Falkland Islands Health Insurance for Expats

Falkland Islands International Insurance for Expats

Expats living in the Falkland Islands usually secure a private international medical insurance plan because having robust medical evacuation coverage is essential on the islands. Plus, international insurance is designed specifically for the unique circumstances of living abroad.

These global health plans can cover you in every country, offer services in most languages, and be customized to your unique budget and needs. International health insurance plans can include coverage for:

• Inpatient
• Outpatient
• Vision
• Dental
• Maternity
• Preventative care

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in the Falkland Islands

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna's trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

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Allianz Care Health Insurance

• World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
• Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
• Quick and Efficient Claims Process
• Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $4,000,000
• Flexible deductibles for inpatient and outpatient plans

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Expats will get to choose their own insurance provider, level of coverage, and add-on benefits. Unlike a public insurance plan that is handed to you, with a private international plan, you get to customize it to your needs and budget.

In this Pacific Prime article, we'll explain what health insurance options are available to expats, how the Falkland Islands' healthcare system is set up, what expats should consider when picking their insurance policy, and what health and safety tips travelers should know before departure.

The Healthcare System in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands has a small but well-organized healthcare system. Healthcare is primarily public, with limited to virtually no private sector presence. Due to the territory's remote location and small population (around 3,500 people), healthcare services are centralized and basic.

More complex treatment requires evacuation to the UK or South America.

Most expats rely on King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) for routine and urgent healthcare needs.

Falkland Islands Public Sector and Hospitals

Care in the public sector of the Falkland Islands is basic but competent, with general practitioners, nurses, and occasional visiting specialists. There are no major surgical departments, intensive care units, or long-term treatment facilities on the islands.

Medical evacuations (medevac) are arranged to the UK, Uruguay, or Chile for complex procedures, often covered by insurance.

The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in Stanley is the sole hospital in the Falklands. It provides general medical care, emergency services, minor surgery, dental care, and some specialist visits.

Falkland Islands Private Sector and Hospitals

There is no formal private healthcare sector in the Falklands. All services are provided through the public system, including GP visits, emergency care, maternity services, and some mental health support.

Private specialists are occasionally flown in for limited periods, but they typically operate under the public system and are coordinated through KEMH.

Health Insurance in the Falkland Islands for Expats

Long-term resident expats can access free public healthcare in the Falkland Islands, funded by the government. Most expats, however, especially those with chronic conditions or who are in need of complex care, maintain international private insurance and travel abroad coverage.

Expats are strongly encouraged to have robust medical evacuation insurance as medevac costs can be extremely high.

Public Insurance in the Falkland Islands

Public health insurance in the Falkland Islands operates through a universal, government-funded system that provides comprehensive healthcare to residents at little or no cost. Funding comes from government revenue, so there are no insurance premiums or copays for residents.

Who can access the public health insurance:

• Falkland Islands residents, including expats, receive public healthcare free of charge.
• UK citizens (and those from certain British Overseas Territories) are also entitled to free or low-cost care under reciprocal agreements.
• Short-term expats and tourists, however, must have valid insurance or pay out of pocket for services.

If you are a legally resident expat (e.g., on a work permit or permanent resident status), you are entitled to use the public healthcare system similar to local citizens. You must be registered with the KEMH and may need to show documentation of residency or employment.

Public coverage includes:

• General practitioner (GP) services
• Emergency care
• Maternity care
• Basic dental work
• Some mental health support

Private Insurance in the Falkland Islands

Expats in the Falkland Islands typically purchase international private health insurance because it provides more comprehensive coverage than the public plan can offer. The most important reason expats purchase private insurance is for medical (medivac) evacuation coverage.

Medevac to another country can cost tens of thousands of dollars if not insured, and many procedures are not available locally.

Short-term workers, contractors, and visitors are also required to have health insurance, including medevac, as they are not eligible for free public care.

