Nicaragua Health Insurance

Located in Central America and bordering Honduras, Costa Rica, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Republic of Nicaragua is a former Spanish colony and part of the Mexican Empire which achieved independence in the mid 19th century. Today’s Nicaragua reflects a cultural blend of Spanish, Amerindian and African influences which can be seen in Nicaraguan art, language, music and cuisine. Oppressive dictatorship, Cold War-era political turmoil and skirmishes along with a devastating earthquake in 1972 depressed the economic fortunes of Nicaragua from which it has never entirely recovered. Today Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Americas, but is also an increasingly popular destination for tourists and expatriates – mostly from North America and Europe.

Nicaragua’s health care indices are in line with most emerging market economies. Life expectancy for males is 71 years and 77 for females. Annual per capita health care expenditure is quite low at USD 254 although this represents about 9.5 percent of GDP. Brain drain is a serious problem for Nicaragua’s health care workforce as many talented physicians and nurses seek better opportunities overseas. There are only 3.7 doctors and 10.7 nurses and midwives for every 10,000 Nicaraguan. This does not compare favorably with regional averages of 22.5 doctors and 61.5 nurses, and represents a serious weakness in Nicaraguan healthcare. There are serious inequalities in the provision of health care in Nicaragua; according to the WHO only 6.3 percent of Nicaraguans have health insurance. Many of the poorest Nicaraguans suffer from high rates of maternal and infant mortality. The WHO has drafted a four point plan to improve the provision of overall health care in Nicaragua: commitment to primary health care for all; promotion of equity in the provision of care; emphasis on the determinants of disease; development of health information systems.

Nicaragua Health Insurance and Health Indices

Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the WHO and other bi- and multilateral aid organisations have had some success in reducing the burden of communicable disease in the country. Communicable diseases currently represent about one third of total years of life lost, according to WHO figures. HIV infection rates are much lower than the regional average, with two cases per 1,000 adults. Tuberculosis is prevalent at approximately one fourth of the global norm, with 53 cases per 100,000. Malaria is also a health concern in Nicaragua (formerly known as part of the “Mosquito Coast”).

As Nicaragua develops economically, non-communicable disease make up a larger proportion of the burden of disease. Growing obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse rates have led to predictable gains in cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. While many cases are preventable, these conditions are expensive to treat and add a significant burden to Nicaragua’s health insurance and health care system.

Nicaragua Health Insurance for Expatriates and Travellers

Nicaragua’s beaches, jungles and culturally rich cities and towns are attracting growing numbers of tourists. The climate and low costs of real estate and health care in Nicaragua appeal to an increasing number of expatriates, particularly retirees from North America and Europe. While most routine medical procedures in Nicaragua can be comfortably paid out-of-pocket by foreign visitors, even at relatively expensive private health clinics, emergency care can present a problem. Most expatriates and tourists avoid public hospitals unless absolutely necessary due to the lower standards of care and cleanliness. But serious medical emergencies such as a heart attack, cancer or an accident will require expensive medical treatment and possibly air evacuation.

Before visiting Nicaragua, it is important to update all routine immunisations. To reduce the risk of malaria, carry insect repellent with DEET at all times. Anti-malarial drugs such as primaquine may be suggested if visiting an area with a high prevalence of mosquitos. Central America is also prone to other insect-borne diseases such as dengue, filariasis and Chagas’ disease, among others. In addition, Nicaragua is also at risk for earthquakes, hurricanes and knock-on effects such as landslides and fires. In Nicaragua, health insurance is important to protect yourself in case of a serious natural disaster or outbreak. Outside of urban parts of Nicaragua, even public health care is very limited, and most care in remote areas is provided by charitable organisations like Doctors Without Borders, CARE, Save the Children and the Red Cross.

Nicaragua Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Perhaps the fastest growing group of expatriates in Nicaragua are retirees from more developed industrialized countries. While they are also eligible for basic care free of charge at Nicaragua’s publicly run hospitals and clinics, few opt for this as standards of care can be low and equipment may be out of date. Also, options are limited for more advanced care, which may require a trip to Miami or Houston, with some of the highest medical care costs in the world. Therefore it is very important to have a detailed understanding of the costs and benefits of your international health insurance plan.

Fortunately, Expatriate Medical Insurance can assist with all of your international health care questions in Nicaragua. Our experienced team of advisors can give you detailed information on the wide variety of international health insurance options available, and help you decide which one suits the needs of you, your family, your company or your tour group. Travelling or relocating overseas is stressful on its own; a trusted advisor like Expatriate Medical Insurance will ensure that you protect your most important asset no matter where you are in the world. Our representatives are available around the clock; please contact an Expatriate Medical Insurance advisor today for more information.