Marshall Islands Health Insurance

The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of a number of atolls and islands which are located in an isolated part of the central Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,000 kilometers north of Fiji. The total land mass of the Marshall Islands is just 181 square kilometers although the islands are widespread and cover an area of the Pacific Ocean several hundred thousand kilometers in size. The population of this small nation is estimated to be 67,000 people.

During World War II, the Marshall Islands were under the control of Japan until 1944 when the United States assumed control of the islands. Following the end of the war, the islands were declared a military weapons testing area and numerous atomic explosions were carried out. Radioactive fallout from these tests lasted for decades and caused considerable damage to inhabitants and to the local environment. The Marshall Islands has limited natural resources and fishing and agriculture are the two most prominent sectors of the economy. Despite achieving independence in 1986, the United States continues to provide considerable financial assistance to the Marshall Islands each year.

Marshall Islands Health Care and Insurance

Health facilities on the Marshall Islands are quite limited, a majority of which are operated by the Marshallese authorities. The national government, through the Ministry of Health (MoH) is responsible for the provision and delivery of health care throughout the country. Health care services have been divided into three sub-divisions, namely the Majuro, Kwajalein and the Outer Islands health services. A large majority of Marshall Islands citizens and residents reside on two atolls, Majuro and Kwajalein, and it is here where the country’s two hospitals are located. The capital city Majuro is also home to one private health clinic although health services offered there differ only slightly in comparison to MoH facilities. Expatriates and travelers are advised to purchase Marshall Islands international health insurance for the duration of their time in the country.

The Armer hospital, located in Majuro, is the country’s largest health facility with an 81 bed capacity. It provides in-patient, emergency and diagnostic services and has been functioning as the main referral hospital since the 1980s. The Ebeye hospital on Ebeye Island provides dental, out-patient, emergency and some specialist services. As an increasing number of patients are referred to the Armer hospital for treatment, the Ebeye has been known to experience shortages in medicines and the hospital and its infrastructure require significant upgrading. Primary health care services including general consultations, basic treatments and immunizations are available at health clinics, of which there are 61 in total. Residents of the outlying and less populated islands can visit these clinics for treatment with patients requiring further treatment being referred to the Armer hospital. Clinics are usually staffed by a small team of nurses and in total, there are 172 nurses working within the public health sector. The remaining health personnel include two pharmacists, seven dentists and 38 doctors. The MoH operates its health policy according to a 15 year strategic plan which hopes to increase the number of health facilities throughout the islands and to provide a high quality and affordable health care service to all citizens.

Marshall Islands Travel Insurance Concerns

The government of the Marshall Islands is now actively promoting the country as a top tourist destination. The islands have many natural attractions including tropical forests and immaculate beaches and coastline. The government has also recently announced that it has designated 2,000,000 square kilometers of the surrounding Pacific Ocean as the world’s largest shark sanctuary. Increasing numbers of divers are now expected to visit the country to observe the vast array of marine life and diving sites the country has to offer. One item of concern in this regard is the lack of a decompression chamber in the Marshall Islands meaning that were an individual to encounter problems associated with deep sea diving, emergency air evacuation to Hawaii would be necessary. Tourists and expatriates intending to purchase Marshall Islands international health insurance are advised to include a benefit for air evacuation.

Situated in close proximity to the equator, the Marshall Islands experiences a hot, tropical climate throughout the year and a number of illnesses and diseases are prevalent. Advice should be sought from a travel health specialist at least four weeks prior to arrival in the country. Vaccinations for Typhoid, plus those for Hepatitis A and B are recommended. The routine vaccination should also be updated if required. Insect borne diseases such as filariasis, chikungunya and Dengue fever are also common to the region and steps to reduce the risk of insect bites are advised. In 2010 and 2011, outbreaks of tuberculosis were reported and receiving the vaccination against this disease is also advised.

The central Pacific Ocean is the starting point for many of the typhoons and tropical storms that strike the Philippines and Mariana Islands during the period of May to November. These typhoons are known to cause damage to infrastructure, usually flooding caused by heavy and persistent rainfall. The Marshall Islands are also one of the lowest lying countries in the world with Majuro and other populated areas lying just one meter above sea level. Sea surges and swells have also been known to cause flooding and damage, most recently in December 2008. Tourists and expatriates should regularly monitor television and weather reports and ensure they are aware of local evacuation practices.

Marshall Islands Expat Health Insurance

Limited health care is available in the Marshall Islands with many specialist or complex medical cases requiring evacuation to a country with up to date medical equipment and facilities, usually Hawaii. Air evacuation costs are extremely expensive and Hawaii is approximately 3,000 kilometers away from Majuro. Health insurance policies can be tailored to include certain provisions such as emergency air evacuation and advisors at Expat Health Insurance can assist you choose the insurance policy that is best suited to your particular needs. For information on Marshall Islands health insurance, international health insurance plans or to receive a free quote, please contact an Expat Health Insurance advisor today.