Health Insurance in Solomon Islands, Oceania

Information expatriation

Capital City: Honiara
Total area: 28,896 km2
Population: 506,992
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +677 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikepedia Solomon Islands

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:

·      The Solomon Islands has a mixed public-private healthcare system aiming for universal access through its network of facilities.

·      The public sector provides the majority of healthcare through community health centers, district hospitals and the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.

·      Services include primary care, maternal/child health, treatment of common illnesses and minor procedures. Limited specialized care is available.

·      Healthcare resources and infrastructure are limited, especially outside of urban centers on the many remote islands.

·      There are chronic shortages of supplies, equipment, facilities and qualified medical professionals.

·      Major health issues include communicable diseases like malaria, respiratory illnesses, as well as non-communicable diseases.

·      The private sector provides an alternative but is centered in Honiara and expensive for most.

·      International partners provide aid to support strengthening the public system and expanding access.

·      Health outcomes lag with life expectancy around 74 years on average impacted by limited resources.

·      In summary, the mixed system focuses on developing primary care nationwide but significant constraints persist in achieving universal healthcare access.

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

·      Access limited public healthcare services but quality varies greatly depending on location. Purchase comprehensive private medical evacuation insurance.

·      Strictly follow safe water/sanitation practices, get recommended immunizations, use mosquito nets/repellent to prevent endemic illnesses like malaria.

·      Carry adequate supplies of prescription medications rather than relying on availability in country which is unreliable.

·      Mental healthcare services are basically non-existent. Develop strong personal support networks.

·      Infrastructure like roads, hospitals is very poor outside Honiara. Have self-evacuation contingency plans for remote areas.

·      Cultural/language barriers will impact interactions with providers. Consider translation assistance.

·      Private healthcare in Honiara serves expats but it is expensive without insurance. Know costs.

·      Safety risks include tropical storms, volcanoes, road accidents. Follow all precautions and evacuation plans carefully.

·      Register with embassy and understand individual health responsibilities/insurance coverages explicitly.

·      Proactive preventative health measures and comprehensive evacuation insurance are essential given limitations across the Solomon Islands' mixed healthcare landscape.