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:
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.