Samoa Medical Insurance News
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. Because of Samoa′s large tourism sector of the economy, there is infrastructure in place to cope with demand for top quality health services as well as adequate health services for very fair prices.
The UNDP Global Human Development Index ranks Samoa 96th worldwide, while is not ranked under the Human Poverty Index. Based on the HDI Samoa has one of the most highest levels of social rankings amongst the pacific island countries showing higher levels of education and health standards, relative to other Pacific Island nations around the region. Samoa′s relatively high social standings compared to other nations in its region can be put down to the government′s commitment to strict and efficient macro and micro economic reforms which have allowed Samoa to spend more money through its budget on development on its health and education sectors.
Over the past couple of decades Samoa′s health standards have improved dramatically, and now Samoans enjoy a relatively good health status as the following health statistics indicate; Life Expectancy is at 68.4 years for the average Samoan citizen, Infant Mortality Rate is 17.8 per 1000 citizens, Maternal Mortality Rate is 60 deaths per 100,000 and Under-5 mortality Rate is 27 out of 1000. In addition to this 96.3% of infants are immunized against major communicable diseases. These statistics are ahead of most other Pacific Island Nations, except Fiji who also enjoys relatively good living standards. Samoa has not had a confirmed case of measles in the last 4 years.
Today in Samoa there is a epidemiological transition happening in Samoa where non-communicable diseases have begun to replace communicable diseases as the main cause of death in Samoa. Non-communicable diseases in Samoa are growing at phenomenal rates to epidemic proportion replacing the traditional communicable diseases as main cause of death. Samoans are increasingly suffering from hypertension and diabetes, a consequence of the changing lifestyle including, alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy fast food diets and lack of exercise.
In Samoa Health costs are heavily subsidized by the government when you use any of the Samoan National Hospitals. This financial burden is especially heavy for the tertiary overseas care of patients who qualify for referral overseas, mainly to New Zealand or Hawaii, where except travel costs- it is fully financed by the Samoan government. Recent research both by overseas medical institutes and the Samoan government show that an increase in means test for referrals would save the Samoan government immensely and allow for them to improve local infrastructure.
Overall Samoa has a well rounded and easily accessible healthcare service. 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. 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 the Samoan healthcare system, insurance in Samoa, or to receive a free comprehensive international health insurance quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.
For more information about Samoa, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.