Suriname Health Insurance

Self-proclaimed as the ‘beating heart of the Amazon’, the forest-dense, river-heavy country that is Suriname, sits on South America’s northern coast, nestled between French Guiana and Guyana. This proud nation of nearly 492,000 multi-cultural inhabitants is a diverse mix of descendants of Dutch and British colonialists, escaped African slaves, and Chinese, Indonesian and Indian contract laborers. The culinary traditions are as diverse as the population itself and linguistic differences are evident, with a variety of native dialects spoken. Dutch is the official language however English is widely used in the country’s capital, Paramaribo. Gold, oil and alumina account for an estimated 85 percent of the country’s exports, and approximately 25 percent of government revenue, highlighting the economy’s vulnerability to mineral price volatility and the state of the mining industry.

Bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, Suriname experiences a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. The untamed convergence of rivers, national parks, nature reserves and Amerindian villages, includes an immense panorama of rainforests, narrow coastal swamps, vast savanna’s and rolling hills. Despite the country being named a “top destination spot” by Lonely Planet, tourist numbers over recent years have remained stagnant. A lack of established logistics and infrastructure are obstacles to Suriname’s tourism growth, and while facilities are available in Paramaribo, they are less developed, and in some parts non-existent in the rugged interior. Given the intrepid nature of journeys within Suriname and a lack of organization in the tourism sector, travelers are recommended to choose guides and tour operators carefully, and ensure an international medical and travel insurance plan is arranged to cover all anticipated activities.

Suriname Health Care and Insurance

Suriname’s national health system is centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health, which has authority over a number of institutions and health units. Primary healthcare is provided via two separate frameworks. The Medical Mission, a non-governmental organization, is contracted to deliver healthcare in the isolated interior of the country, and currently services approximately 60,000 inhabitants. Five physicians are based within the region, supervising well-trained healthcare workers operating from a number of clinics throughout. The other segment of the health system framework is Regional Health Services, which manages 57 clinics throughout the coastal areas, where the majority of the populace lives. The Regional Health Services deliver healthcare to approximately 100,000 inhabitants who are unable to afford private health care. Despite medical facilities being extremely limited by western standards and the number of challenges that Suriname faces in delivering care to the populace, estimated life expectancy is a respectable 71 years for males and 77 years for females.

The Government funds the majority of health delivery for Surinamese, providing basic care to the poorest inhabitants through the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, through the Medical Mission for communities in the interior and subsidized healthcare via the State Health Insurance Fund, in which government employees are enrolled and contribute. Company plans, out-of-pocket payments and private Suriname health insurance coverage also fund healthcare provision, the latter of which is fast becoming a popular option to ensure access to medical facilities. Irrespective of one’s medical condition, doctors and hospitals expect payment at the time of treatment, highlighting the need for Suriname health insurance for both locals and visitors to guarantee access to treatment when sought.

Of the five hospitals in Suriname – 3 public and 2 private - four are located in the capital. Primary and tertiary care is available at the Academic Hospital in Paramaribo, which has approximately 400 beds and provides diagnostic services, internal medicine, surgery, physical-therapy, maternity and pediatric care. It also has the only emergency room in Suriname. Despite this being considered the most accessible for the general public and the largest and most advanced facility in the country, the level of care is still below that of international standards. For visitors and expatriates, air evacuation to an appropriate medical facility in another country is likely for serious illness or injury, making comprehensive health insurance a necessity in covering the high cost of such situations. Beyond the public system, general practitioners also operate in a number of private practices. The larger of Suriname’s private hospitals has 227 beds available, however its capabilities are reportedly limited compared to the larger public facilities. Individuals could possibly be directed to other facilities due to capacity issues, as it is contracted to the government to provide care for interior residents. A small private facility in the western district of Nickerie is the only hospital outside the capital, and located near the Guyana border. It has capacity for approximately 75 beds and specializes in dialysis treatment, however little else is offered beyond this and basic health services.

A narrow scope of facilities, shortages of imported medications, limited financial resources and the pressure associated with high rates of disease all provide challenges for Suriname’s health system. Emergency services are also a challenge, with limited first response capabilities for the small ambulance fleet operating in Paramaribo and emergency services non-existent within the country’s interior. In the majority of cases, those calling emergency services on 115 are advised to travel by taxi to the closest medical facility. Ambulances are only dispatched with the approval of a doctor or the police. As no cohesive system for information sharing exists, decision-making is severely constrained within the health sector also. A fragmented system, compounded by the segmentation of the coastal and interior systems, means much of the data gathered in hospitals, clinics and through national health programs remains somewhat autonomous.

Suriname Travel Insurance Concerns

Suriname is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever, highlighting the need for vaccination. A certificate showing proof of vaccination is required upon arrival and could be requested by airlines before boarding to depart the country. Some customs authorities require citizens attempting to re-enter their own country to show their yellow fever certificate if having departed a destination where yellow is known to occur. Travellers to Suriname’s interior are at a high risk of exposure to Malaria throughout the year and cases of Dengue Fever occur annually. Other insect-borne diseases also pose a risk, prompting avoidance measures being recommended by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, along with pre-exposure vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Rabies. Contracted in bodies of fresh water the parasitic infection Schistosomiasis is present, and therefore swimming, wading or bathing in lakes, rivers or streams should be avoided. HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases have a high rate of prevalence also hence travel advisories signaling appropriate precautions required if engaging in activities that pose a risk of exposure.

Crime occurs frequently and is particularly high in areas of Suriname that have a limited police presence. This requires close attention to personal security, especially after dark when the level of crime reportedly increases. Robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the capital’s major shopping and business districts. There have been reports of banditry and lawlessness in the country’s interior due to limited presence of government authority and advisories recommend the use of an experienced local tour guide to minimize the risk of encountering criminal activity. Comprehensive international health and travel insurance is also recommended to cover the costs associated with injury or for the replacement of stolen belongings. Unpredictable driving habits, excessive speed and poorly maintained vehicles can impact the safety of road users in Suriname. Encountering animals or slow-moving farm traffic is not uncommon on interior dirt roads, and many of the country’s main thoroughfares are without sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to share the same space with bicycles and other vehicles. Large and impassable potholes in roads are common, especially during the rainy seasons, from May to August and November to February, when road conditions deteriorate rapidly.

Suriname Expat Health Insurance

Medical facilities in the country are extremely limited. Cash payment prior to receiving treatment including emergency care, is expected from doctors and hospitals. Serious illnesses or injuries will require medical evacuation to a facility with adequate healthcare services. Costs for evacuation are considerable, making expatriate medical insurance a necessity. An insurance policy provided by Expat Medical Insurance covers you whenever and wherever you travel. A globally transferable plan covers a range of healthcare needs, including emergency evacuation, doctors’ fees and medication, specialist consultations and maternity services. To ensure access to healthcare wherever you are in the world, contact Expat Medical Insurance to discuss a range of plans available.