Health Insurance in Marshall Islands, Oceania

Information expatriation

Capital City: Majuro
Total area: 181 km2
Population: 59,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +692 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Marshall Island

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 Marshall Islands have a public healthcare system that aims to provide universal coverage to residents.

·      However, resources are limited as a small, remote island nation. Most complex care requires medical evacuation.

·      The main hospital is Marshallese Health Care Program on Majuro Atoll, operated by the Ministry of Health.

·      It provides primary care, outpatient services, and limited inpatient capacity for acute illnesses.

·      Specialized services like radiation therapy, cardiac care, neonatal ICU are unavailable locally.

·      Preventative healthcare addresses communicable diseases and increasing chronic illnesses.

·      Medical staff rely heavily on a rotating team of international physicians and nurses.

·      Even routine services are periodically disrupted when foreign medical professionals depart.

·      Healthcare financing comes from domestic taxes and fees, but is supplemented significantly by US financial assistance.

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

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance. Local healthcare is very basic.

·      Register with the main hospital clinic, but understand most complex cases will require overseas referral/travel.

·      Ensure all routine immunizations are up to date as some vaccines may not be consistently available locally.

·      Bring needed prescription medications, as availability of specific drugs is uncertain.

·      Drink only bottled water and be careful of food preparation hygiene due to sanitation issues.

·      Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are possible risks - take precautions.

·      Isolation and lack of amenities can impact mental health. Have a plan for international counseling if needed long-term.

·      Chronic conditions may be difficult to manage without access to specialists offshore.

·      Costs of medical referrals and flights overseas for serious issues will be an individual responsibility.

·      Contingency evacuation plans are essential given reliance on foreign providers and distance from major hospitals.