Health Insurance in Suriname, America
Information expatriation
Capital City: Paramaribo
Total area: 163,820 km2
Population: 458,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +597 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:
· Suriname has a universal healthcare system that is funded through general tax revenues and employee/employer contributions.
· It aims to provide free primary care, secondary and some tertiary care to all legal residents.
· Primary care is delivered through 50 public health centers and posts across the country.
· Secondary and tertiary care is offered at 7 public hospitals, including the large Academic Hospital Paramaribo.
· The government regulates the system but NGOs and private clinics also offer healthcare services.
· Key challenges include a lack of facilities, medical professionals and medicines in rural areas.
· Major health issues relate to infectious diseases, maternal/child health, non-communicable diseases.
· Access varies significantly between well-served urban centers and remote indigenous territories.
· Reforms aim to decentralize and improve primary care infrastructure in underserved regions.
· Medical tourism is an area of growth due to treatments like fertility and cosmetic procedures.
· Overall quality of care is considered good in main cities but access abroad is often needed for advanced care.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Purchase international medical evacuation insurance before arrival as access varies outside main cities.
· Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, especially for diseases like hepatitis, malaria, dengue which represent risks.
· Only consume bottled or purified water and thoroughly cook foods/fruits to prevent illness.
· Carry extra supplies of prescription medications and copies of valid prescriptions.
· Medical care options are much more limited in rural/indigenous areas compared to Paramaribo.
· Monitor any impacts from lifestyle/climate changes that could affect health as an expat.
· Use mosquito nets/repellent and protective gear against insect bites which can transmit disease.
· Register location with embassy in case emergency medical evacuation is required.
· Learn some basic medical phrases in Dutch, Sranan Tongo or local languages to improve communication.
· Road hazards exist due to terrain - drive cautiously or use reputable transportation especially in jungle areas.