Vanuatu Health Insurance

The South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu is one of the world’s smallest countries. Formerly a joint possession of France and the UK known as the New Hebrides, the Republic of Vanuatu was created in 1980. The archipelago comprises 82 islands spread over 1,300 kilometres north to south. Of its more than 12,000 square kilometers of land area, less than 10 percent is arable land and there are several active volcanoes among the islands. Earthquakes are also very common. The country’s sub-tropical climate hasaverage temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, and heavy rainfall year-round. Vanuatu is also well known for its cargo cults, whose origins lie in local response to World War II combatants who delivered modern supplies to the islands. While these cults do not predominate, they still exist on a few of the islands.

Vanuatu is a relatively poor country, heavily reliant on foreign aid for the provision of health care. Many of its health indices lag behind that of more developed countries. For example, life expectancy for males is 69 years and for females it is 72 years. Annual per capita expenditure on health care is only USD 175, which is low even by the poor standards of the Western Pacific region and represents 4 percent of Vanuatu’s GDP. Private Vanuatu health insurance is virtually nonexistent and is mostly utilised by expatriates; most health care is provided by the public system or charitable organisations. The health care workforce in Vanuatu is seriously understaffed, with only 1.2 doctors and 17 nurses per 10,000 people. Some inhabited islands do not have any trained professional health care workers. Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is responsible for overseeing the provision of healthcare in the country. There are five public and one private hospital, along with 27 health centres. Specialist care often requires flying to Australia or New Zealand.

Vanuatu Health Insurance and Health Indices

Communicable diseases make up a declining proportion of Vanuatu’s morbidity and mortality, but according to WHO figures, communicable disease still accounts for 35 percent of total years of life lost. Thanks to concerted effort from local and international health authorities, great strides have been made in the reduction of tuberculosis and malaria, although malaria remains the number one health concern for Vanuatuans. The latest figures show 110 cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 people, which is just slightly over half of the global average. Communicable disease outbreaks still occur with some regularity, including a typhoid outbreak in 2006. Investment in public infrastructure over the past two decades has led to major gains in access to clean drinking water and sanitation, especially in rural areas. About four fifths of Vanuatuans now have access to improved drinking water, compared to about half in 1990.

High rates of obesity and smoking have led to increases in non-communicable diseases associated with modern lifestyles. Currently, nearly half of Vanuatuan males smoke and 22.9 percent are obese. While there are fewer female smokers, more than one third of Vanuatuan females are obese. Cancer, diabetes and heart disease are increasing and heart disease is now the number one cause of mortality in the country; these conditions can be very expensive to treat and limited health care funding and Vanuatu health insurance exacerbates the problem. Most of the population is dependent on subsistence farming or fishing and can not afford expensive modern health care without assistance.

Vanuatu Health Insurance and Care for Expatriates and Tourists

Vanuatu’s one private hospital in Vila Bay is used almost exclusively by expatriates who may pay out of pocket or via Vanuatu health insurance, usually provided via an international health insurance plan. While the standard of care at Vila Bay is much higher than that in Vanuatu’s public system, specialist care may often require a trip to Australia or New Zealand. In serious medical emergencies, patients may require air medical evacuation.

Tourists, business travellers and expatriates should all beware of certain risks involved in travelling to Vanuatu. Before departing, visitors should visit a travel health clinic in their home country to update routine immunisations. Prescription and over the counter medications should also be brought from home. Malaria prevention is probably the most important health measure in Vanuatu. Wear long-sleeved clothing if possible, sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under mosquito nets and use insect repellent with DEET. Anti-malarial drugs may be recommended upon advice from a travel health physician. Recommended drugs include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. It is important to note that chloroquine is not an effective anti-malarial drug in Vanuatu. Dengue, filariasis and chikungunya are all insect borne diseases prevalent in the Pacific islands. Treat insect bites with special care.

As with travellers anywhere in the world, the number one health problems involve gastrointestinal problems. Drink only bottled water and avoid undercooked food while visiting Vanuatu. Over the counter pills can usually treat acute cases of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Kava is a locally brewed beverage with effects similar to alcohol. Use extreme caution when imbibing.

Vanuatu Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Although not on the radar of many tourists, Vanuatu tends to appeal to tourists interested in getting off the beaten path. Expatriates are generally involved with international organisations or aid agencies. While Vanuatu is surely worth a visit, it is strongly advised to take an international health insurance plan before departing. Given the country’s limited resources and the costs involved with air medical evacuation required for serious medical emergencies should the unthinkable happen, an international health insurance plan can give you peace of mind in Vanuatu.

However, with so many different international health insurance plans on the market, choosing the right plan as an expatriate, tourist or business traveller can be daunting. Fortunately, the experienced team at Expatriate Medical Insurance can help. Our experienced advisors can help you select the best international medical insurance option for you, your family, your company or your tour group, with plans including alternative, dental, maternal and even medical evacuation care. Contact Expatriate Medical Insurance today for more information, our advisors are available 24 hours per day.