International Health Insurance for Expats in Suriname
Expats should secure international health insurance for their time in Suriname. International health insurance can provide financial protection for expats in the South American country and offer important medical evacuation coverage for travelers.
Are you an expat traveling to Suriname? Are you unsure which health insurance plan is the best fit for your time abroad? This guide from Pacific Prime will answer all your questions about Suriname international health insurance plans and more.
We will also discuss the healthcare system on the island, expat health insurance options, safety tips, and other similar topics. Keep reading to learn more, or click here for a free health insurance quote from a variety of providers!
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Suriname
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
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
The Healthcare System in Suriname
Suriname features a healthcare system made up of private and public facilities, overseen by the country’s Ministry of Health. While the government has made strides in increasing access and quality of healthcare services, the medical care available is not always up to Western standards.
Healthcare access is more readily available in the urban areas of Suriname. Expats staying in rural regions of the country should ensure they have adequate medical evacuation coverage.
Suriname Hospitals and Clinics
Suriname has five hospitals, with three located in the capital, Paramaribo. These hospitals offer care to expats and locals and will send cases that are too medically complex to other countries with better healthcare facilities.
Academic Hospital Paramaribo
Address: RRQ8+3XV, Flustraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
Phone: +597 442-222
The Academic Hospital in Paramaribo is the largest hospital in Suriname, with 465 beds. The hospital provides primary, secondary, and tertiary care to both locals and expats alike.
Address: Zinnia St 56, Paramaribo, Suriname
Phone: +597 427-288
Founded as a Protestant hospital in Paramaribo, Diakonessen Ziekenhuis provides care through the following specialties:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- General surgery
- Dermatology
- Plastic surgery
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
- Ear, nose, and throat
- Psychiatry
- And more
‘s Lands Hospitaal
Address: Tourtonnelaan 3, Paramaribo, Suriname
Phone: +597 473-655
‘s Lands Hospitaal was first opened as a military hospital in Paramaribo, and then turned into a general hospital in 1934. It features 310 beds and an intensive care unit.
Regional Hospital Wanica
Address: MRXJ+6JH, Lelydorp, Suriname
Address: Koninginne St 4, Paramaribo, Suriname
Phone: +597 471-212
Sint Vincentius Hospital provides care to expats and locals in Paramaribo through the following specialties:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric nephrology
- Urology
- General surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Radiology
- And more
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Health Insurance Options in Suriname for Expats
Expats in Suriname can either choose private health insurance or public health insurance if they qualify. The best option for expats in Suriname is private health insurance because of its customizable and comprehensive coverage.
Public Health Insurance in Suriname for Expats
Expats who become residents in Suriname are required to opt into the public health insurance system. This system is government-run, with employers contributing toward health insurance costs.
The public health insurance is a basic healthcare package that covers primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Expats looking for more inclusive coverage should purchase their own private health insurance plan.
Private Health Insurance in Suriname for Expats
Private health insurance can help cover the cost of healthcare services in Suriname and grant expats access to private hospitals and clinics. Without private health insurance, expats are left to pay for their healthcare out of pocket, which can add up quickly.
Private health insurance can cover a variety of healthcare services, such as:
- Inpatient and day patient treatment
- Surgical costs
- Physician visits
- Mental health treatment
- Vaccinations
- Prescription drugs
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Repatriation of remains
- Dental and vision coverage
- Maternity coverage
Medical evacuation coverage is of special importance for expats in Suriname and the rest of South America and the Caribbean, as the local medical facilities may not have the staff or resources available for certain medical emergencies or illnesses.
Medical evacuation coverage can cover the cost of transporting you to a different medical facility for treatment, whether by air ambulance or by seacraft.
Expats in Suriname can secure a private health insurance policy through an international or local insurance provider. International insurance providers offer the benefit of globally portable coverage, so you can visit more of Latin America and stay protected.
Best International Health Insurance Providers in Suriname
The best private insurance providers for expats in Suriname are offered by international health insurance providers Allianz, April International, AXA, Cigna Global, and Bupa. We will share a brief overview and highlight these providers’ plans in the following sections.
If you’d like to learn even more about the top international health insurance providers, check out our article guide here!
Allianz Health Insurance in Suriname
Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans in Suriname to fit a variety of expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to basic policies that Allianz provides. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks that expats may face abroad.
The plans offered by Allianz include the Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro plans. While each of these plans may differ in coverage limits and benefits, they share similar benefits as listed below:
- Inpatient costs
- Diagnostics and laboratory tests
- Surgeries
- Ambulances transport
- Cancer treatment
April International Health Insurance in Suriname
April International is a leading international insurance provider that offers affordable, comprehensive coverage to expats in Suriname.
