Tuvalu Health Insurance

The Polynesian island chain of Tuvalu is one of the world’s smallest countries by population. The former Ellice Islands split into Tuvalu and Kiribati in 1974, with Tuvalu achieving separate dependency from the United Kingdom, and Kiribati achieving independence. Tuvalu retains the monarchy, while both countries are members of the Commonwealth. Tuvalu joined the UN in 2000. There are nine islands which make up Tuvalu, one of which only became inhabited as recently as 1949. Due to its very low elevation (most of the country is at sea level), Tuvalu is particularly vulnerable to any changes in the level of the ocean brought about by potential climate change. This has become a recent major cause of concern for the archipelago.

With few natural resources, Tuvalu is highly dependent on overseas aid and remittances. A major proportion of national income comes from the sale of .tv web addresses. Most of the resident population is involved in subsistence agriculture and fishing; a significant portion of adult males work in the nation’s merchant navy. With limited resources, health care indices are very poor. Unusually, life expectancy for Tuvaluans is higher for men than for women, 64 years compared to 63 years. While Tuvalu spends a relatively high proportion of its GDP on health expenditure at 9.9 percent, the country’s poverty means that this represents only USD279 per capita annually as of 2009. Medical care is mostly provided by the state or charitable organizations. Private Tuvalu health insurance is nonexistent.

Tuvalu Health Insurance and Health Care Indicators

Due to Tuvalu’s small population of just over 10,000, its small sample size may skew statistical indicators and create the impression of false trends. In general, mortality rates and the spread of infectious diseases are higher than the WHO’s Western Pacific regional averages, but lower than overall global norms. According to WHO analysis, 28 percent of years of life lost in Tuvalu were due to communicable diseases in 2008. Dengue and typhoid fever are responsible for the most common communicable disease outbreaks. Non-communicable diseases are also a major health concern as over half of men over one fifth of women use tobacco products, with predictably high numbers of cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections associated with this.

Health care in the capital city of Funafuti, the location of Tuvalu’s only hospital, is already very poor, and conditions on the more remote islands are dire. Funafuti is the only island with doctors; health clinics on remote islands are staffed with nurses. Most serious medical cases are referred to Guam or Hawai’i. Even clean drinking water is in short supply as almost all of it is harvested from rainwater.

A program for health care in the outer islands of Tuvalu only began in 2009, with funding from Japan. While most births in the country are attended by skilled health care professionals, the health care work force suffers from serious personnel shortages. There are just seven doctors on the islands, although there 59 nurses and midwives. Four Cuban doctors have been seconded to Tuvalu as part of an agreement between the governments of the two countries. Taiwanese and Australian medical teams offer occasional support. Tuvalu’s state run health care program is almost entirely dependent on overseas aid with no Tuvalu health insurance to offset costs. Supplementary health spending is entirely out of pocket.

Tuvalu Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Funafuti is the only island of Tuvalu with a hotel and the country receives approximately 1,000 visitors annually. There is a budding eco-tourism sector, although this has yet to be developed. Passenger ships visiting the outer islands of Tuvalu depart every two or three weeks, depending on demand. There is very little business travel to the country and only a small expatriate community in Tuvalu; most of Tuvalu’s expatriates are merchant sailors or aid workers. Visiting Polynesian islands carry certain health risks common to tropical island countries, including several insect borne diseases, like the aforementioned dengue. Additional ailments associated with the hot humid weather can include serious sunburn and sunstroke, especially for visitors more acclimated to temperate climes. Ciguatera poisoning is also a major risk when eating reef-based fish.

Most of the health risks from visiting Tuvalu stem from its extremely remote location; passenger flights leave Funafuti only twice a week from Suva. Princess Margaret Hospital in Funafuti is the only hospital. Hence, even relatively minor medical conditions may become complicated quickly due to the low standard of care, particularly on more remote islands. Overseas evacuation is standard procedure for most serious health issues, but this can be prohibitively expensive if paid out of pocket. Given the lack of Tuvalu health insurance, an international health care plan is suggested.

Tuvalu Expat Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Those adventurous enough to travel to Tuvalu will likely be comfortable with taking risks, but there is nothing to be gained from putting your health or the health of your family in danger. International health insurance plans are strongly advised for all visitors to Tuvalu. However, every situation is different and choosing the best health care provider can be a difficult task. The Expat Medical Insurance team is available to advise you on what health care option is best for you. Our plans on offer include coverage for individuals, families, tour groups or companies. Perhaps most importantly for visitors to Tuvalu, we offer a number of options which include medical evacuation cover. Our representatives are available to take your phone call 24 hours per day. Contact Expat Medical Insurance today for more information.