Micronesia Health Insurance

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in the Pacific Ocean make up a large part of the region of Micronesia. FSM is made up of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. The Yap Empire was the historic basis of much of today’s Micronesia, and the island still uses the famous Yap stones as a unit of currency, although these have largely been replaced by the US dollar for everyday transactions. Micronesia is a poor region, with most inhabitants dependent on subsistence agriculture and fishing, and the national budget is heavily dependent on foreign aid from the USA. English is the official language of the Federated States of Micronesia, although there are several mutually unintelligible languages spoken across the region.

Thanks to assistance from overseas aid, Micronesia spends a very high proportion of the federation’s GDP on health care, 13.8 percent in 2009, or USD 387 each year per person. Micronesia health insurance provided locally is virtually nonexistent. Most public health care spending is funded by overseas aid, or indirectly via the Ministry of Health. Most private health care spending comes from out of pocket.

Micronesia Health Insurance and Health Care Indices

Like many poor countries at early stages of development, Micronesia’s population suffers disproportionately from communicable diseases in comparison with developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, 41 percent of total years of life lost in Micronesia are due to the spread of communicable disease. However, that being said, Micronesia’s rate of tuberculosis infection is lower than the western Pacific regional average, with 155 cases per 100,000 people, although this rate is much higher than that of wealthy countries. Micronesia has experienced outbreaks of cholera, although none of these occurred in the past decade. Cases of Zika virus, dengue fever and hepatitis have also been reported throughout the country. High rates of obesity and tobacco use have led to increases in non-communicable disease. Alcohol related violence and suicide rates among young adult males in Micronesia are also high. Given Micronesia’s geographic vastness, standard reporting across its various states does not yet exist, so most health statistics represent estimates.

Due to limited opportunities for training and the effects of the most educated Micronesians heading overseas for greater economic opportunity, the country’s skilled human capital is seriously understaffed. Micronesia has 5.6 doctors and 22.6 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people, although most of these are concentrated in the state capital cities. Thanks to the involvement of foreign aid organizations, over 90 percent of Micronesian births are attended by skilled health care personnel, but quality of care varies.

In terms of public health measures, slow gains have been made in the provision of clean drinking water across the region, and improving sanitation infrastructure has stalled in more remote parts of Micronesia. Access to improved sanitation facilities has declined from being available to 20 percent to about 15 percent of the rural population. Although the Federated States of Micronesia maintains a Ministry of Health, each state is responsible for the provision of health care. There are only five hospitals, six pharmacies and two dental clinics across the entire archipelago. While four of the hospitals are public, each of the pharmacies and dental clinics is privately run. Given the limitations of Micronesia health insurance, this can present a serious cost burden to patients.

Micronesia Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

While Micronesia is generally very poor, there is a growing population of expatriate workers in the fields of overseas aid and eco-tourism. For example, Yap is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. However, the archipelago’s relative geographic isolation in the western Pacific makes it difficult to reach, which can create complications in the provision of health care. Prospective travelers should consult with a physician or specialist before departing for Micronesia. Updating routine vaccinations is suggested four to six weeks before departure, and this includes jabs against hepatitis and typhoid. Given the small number of pharmacies and health care facilities, it is strongly advised to travel with your own medications, both over the counter and prescription pills. Insect-borne diseases prevalent in the region include dengue, chikungunya and filariasis.

The popularity of scuba diving and other water sports among the islands is not without risk. Be sure to check all equipment before diving, sailing, boating, etc. Gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common to travelers around the world. Over the counter medication can treat most cases, but serious illness in Micronesi, could mean medical evacuation. The limitations of local facilities coupled with Micronesia’s location means that medical evacuation will often be required in emergency treatment, surgery or terminal disease. The lack of locally-based Micronesia health insurance means that out of pocket expenses can become very costly. Hence, an international health insurance plan is strongly recommended.

Micronesia Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Today’s market is full of international health care plans, so choosing the right one can be a real challenge. The team at Expat Medical Insurance is here to ensure that you select the international medical insurance plan that best suits your requirements. Expat Medical Insurance offers a full range of health care plans, including policies which will cover air medical evacuation. When it comes to the health of you and your family, rely on our experienced team of advisors. Travelling abroad is already stressful and medical emergencies only exacerbate this. Trust the experienced representatives at Expat Medical Insurance. Contact one of our advisors today for more details, we’re available anytime night or day.