Tonga Health Insurance

Tonga, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is made up of more than 176 islands, of which 52 are inhabited. The country, just south of Samoa, is also known as the Friendly Islands. Of the almost 106,000 people who live in Tonga, about 70 percent live on the main island, Tongatapu, and a majority of the total population lives in the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa. Tongans account for about 98 percent of the population, with Europeans and other Pacific Islanders accounting for the remaining 2 percent. Because many Tongans are emigrating to other countries – mainly the United States, Australia and New Zealand – the country’s population growth rate is a lowly .25 percent. Agricultural products make up two-thirds of the country’s exports, but Tonga relies primarily on aid and remittances from overseas Togans and Togan communities. Tourism is the second largest contributor to the economy, with the nation’s tropical climate and idyllic beaches being a major draw card for travelers all over the world. The country really only has two seasons – summer and winter – and the cyclone season lasts from November to April.

Tonga’s healthcare system and Medical Insurance

Tonga has made great strides in the quality of healthcare it provides to its citizens in recent years and with these advancements the people’s health has immensely improved. Yet the country’s health indices show some of the struggles Tongans still face. Life expectancy for men is 72 years old, which is on equal to the regional average and higher than the global average. Yet women’s life expectancy it 71 years of age, both lower than the regional and global average. Smoking rates are also high for the region, with more than 62 percent of men reportedly using smoking tobacco and 15 percent for women. Most alarmingly are the rates of obesity, with more than 49 percent of men and 70 percent of women while the regional average is just more than 5 percent for men and less than 7 percent for women.

Total expenditure on health per capita was only US$ 236 in 2009, while expenditures on health as a percent of GDP is only 6.2 percent. The country’s infant mortality rate is about 16 deaths per 1,000 births, while pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium are the leading cause of death in the country. Factors influencing health status and contact with health services ranked second and diseases of the respiratory system ranked third.

The Ministry of Health oversees the country’s health system through policy creation and implementation, preventative health services, curative health services and dental services. The Ministry touts itself as being devoted to and responsible for providing to the health needs of its citizens with quality care, as its goal is to make Tonga the healthiest nation in the Pacific Rim. Tongans enjoy free government-funded healthcare, and visitors pay a small consultation fee and minimal costs for medicine.

Tonga Health insurance options

While Tonga and the Tongan Ministry of Health have made great strides in improving the quality and accessibility of care in the archipelago nation, the nation still faces some hurdles with centralizing healthcare. There are four hospitals and 14 primary healthcare facilities in Tonga. There are also many maternity clinics and specialists scattered on the different inhabited islands. Despite having universal healthcare, many Tongans have trouble accessing hospitals or healthcare centers, as some people may live on isolated islands where government-sponsored healthcare is not accessible. Other problems within Tonga’s healthcare system include facilities not being staffed with enough or qualified personnel and the facilities not having adequate equipment for treatment. Some hospitals and centers are limited in the care they provide, and transporting patients remains another issue, as it can be difficult to move patients from one island to another.

A survey from 2003 revealed that public hospitals accounted for 89 percent of health services with only 6.2 percent taking place at other medical centers. Additionally, only about 12 percent of the population has Tongan medical insurance, proving that most Tongans rely heavily on the government’s universal healthcare. To help with Tonga’s healthcare shortfalls, teams specializing in eye surgery, plastic surgery, heart disease and other illnesses often visit Tonga. Additionally, if patients cannot receive the care they need in Tonga, they can seek treatment in New Zealand by one of two Tonga Health Insurance treatment plans - one funded by Tonga’s government or another by New Zealand’s.

Tonga travel concerns

Tonga is a safe, health country to travel to and live in, but, as with traveling to any overseas country, be sure to check with your doctor or travel medicine specialist to be sure of any necessary vaccinations or immunizations you might need before you travel. While there are no cases of malaria in Tonga, people in Tonga are at risk for other insect-borne illnesses, including dengue fever. In addition to all routine vaccinations, travelers are reccommended to be up-to-date on Hepatitus A and B vaccinations as well as typhoid vacinations. To ensure a happy, healthy stay, it is advised to avoid drinking tap water.

Because of the island’s tropical climate visitors are encouraged to be careful with sun exposure and use sun block or wear long sleeves, pants and hats to prevent sun burn. Travelers should also keep in mind the country’s cyclone season from November to April, as traveling to Tonga during this time can be risky for one’s safety.

Tonga Expat Medical Insurance

There are many questions and difficulties when trying to navigate today’s medical insurance world. Let Expat Medical Insurance help you find the perfect international health insurnace plan to match you, your family’s or your company’s needs. As Tonga’s hospitals and their services may be limited, it’s important to be prepared with global health insurance. Whether you’re visiting Tonga as a tourist or have plans to spend an extended period of time in the country, be sure to make sure you have the coverage that you need. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day to assist you in your insurance needs, so contact Expat Medical Insurance today to receive your free quote.