Private international health insurance provides coverage for more services than the public system typically covers, including:

• Inpatient and day-patient care
• Outpatient and specialist visits
• Emergency medical care and transportation
• Vision care
• Dental care
• Maternity and infertility treatments
• Preventative care
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• A wider range of prescriptive medications
• Mental health care and various therapy modalities
• 24/7 virtual doctor appointments
• 24/7 support from insurance experts
• Some travel insurance benefits

With private international insurance, expats can build their own plan by selecting their tier of coverage, deductible and copay contributions, medical provider, add-on packages, and more. 

This freedom of choice enables expats to get coverage for what they need to protect their health and wellbeing. Learn how a broker can help expats pick the right insurance plan for their time in the Falkland Islands. The advantages are incredible!

Best Private Insurance: The Falkland Islands for Expats

Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Bupa Global, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, and IMG Global are the best private international health insurance providers for expatriates living or working in the Falkland Islands.

Let’s learn a little more about each provider below. Feel free to read our article detailing the top 10 international health insurance providers for more suggestions.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global offers international health insurance to expats living in more than 200 markets and territories around the world. Cigna has 1.5 million health professionals and 24/7 customer support workers who speak more than 50 languages. Individuals, families, and businesses can get Cigna coverage.

Here are some more Cigna highlights:

• Hospitalization
• Inpatient and outpatient services
• Cancer treatment
• Physiotherapy
• Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation

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Allianz Care

Allianz Care is a world-leading health insurance provider for expats living globally. As the international health brand of the larger Allianz Partners, Allianz Care offers health, life, critical illness, and disability insurance around the globe in 75 countries and over 58 languages.

Here are some more Allianz highlights:

• Inpatient costs
• Diagnostics and laboratory tests
• Surgeries
• Ambulances transport
• Cancer treatment

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Bupa Global

Bupa Global is a top choice for expats in the Falkland Islands because it offers an extensive medical network, a wide range of benefit levels, and coverage for a limited number of children at no additional cost. Bupa offers the Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite plans.

Here are some more Bupa Global highlights:

• Inpatient treatment
• Cancer treatment
• Private hospital room coverage
• Medical evacuation coverage
• Health checks and screenings

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Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions’ international network of providers spans more than 180 countries and territories and includes more than 1.7 million providers. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutionsoffers the Xplorer Essential and the Xplorer Premier expat health insurance plans. These plans are favorites for U.S. expats.

Their exclusive deals for U.S. citizens make getting coverage within the U.S. more affordable than many other providers.

Here are some more Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions highlights:

• Diagnostic lab work and X-rays
• Surgery
• Inpatient medical emergencies
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

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IMG Global

IMG Global offers worldwide coverage through their expat international health insurance plans so you’re covered wherever you travel. Four tiers of coverage allow you to select $1,000,000 in total coverage per individual up to $8,000,000. IMG plans cover medical evacuation and prescription drugs.

Here are some more IMG highlights:

• Inpatient treatment
• Surgery
• Labs and diagnostics
• Physical therapy
• Cancer treatment

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Health Insurance Considerations in the Falkland Islands

When expats moving to the Falkland Islands are picking their health insurance plan, they need to consider how much medical evacuation coverage a plan has, whether or not they prefer worldwide or regional coverage, and several other key factors.

Here’s our list of topics to consider before picking your plan:

