Nicaragua Health Insurance

Feeling comfortable in the knowledge that if something was to happen to a family member their medical costs will be taken care of, is important to us all. Our expert consultants can advise on the most suitable level of coverage for families, individuals, groups, travelers, and teachers expatriate health insurance.

Expatriate Health Insurance Nicaragua

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Nicaragua nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Nicaragua national and moving to Nicaragua we can also provide plans that meet your specific requirements.

Professional Service you can trust

Pacific Prime Insurance will be with you for the duration of your policy. We offer additional customer services that include claims advice, emergency contact numbers and medical advice lines. We also maintain a comprehensive list of Nicaragua hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Nicaragua.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Nicaragua we keep up on the latest insurance trends and Nicaragua Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Nicaragua dedicated international health insurance plans that will provide comprehensive coverage in the East and around the world. Plans that we can offer will usually have a number of benefits that a policyholder is able to tailor to suit their specific requirements. With coverage options including out-patient, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation, you will be assured of receiving the highest levels of quality treatment anywhere in the world.

Nicaragua Medical Insurance

The Republic of Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America with an area of 130,373 square kilometers. The country is on the coast of both the Caribbean and the North Pacific Ocean, sharing its northern borders with Honduras and southern borders with Costa Rica. With a population of approximately 5.9 million, the capital Managua is the most populous city, with other large cities including Granada, Esteli and Mataglapa.

Nicaragua is among the poorest countries in Latin America after Haiti. Frequent natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods, contribute to economic loss and instability, ultimately resulting in high levels of poverty in the country. Poverty mainly affects the rural population, although it exists throughout the country in Managua and other urban areas. Half of the Nicaraguan population is confined to rural areas, with two thirds of the rural population surviving on a little over US$1 per day.

Nicaragua endured a civil war from 1981 to 1989, leaving behind a country scattered in un-defused landmines. It was only recently that the Nicaraguan defense officials declared the country landmine free. This achievement allows the country to expand its infrastructure and agricultural farming. Land which would have been previously considered a danger zone can now be used for economic growth.

There is a wide gap between health care standards among Nicaragua's population. Quality health care is confined to private facilities within urban areas of Nicaragua, predominantly located in the capital city Managua, which is now emerging as a medical tourist destination within Central America. Those who can afford it receive high standards of medical care at private facilities in Nicaragua, or travel to the United States to receive state of the art health care, both which are typically covered by private health insurance. Those who rely on the public health system have access to only basic medical services with constant shortages of Doctors resulting in long waiting lists.

Nicaragua's public healthcare sector consists of Government bodies including the Ministry of Health and the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute. Around 90 per cent of the Nicaraguan population depends on the public health care system. However, with inadequate health funding the quality of medical care is poor. The social security system is extensive in providing health care, retirement and additional assistance to those who live in rural areas. The Government employs 'brigadistas', or community health workers, to visit rural communities and provide preventative medicine in the form of education and vaccination. Brigadistas also report deaths and incidence of disease.

The private healthcare sector in Nicaragua includes hospitals and medical clinics run by health insurance management companies and nongovernmental organizations. Private health care services are predominantly located in Managua as well as Granada, and provide the highest standard of medical services within Nicaragua. As such, it is highly important that expats living in Nicaragua obtain a health insurance policy to ensure ease of access to quality medical services while living in the country.

Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas is regarded as the best hospital within Nicaragua, and is renowned in Central America for its high standard of medical care and highly trained Doctors. Located in Managua, the private hospital provides a range of services including emergency, surgery maternity, cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and other specialized treatment. There is a comprehensive heart and cholesterol screening service, as well as ultrasound and mammogram screening for routine scans. Within Managua, there is also the Hospital Bautista and Hospital Privado Salud Integral, which are two private hospitals that provide primary health care, diagnostic screening, and general surgery procedures. The city of Granada offers two private facilities including Hospital Cocibolca and Hospital Amistad Japon. Both hospitals provide adequate services in primary health care, emergency stabilizing and general surgery procedures.

Doctors within Nicaragua's public and private hospitals are trained predominantly within the US, Mexico, Cuba, Europe or the Caribbean. Most doctors can speak adequate levels of English, with language barriers less likely to occur in the country's leading hospitals. Cash or credit card payments are required prior to admission hospital for foreign nationals. Patients are required to organize reimbursement with their insurer following treatment. As such it is strongly recommended that all expatriates and travelers within the country obtain a comprehensive Nicaragua health insurance policy.

Tuberculosis (TB) is prevalent in the Nicaragua, with incidence rates of approximately 26 cases per 100,000 people. One of the greatest challenges in controlling the disease in Nicaragua is the large drop out rate of TB patients in completing treatment. As part of the Stop TB programme, DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course) has been implemented in the majority of TB affected countries, reducing the incidence of the TB burden worldwide, including Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is situated in an area of the world that is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. These natural disasters have left the country completely devastated, with strong winds and heavy flooding wiping out infrastructure and farming, causing deaths and displacements. Outbreaks of waterborne bacterial diseases, such as cholera and leptospirosis, are common during these events of heavy flooding. In 1998, hurricane Mitch contributed to an outbreak of cholera. The outbreak resulted in 1,451 cases and 36 deaths, with children accounting for 73 percent of cases reported. Following September 2010 floods in Nicaragua, an outbreak of leptospirosis occurred, resulting in 35 reported cases to date. Outbreaks of vector borne diseases occur throughout the year, but are more prevalent following floods. In 2010, more than 5000 cases of dengue fever were reported, six of which were fatal.

Expats living in Nicaragua need to exercise extreme caution during the event of heavy flooding in Nicaragua. Symptoms of cholera, leptospirosis can present as high fever and diarrhea. Children are particularly susceptible to rapid dehydration. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent deterioration and potential fatality. In the event of a serious medical condition or accident, emergency evacuation may be required to the capital city of Managua, or overseas to the United States, where high level of medical care can be provided. It is highly important that expats obtain a health insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation or repatriation services.

Nicaragua's urban areas have adequate access to improved water sources; with approximately 98 percent access within urban, compared to 68 percent in rural areas. Expats should drink bottled water to avoid transmission of bacterial infections, causing diarrhea. Sterilization of water can be achieved through boiling or using chlorination tablets.

Emergency protocols should be adopted by residents during the event of an accident, serious illness or criminal offense. To call the police department, ambulance service, or fire brigade within Nicaragua dial 505-265-1761.

For air evacuation services, expats can contact Global Air Rescue on 866-255-5387.

For more information about Nicaragua medical insurance plans, or to receive a free Nicaragua International Health Insurance Quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.