They offer their health benefits to expats in different tiers of coverage through their Emergency Plan, Formule Basic, Essential Plan, Comfort, and Premium Plan.
April International offers a variety of benefits in its plans, including:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Emergency repatriation
- Emergency evacuation
- Maternity coverage
- Vision and dental coverage
AXA Health Insurance in Suriname
AXA is a leading international health insurance provider that insures expat individuals and families in Suriname. Its health insurance plans are offered in five coverage tiers: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.
Each of these plans includes comprehensive inpatient coverage, with annual limits ranging from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000. Exact coverage benefits will vary from plan to plan.
The core benefits included in all five plans are:
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Emergency medical coverage
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Cancer treatment
- Diagnostic scans
Cigna Global Health Insurance in Suriname
Cigna provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Suriname and across the world. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any of Suriname’s private healthcare facilities. Their plans are customizable and comprehensive.
Cigna has a Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan with different levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:
- Hospitalization
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Cancer treatment
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation
Bupa Global Health Insurance in Suriname
Bupa Global is a top international insurance provider for expats in Suriname looking for comprehensive and customizable coverage. Bupa Global allows its members to seek second medical opinions if needed and requires no referrals for specialist visits.
Bupa Global offers three international health insurance plans in the islands: Bupa Select, Bupa Premier, and Bupa Elite. Bupa Select offers the most basic and affordable coverage, while Bupa Elite offers the most comprehensive coverage with an annual limit of around USD $4,761,300.
Bupa Global covers the following benefits in its plans:
- Inpatient treatment
- Cancer treatment
- Private hospital room coverage
- Medical evacuation coverage
- Health checks and screenings
Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Suriname
You should consider your budget, how long your trip is, and what your coverage needs are when choosing a health insurance plan for Suriname. Considering these factors is an important step to finding the right insurance plan for you.
- Your Budget: You should understand how much you can afford in monthly or yearly premiums, but this doesn’t mean you should try to find the cheapest coverage possible. You should ensure that your health and finances will be adequately protected through the coverage limit you purchase.
- The Length of Your Trip: How long your trip is will determine how long you will need to purchase coverage, and whether you will need a travel insurance plan that will last only a few months or something more comprehensive, like an international health insurance plan.
- Your Coverage Needs: Do you plan on needing outpatient care for your time in Suriname? Or preventative care? Take the time to determine where you may need additional medical support to ensure you have the right coverage for your health needs.
Health and Safety Tips for Expats and Travelers in Suriname
Expats can stay safe while traveling in Suriname by protecting themselves against mosquito bites, petty crime, and traffic incidents. We will explore these tips in further detail below.
- Prevent Mosquito Bites: A variety of mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent in Suriname, so expats should wear proper clothing and mosquito repellent to ensure they stay safe from mosquitoes while on the island.
- Avoid Petty Crime: Expats can avoid petty crime by not walking alone at night, driving with windows closed and doors locked, and using caution when using ATMS. Police presence is limited outside of the capital Paramaribo, so take caution to avoid pickpocketing in rural areas.
- Stay Aware in Traffic: Traffic incidents are a common cause of death in Suriname, so expats should ensure they stay aware and cautious while traveling. There are many potholes in the road and missing lines, and streets in Paramaribo can flood quickly during spring tides during the rainy seasons.
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Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes for Suriname Now
Expats in Suriname should secure a private health insurance plan before their trip to ensure they stay protected while in the country. Even if they qualify for the basic public health insurance, international health insurance can provide invaluable supplemental coverage.
Are you ready to begin shopping for your international health insurance plan for Suriname? Contact Pacific Prime to discuss, free of charge, a range of health insurance services available for you, your loved ones, or your group.
As a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance, Pacific Prime can offer a wealth of professional expertise and services. Our tailor-made policies suit every budget and health care need for expats and travellers across the world.
To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Suriname have a high-quality healthcare system?
Suriname may not have as high-quality a healthcare system as some expats are used to in their home country. It doesn’t quite reach Western standards in most areas, though larger hospitals in the capital can offer better care than in rural clinics.
Is healthcare free for expats in Suriname?
Healthcare is not free for expats in Suriname. Expats who become residents of Suriname can qualify for the public health insurance, in which case they will qualify for subsidized healthcare services.
Do expats need a yellow fever vaccine for Suriname?
Expats should ensure they have a yellow fever vaccination for Suriname, as the Government of Suriname requires that travelers arriving from or traveling to countries with a risk of yellow fever show proof of a yellow fever vaccination.
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