Health Insurance in Kiribati, Oceania

Information expatriation

Capital City: South Tarawa
Total area: 726 km2
Population: 95,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +686 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Kiribati

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:

·      Kiribati has a publicly funded healthcare system intended to provide universal access to its population of over 100,000 people.

·      However, resources and infrastructure are limited given Kiribati's dispersed island geography and lack of economic resources.

·      Care is delivered through small hospitals on the more populated islands as well as occasional visiting specialists and mobile clinics.

·      Medical evacuation by air or ship to Fiji or New Zealand is often required for advanced care needs beyond local capabilities.

·      Common health issues include communicable diseases, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases associated with an unhealthy diet.

·      Fresh water scarcity and effects of climate change exacerbate health risks like dehydration and vulnerability to infectious outbreaks.

·      About 6-7% of the small national GDP is spent on healthcare annually, supplemented by foreign aid.

·      Significant shortages of medical supplies, equipment and trained staff plague efforts to strengthen primary care access.

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

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance, as advanced medical needs cannot be met locally. This should be your top priority.

·      Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications, as availability is unreliable through Kiribati'slimited public system.

·      Get all recommended routine vaccinations prior to travel as well as others required for tropical destinations.

·      Monitor strictly for diseases like malaria - as transmission is endemic, prevention is critical.

·      Consider installing water purification systems depending on your accommodation's access. Dehydration is a major health risk.

·      Make evacuation plans in advance involving your employer and international insurance for medical repatriation capabilities.

·      Island travel may be required - address any medical conditions that could be exacerbated without rapid access to treatment.

·      English is commonly spoken but learn some basic medical terms in Gilbertese to aid communication if needed.