.

·      Life expectancy is around 64 years challenged by lack of resources, frequent natural disasters and a weak economy.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase full comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance before arriving. Do not rely solely on Haiti's extremely limited public system.

·      Expats generally use private hospitals and clinics in major cities like Port-au-Prince that provide higher quality services.

·      Insurance must have nationwide coverage and evacuation plans, as quality drops off sharply outside main urban areas.

·      Bring needed prescription medications rather than relying on inconsistent local availability and quality.

·      Learn basic medical Creole for communicating, as French ability may not be universal especially outside cities.

·      Waterborne illness risk is high. Purify all water or drink bottled water only. Get hepatitas/typhoid vaccines.

·      Road travel is hazardous. Have a plan to access prompt medical care if accidents occur.

·      Register with an international healthcare provider familiar with evacuating from Haiti if necessary.

·      Adhere to vector prevention for diseases like malaria and dengue which prevalence rises during rainy seasons.

·      Monitor health alerts regarding outbreak risks like cholera given fragile public health infrastructure.