Health Insurance in Saint Helena (United Kingdom)

Information expatriation

Capital City: London
Total area: 242,900 km2
Population: 60,587,300 (2006)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone:  List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +44 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Saint Helena (United Kingdom)

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:

·      Saint Helena has a public healthcare system that is part of the British NHS (National Health Service).

·      As an overseas territory of the UK, most funding and resources come from British government grants and overseas aid.

·      Core services are free at the point of use for residents, including inpatient/outpatient medical care and emergency services.

·      The main hospital is the General Hospital in Jamestown, which also serves as the air link evacuation point.

·      Specialized services are not available locally and patients must travel abroad for more complex procedures.

·      There is a focus on public health, disease prevention and treatment of conditions like diabetes/heart disease.

·      Medical staffing is limited due to the small isolated population of around 4,000 people.

·      Shortages of expertise, facilities and equipment present challenges given its remote location.

·      Maternal healthcare has improved but infant mortality remains relatively high.

·      The system aims to provide a standard of care approaching that of the UK NHS given its limitations.

·      Overseas evacuation and additional private health insurance are strongly recommended for expats.

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

·      Register with a local doctor for primary care but expect limitations in available services.

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance before arrival.

·      Specialist care is not available locally so be prepared to travel abroad if needed.

·      Bring essential medications as availability will be limited on the small island.

·      Vaccinations should be up to date as infectious diseases can spread rapidly.

·      Access to emergency evacuation can be impacted by weather affecting the airport runway.

·      Supplemental private health insurance provides options not available through NHS alone.

·      Monitor impacts of isolation and limited social interaction on mental health.

·      Consult doctors about any pre-existing conditions that may require extra support.

·      Water and food are generally safe but quality can be impacted during droughts.

·      Natural disasters like tropical storms are risks - have emergency supplies prepared.

·      Register address with your embassy in case international assistance is needed urgently.