Fiji Medical Insurance News

Pottery excavated throughout the Fiji islands suggests the first arrival of human settlement is dated back to 3500-1000 B.C, much earlier than previously thought. During the years of exploration by western powers many explorers visited Fiji before it was formally colonized by Britain around 1870. After its colonization, to protect local customs and traditions, land was bought by British companies and Indians, not local indigenous Fijians, worked the land. The main crop grown in Fiji was sugar cane and rubber plantations. Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century of British rule. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups during 1987. These coups were caused through fear from the indigenous Fijians that the Indians, who resided after the departure of the British, had too much say in local governance. These coups and a 1990 constitution amendment saw that indigenous Fijians would always have control over Fiji’s political arena. This resulted in population loss and economic difficulty as heavy Indian emigration was a result of this amendment. The constitution was later re-amended in 1997 to make it more equitable between Fijians and Indo-Fijians (Indian Fijians) and peaceful elections took place in 1999. However in 2000 a civilian lead coup disrupted democracy again until August 2001, when democratic elections were held again. However, again, in December 2006 the government was once again over thrown by a military coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the current prime minister of Fiji. Since the overthrowing of the Fijian government by Frank Bainimarama services in Fiji have started to decline.

In 2007 Fiji was ranked by the United Nations Development Program as having the 92nd highest Human Development Index (HDI). This ranking however has been in decline ever since the overthrowing of the Fijian government by Frank Bainimarama and is predicted to fall below its current ranking at 92 to possibly below close Pacific Island nation Fiji, which stands at 96th. The main contribution to this fall in rank has been the degradation of services available to the Fijian people after the commodores overthrowing of the government.

Over the last couple of decades like most other Pacific Island Nations Fiji has experienced a surge in health standards, mainly due to the modernization and adoption of western medical practices, and now Fijians enjoy better health standards than ever before. Fijian life expectancy is higher now than ever before at 70.73 years of age at birth, and has experienced lately some of the lowest mortality rates ever with infant mortality being 11.58 per 1000, and probability of dying under 5 years of age at 18 per 1000.

Fiji’s health system in comparison with other pacific island nations compares fairly well. However in comparison with other Pacific Island Nations, Fiji faces problems of inadequate health financing and a distinct shortage of health workers. This in turn hampers Fiji’s primary health care efforts to provide access to health facilities to all Fiji citizens, especially to reach all its outlying islands. 70-80% of the Fijian population has access to some form of health services, but only 40% have access to quality health services. Better government policies and budget allocation is needed to achieve health access and quality for all citizens. Statistics from Fiji’s health ministry on sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise for those aged 20-29, putting them more at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Overall Fiji has a well rounded and easily accessible healthcare service, except of course if you happen to be on an isolated island. As is true with any country in the world, there are some problems inherent in the system; however most people are able to receive the care that they need when they need it. The only way to avoid the issues and concerns of any healthcare system in the world is through a quality international health insurance plan or Fiji expat health insurance plan. These plans give you the flexibility to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice, meaning that no matter where in the world you may be located, from Afghanistan to the United States of America, you will always be able to receive the highest standard of care available.

For more information about Fiji expat health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.

Can I get Private Maternity Coverage?
Pacific Prime is able to offer quality international health insurance plans to expatriates around the world. Plans that we provide will give you the peace-of-mind that should something untoward happen while you are overseas, you will have the protection you need. In many cases we are able to fully customize a global health insurance policy to meet your exact requirements. Coverage options which we can provide will often include benefits for Maternity treatment, emergency evacuation, specialist consultations, and even dental coverage. 2009-08-17 17:52:12
Category: Coverage , Maternity , Pre-existing	Read Answer Here
Do you cover Cataract Surgery?
All of the in-patient plans offered by Pacific Prime will provide cover for medically necessary surgical procedures. In most cases, while surgical procedures like Cataract removal may not require an overnight stay in a hospital, these types of treatments will usually be covered through the in-patient portion of the plan. We can also provide policies which offer benefits for visual aids, such as glasses and contact lenses. Coverage for this type of benefit is usually obtainable in addition to the purchase of an in-patient policy. 2011-01-05 11:06:18
Category: Coverage , Pre-existing , Individual	Read Answer Here