Samoa Medical Insurance

Samoa is a group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1000 kilometers to the northwest from Fiji. Officially known as the Independent State of Samoa, Samoa was known as Western Samoa until 1997, when the constitution was amended to change the country’s name. The two main islands of Samoa are Savai’i and Upolu. Even though Savai’i is considered one of the largest islands in Polynesia, Upola is where the capital of Apia and Faleolo International Airport are located. Samoa offers some of the most beautiful and enchanting island experiences in the Southern Pacific. It has an expanding tourism industry but the country still depends on financial aid to support its economy.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the Samoan government agency that is responsible for Samoa’s health sector. The Samoan Government is the main source of funding for the Samoan healthcare system. In 2006 the Ministry of Health Act mandated that the MoH is required to perform regulatory and monitoring functions for the Samoan health system and is responsible for strategic planning, establishing health polices, and the quality of health in the country. There have been great improvements within the health sector since the mandate was put in place, giving Samoans access to relatively good medical facilities. In recent years the health indicators for Samoans has also been able to improve.

There are a low number of health care facilities within Samoa. As of October 2010 Samoa has 2 public hospitals, 3 district hospitals, 11 health centers, 17 health sub-centers and 1 private hospital. The Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Motootua is the National Hospital and is located in the capital of Apia. The National Hospital of Samoa provides primary, secondary and tertiary medical care facilities. It is also the headquarters of the Ministry of Health in Samoa. Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital is adequately equipped to provide healthcare. On Savai’i Island the Malietoa Tanumafili II hospital is one of the three district hospitals in Samoa and is located within the town of Tuasivi. Apart from the National Hospital, district hospitals can provide basic medical facilities and services. Overall, Samoa’s health facilities are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited in the range of care and availability. All foreign nationals are required to pay for all medical services acquired in Samoa. Doctors and Hospitals usually expect cash payment before carrying out any medical treatments. In the event of a medical emergency it is likely that the only option for treatment would entail evacuation to a medical facility with sufficient levels of medical care, possibly in Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii. It may be advisable to discuss with an international health insurance provider about medical options for the possibility of covering medical evacuation or transportation.

The private hospital within Samoa, known as MedCen Hospital, was the first private hospital to be established in the South Pacific. MedCen hospital achieved its international certification status in 2003. It is a 21 bed facility located in Vailima within the capital Apia. MedCen is equipped with a laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound facilities, fully outfitted emergency room, delivery room and has a modern state of the art dental clinic. One disadvantage is the occasional lack of availability; because MedCen is such a small hospital its facilities may be busy and therefore may not always readily available. MedCen is the only private medical hospital in Samoa and provides a higher standard of patient care compared to public hospitals, but fees for treatment are much higher as well.

Samoa contains several potentially dangerous diseases that travelers should be aware of when visiting the country. Mosquito-borne diseases are present within Samoa, such as dengue fever. There are no vaccinations against dengue fever so tourists and expatriates should take preventative measures against mosquitoes to avoid infection. There was an outbreak of dengue fever in October of 2008, resulting in more than 500 cases of infection, but no deaths. Even though dengue fever is present, malaria is a disease that is almost non-existent within Samoa. In February 2011 the Samoan government had implemented screening at airports in response to H1N1. Though over all the presence of the virus is low and presents a small threat to travelers.

Bacterial Diarrhea and gastroenteritis are present within Samoa but can be avoided by drinking clean water and ensuring food is properly cooked. Water is reasonably safe to drink but it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water. If you are to drink tap water ensures it has been cleaned either by boiling it or using Iodine tablets.

Samoa is a country that is located within the ring of fire. The ring of fire is a horse-shoe shaped area that encircles the Pacific Ocean, approximately 40,000km long. It is subjected to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Though Samoa does not have any active volcanoes it is subjected to high levels of seismic activity. In 2009 September 29th Samoa was struck with an earthquake measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale. This then triggered a tsunami that devastated the southern coast of the island Upolu. There was a large loss of life and numerous people were injured in the incident. In 2009, the Samoan island area alone was hit by over 12 earthquakes with a Magnitude of 7 or greater on the Richter scale. For expatriates and visitors to Samoa it is important to be up to date with procedures in the case of severe earthquake or tsunami. Remember that the southern Samoan coastal areas are at a higher risk from damage from tsunamis.

As an island in the southern Pacific, Samoa is subject to periods of heavy rain fall and tropical storms. The tropical storm season on average runs from November to April. Heavy rains and tropical cyclones can cause flooding and landslides, damaging infrastructure and making travel around the islands very difficult. In an event of a typhoon or monsoon, expatriates may be required to leave accommodations near the shore and move to safety centers on the island.

Known for being a unique island getaway, Samoa also has its own laws and traditions that need to be respected. While you do see men cross-dressing and behaving in a feminine manner within traditional Pacific culture, any kind of homosexual acts are illegal in Samoa. Pornography and indecent publications of any kind are strictly prohibited. A person entering the country is only allowed to carry one liter of spirits and up to 200 cigarettes.

Expat Medical Insurance is an international medical insurance brokerage, and can offer a number of international medical and travel insurance policies, with optional benefit packages including dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations and many more. If you would like to find more information about travelling to Samoa, or to receive a free International Health Insurance Quote, feel free to contact one of our dedicated advisers today.