1. Medical Evacuation Coverage: This is the most critical aspect of any health insurance for the Falkland Islands. Since advanced or specialist care is often unavailable locally, you need a policy that includes emergency airlift to countries like the UK, Chile, or Uruguay.
2. Worldwide or Regional Coverage: Choose whether you want worldwide protection or coverage limited to specific regions like South America or Europe. If you frequently travel or plan to receive treatment abroad, broader coverage is safer.
3. Hospital and Specialist Access: Ensure your plan covers outpatient consultations, diagnostics, and inpatient care at major international hospitals. Since the Falklands has only one hospital with limited specialty services, this is especially important.
4. Repatriation and Return Travel: If you're evacuated for care, some plans cover return travel after recovery. Others may also cover repatriation of remains, which is a logistical and financial concern for remote destinations like the Falklands.
5. Chronic and Pre-Existing Conditions: Check if the insurer covers ongoing treatment for chronic illnesses or any pre-existing conditions, especially if you're staying long-term. Some insurers require a waiting period or charge higher premiums for these.
6. Customer Service and Claims Support: Look for providers with strong customer service, preferably with 24/7 emergency assistance and experience working in remote or difficult-to-access regions like the South Atlantic.
7. Policy Compliance with Local Rules: Although the Falkland Islands don’t have strict private insurance regulations, expats and visitors are expected to carry sufficient coverage. Be sure your plan meets the government’s informal expectations, especially for medevac.

The Falkland Islands: Health and Safety for Travelers 

To stay safe and healthy, travelers headed to the Falkland Islands should secure travel insurance; maintain a respectful distance from wildlife; prepare for cold, wet, and windy conditions; and follow our other safety tips.

Here are 10 health and safety tips for travelers in the Falkland Islands:

1. Weather Preparedness: The Falkland Islands have rapidly changing weather, often cold, wet, and windy even in summer. Travelers should pack layered clothing and waterproof gear to stay warm and dry.
2. Limited Medical Facilities: There is only one hospital on the islands, and specialized or emergency care may require evacuation. Visitors should have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
3. Wildlife Safety: While penguins and seals are abundant and not aggressive, travelers should maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them or risking injury. Do not touch or feed wildlife.
4. Rough Terrain and Remote Areas: Hiking and exploring can involve uneven, boggy, or isolated ground. Good boots, navigation tools, and notifying someone of your route are essential for safety.
5. Food and Water Safety: Tap water is generally safe to drink, and food standards are high. Still, as in any remote location, it's wise to carry snacks and water if traveling far from settlements.
6. Road Conditions and Driving: Most roads are unpaved and driving is on the left side. Renting a 4x4 is advisable, and drivers should watch for loose gravel and livestock crossings.
7. Sun and Wind Exposure: Despite cool temperatures, the sun and wind can be intense. Sunscreen, lip balm, and windproof clothing help prevent sunburn and chapping.
8. Communication Access: Cell service and internet may be limited outside of Stanley. Travelers should not rely on constant connectivity and may want to carry a GPS or satellite communicator for remote excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cell phones work in the Falkland Islands?

Cell phones work in the Falkland Islands, but coverage is limited and expensive. The only provider is Sure South Atlantic, and international roaming may not function. Visitors often buy a local SIM or rely on Wi-Fi in Stanley.

How do expats get health insurance in the Falklands?

Expats in the Falklands get health insurance through public care if they're legal residents or buy private international plans for broader coverage. Medevac insurance is essential due to limited local services and the need for treatment abroad, so an international plan may be your best choice.

How much does expat insurance cost in the Falklands?

Expat health insurance in the Falklands costs around USD $100–$300/month, depending on age, coverage, and region. Plans must include medical evacuation due to limited local care. Broader coverage, especially including the U.S., tends to raise the premium.

Can expats retire in the Falkland Islands?

The Falkland Islands don’t offer a retirement visa, and long-term residency is usually tied to work or sponsorship, so it may be harder to retire in the Falkland Islands. Expats may be able to retire there if they have special approval, making it a difficult option for traditional retirement living.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Since it can feel overwhelming to know which provider and plan to go with, consulting with a professional who knows the market and the options can simplify and speed up the process. There are many benefits for using a broker when getting insurance, including saving money and time!

As a broker with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime offers a wide spectrum of health insurance policies. With offerings from family insurance and maternity coverage to travel insurance, we are ready to find the perfect plan that balances your budget with your needs.

Get a free quote now with our online comparison tool that features over 50,000 insurance plans. For tailored, impartial advice, contact our team of expert insurance advisors today!