Samoa Health Insurance

Located in the Pacific Ocean at the heart of Polynesia, approximately half way between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa used to be a German protectorate pre world war one. Samoa was originally known as the Navigators islands, most notably because of the Samoans′ natural seafaring skills.

During world war one it was split into to protectorates, one held by America, now American Samoa, and the other taken by the British. Samoa was occupied by New Zealand military forces during its time as a British protectorate, until in 1962 when Samoa became the first independent pacific island nation. Previously known as Western Samoa, the "Western" was later dropped in 1997. Samoa consists of 2 main islands, 2 smaller islands and lots of little uninhabited islands and sand flats. The smaller of the main islands, Upolu, is where parliament is seated and where the country is run from. On any given day the western most point of the larger island, Savaii, is the last place to see the sun set in the world.

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 Samoa

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Samoa nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Samoa national and moving to Samoa 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 Samoa hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Samoa.

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

We can offer expatriates in Samoa 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.

Samoa Travel Tips

Whenever you travel overseas it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be very different to your own. Samoa′s legal system may be similar to that of many western countries; however there are a few differences in culture which are worth noting as to avoid possible trouble. As such we have provided some Samoa travel advice so that you may stay safe and better enjoy your travels.

Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning; as such you should consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.

• Cyclone season in Samoa is from November to April. However, tropical storms and cyclones may occur in other months. If you plan to visit Samoa during these months it is advised to stay alert to storm warnings
• Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness dengue fever occur in Samoa
• You should avoid driving out of built up areas at night as lighting is poor and road quality outside Apia is poor
• The level of serious crime is low, but incidents of petty theft are fairly common. Commonly stolen items include shoes, hats; there is a minimal amount of bag and purse snatching. You should not leave your belongings unattended and should use hotel safes for passports and valuable items
• Drivers and pedestrians should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced and traffic violations occur routinely. Roads in Samoa often traverse small rivers, and drivers should exercise extreme caution when crossing these passages of water
• Whilst swimming it should be noted that rips are quite common in Samoa, if caught in one do not try to swim against it, try to swim side ways to avoid being taken right out and then swim around the rip back to the shoreline. Even the most experienced swimmers will find it very difficult to swim against the tidal rip.
• Gay and lesbian travelers should be aware that, despite examples of men cross-dressing and behaving in a feminine manner within the traditional Pacific culture, homosexual acts in Samoa are illegal. Anyone caught in conduct of homosexual acts could face heavy fines, possible infringement and in serious cases deportation.
• Health care facilities in Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited in range and availability. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.?In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment, and you should ensure that your insurance policy covers this.?Difficulties may arise in obtaining some specialized prescription medicines in Samoa.
• Dengue occurs in Samoa. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue, but there are preventative measures that you can take which include sleeping in mosquito nets and applying mosquito repellant.
• It is understood that 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, along which Samoa is located. If caught in an earthquake it is advised to take cover either in a door frame, under a desk or table or outside away from trees or power poles. Whatever you do, do not stand under a power pole.
• Stray, sometimes vicious, dogs are common in Samoa. Although uncommon there have been reports of dog attacks in suburban areas and on beaches outside of hotel boundaries.
• Levels of services in Samoa for travelers with disabilities are extremely limited. The lack of footpaths or adequately paved walkways makes it difficult for individuals in wheelchairs or the walking impaired to travel around Samoa. There are few, if any, motor vehicles capable of transporting wheelchairs and the lack of disabled ramps and access points at major hotels makes finding suitable accommodation difficult. None of the tour operators specifically cater for the disabled.

For more information about traveling to Samoa, international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free customized quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisors today.