Brunei Health Insurance

The State of Brunei Darussalam is located in Southeast Asia, on the island of Borneo, which it shares with the Malaysian State of Sarawak and Indonesia. It has an approximate population of 400,000 people within 5,765 square kilometers of territory. Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888 and full independence was not achieved until 1984. Brunei is culturally very similar to Malaysia and the majority of its citizens are ethnically Malay. Islamic influences can be found throughout all aspects of daily life and Brunei is acknowledged as being one of the more conservative countries in the region. With some of the largest oil fields in Southeast Asia, Brunei began developing its oil and gas reserves in the 1970s and has since experienced rapid economic growth. It now ranks in second place on the United Nations Human Development Index for the Southeast Asia region. The oil sector accounts for over 50 percent of GDP although the successful development of banking services, tourism and agriculture has helped reduce the country’s dependence on oil and gas revenues.

Brunei Health Care and Insurance

Brunei is a modern and prosperous country with a well developed public services infrastructure. The national government, through the Ministry of Health, provides a high standard of health care services to the citizens of Brunei. The Ministry of Health also delivers on its promise to provide accessible, affordable and effective health care services to the population. The considerable wealth at the disposable of the government has ensured continued investment in health facilities. It has also enabled the government to provide public health services free of charge. Expatriates, tourists and other non-nationals in Brunei should note that access to no cost public health services is restricted to citizens of Brunei only. Foreign nationals are required to pay in cash for any services or treatment received at health facilities; therefore, to minimize exposure to high health costs, it is important to purchase an international Brunei health insurance policy.

There are an abundance of health facilities in Brunei, with the majority belonging to the public sector although there are a number of private health options available. Within the public sector, there are in total four hospitals, 16 health centers, 14 maternal and child clinics, eight health clinics and four flying service medical teams. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha hospital, otherwise known as the RIPAS hospital, is Brunei’s largest health facility and it is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the nation’s capital city. The RIPAS hospital is a modern and well equipped facility which is capable of providing a wide range of services.

The Jerudong Park Medical Centre/Gleneagles JPMC Cardiac Centre (JPMC) is Brunei’s top private health facility. Equipment, personnel and the range of treatments available exceed those on offer in public health facilities. Under the terms and conditions of the public health system, citizens of Brunei can use the JPMC facility without incurring medical expenses. Expatriates and travelers should note that the cost of treatment here is considerably more expensive than the RIPAS, for example. Being in possession of an international Brunei health insurance policy is strongly advised. Consultations and approval from your insurance provider are required prior to using this facility.

Brunei Travel Insurance Concerns

Brunei enjoys a tropical equatorial climate and there is little daily fluctuation in temperature. All areas receive abundant annual rainfall throughout the year and there are two wet seasons, typically from June to October and from December to March. The majority of diseases associated with tropical regions are not prevalent in Brunei although it is still advisable to consult with a travel health specialist prior to arrival in the country. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are recommended. Incidents of malaria and other diseases spread through the bite of mosquitoes are rare with the exception of Dengue fever and isolated cases of this disease do occur. Mains tap water is not safe for consumption and bottled water should be used at all times. Traveler’s diarrhea and other stomach related illnesses are common amongst expatriates and non-nationals and eating raw or under cooked food are not advised.

Brunei is mostly a low lying country with substantial areas of rainforest. The majority of the population lives in the eastern part of the country and it is here where most health facilities are located. The standard of health facility tends to decrease the further remote you travel and some rural areas may only have a small health clinic capable of treating only the most basic illnesses. These clinics have been known to run low on supplies of pharmaceuticals and medicines. Should an expatriate or traveler experience a medical emergency while in a remote part of Brunei, assistance from a flying medical team may be required. Air evacuation to a hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan or in some severe cases to Singapore is extremely expensive. A provision for air evacuation should be included in any international Brunei health insurance policy.

Brunei Expat Health Insurance

Brunei has a modern and effective network of health facilities that operate to a high standard. The majority of these facilities can adequately cater for the health needs of those living or working in the major population areas. Citizens of Brunei are not required to pay for medical treatment; expatriates, tourists and non-nationals however must pay in cash before requests for treatment will be approved. Expat Medical Insurance can assist you and your family to determine which product or policy suits your particular needs. Global medical insurance policies can be tailored to include benefits such as in-patient, out-patient, dental, air evacuation and more. For more information on Brunei health insurance or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisers today.