Seychelles Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Seychelles

When moving to Seychelles, expats should consider an international health insurance plan to ensure coverage due to the country’s limited medical facilities outside of the main island of Mahé. With the right plan, expats can enjoy the pristine beaches and unique Creole culture with peace of mind.

In this guide, we will break down the Seychelles healthcare system, from public healthcare to international health insurance options for expats who are already in the Seychelles or those who are looking to relocate there.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Seychelles

The Seychelles government provides free access to primary healthcare for all its citizens and has adequate services in child and maternity healthcare. There are two government hospitals in Mahé, the Victoria Hospital, located in the capital city of Victoria; and the Anse Royale Hospital.

Both facilities provide emergency services, pediatrics, gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, and other specialty services. The Victoria Hospital has the only decompression chamber within Seychelles, used for diving-related disorders.

Specialized healthcare services including complex heart surgery, oncology, and dentistry are very limited in the Seychelles, and patients, who can afford it, are required to travel to Kenya or South Africa for appropriate treatment.

Language barriers are generally not common within Seychelles' hospitals. Doctors are usually foreigners and speak proficient levels of English.

Seychelles’ Public Hospitals

Public hospitals in Seychelles are mainly found in Mahé, the largest island in the country. The key public hospitals include Victoria Hospital and Anse Royale Hospital.

• Victoria Hospital
• Anse Royale Hospital

Seychelles’ Private Hospitals

Compared to other countries in the world, Seychelles has a relatively small number of private hospitals, and many of them are located in Mahé. For expats, private hospitals offer better services and shorter wait times.

Below are a few private hospitals in Seychelles:

• EuroMedical Centre
• Seychelles Medical Centre
• Victoria Medical Centre

Healthcare in Remote Islands

Healthcare facilities in Seychelles are relatively limited for those who reside in or visit the outlying islands. Holiday resorts located on remote islands generally employ a doctor who can provide basic health care and organize emergency evacuation to Mahé if specialized care is required.

There are three remaining hospitals in the Seychelles which are located on Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette islands, and they include:

• Anne Hospital
• Logan Hospital
• Silhouette Hospital

These hospitals provide emergency stabilizing and non-specialized healthcare services only, patients who require specialized care will have to be medically air-evacuated to another healthcare facility that can help them.

Health Insurance Options in Seychelles

Comprehensive Seychelles travel insurance or private health insurance can help to offset medical and medical evacuation costs, should something happen to you while staying in Seychelles.

If you would like more information about traveling, or moving to Seychelles and obtaining the best medical insurance policy for the occasion, feel free to contact one of our dedicated advisors today.

Public Insurance in Seychelles

Public insurance in Seychelles is provided by the Ministry of Health through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The NHIF offers coverage for basic healthcare services to citizens and legal residents. It aims to ensure access to essential healthcare services without facing financial barriers.

Private Insurance in Seychelles

There are multiple options when it comes to private health insurance for expats in Seychelles. In addition to local insurance providers expats can also choose international health insurance plans from global providers.

International health insurance plans are recommended for expats due to their comprehensive coverage and international area of coverage, which is particularly important given Seychelles' limited medical facilities and the potential need for medical evacuation.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Seychelles

In Seychelles, the best private insurance providers for expats include Allianz Care, AXA International, Cigna Global, and VUMI. These providers offer expats in Seychelles some of the most comprehensive coverage and flexible insurance options.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care offers expats Seychelles international health insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage during their stay. Their plans cover inpatient and outpatient treatments, dental care, and medical evacuations.

AXA International

AXA International has been a global leader in insurance and asset management since 1816. Their international health insurance plans offer expats comprehensive health coverage ensuring expats in Seychelles have their necessary medical care wherever they go.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global is a prominent health insurance company known for its global presence and its extensive range of health insurance products and services. Expats in Seychelles can access their trusted network of hospitals and doctors when choosing a plan from Cigna.

VUMI

VUMI (VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group) offers a variety of health insurance plans crafted for expats in Seychelles. Known for offering expats comprehensive international health insurance plans with great flexibility, expats can customize their VUMI plan to suit their unique needs.

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Seychelles

There are a few things you should consider when picking insurance in Seychelles, the first thing you need to do is consider your needs and requirements. Once you have determined what you need covered, you will be able to look for a plan that suits your needs and requirements the most.

We will discuss important factors to consider when picking health insurance in Seychelles below:

Premiums and Payment Options

Premiums are an important factor you need to consider when picking the right insurance plan in Seychelles. Choosing a plan with flexible payment options such as deductibles and copayments will allow you to adjust your plan to have the most coverage whilst still staying within budget.

Plan Customizations

Customizability is another key factor to consider when picking insurance in Seychelles. The ability to add or drop benefits from a plan will allow you to customize your benefits and create a plan that covers you the way you need it to.

Exclusions

The benefits and coverage of a plan are important, however, it is also equally important that you look at a plan’s exclusions when picking an insurance plan that’s right for you in Seychelles. Those with chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions should pay particular attention to this factor.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers to Seychelles

Travelers in the Seychelles are advised to adhere to common safety practices, such as safeguarding belongings from petty theft and memorizing local emergency contact numbers for any unforeseen incidents.

The emergency number you should memorize when visiting Seychelles is 999. This number can connect you to police services, ambulance services, and the fire station. You can also reach ambulance services with the emergency number 151.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for Seychelles?

There is no mandatory travel insurance obligation to enter Seychelles, but Seychelles travel insurance is strongly recommended, as Seychelles is located in a very remote area, and in case of a medical emergency, medical evacuation might be necessary.

Do I need a visa for Seychelles?

Seychelles is a visa-free country, which means that tourists visiting Seychelles do not require a tourist visa except passport holders from Kosovo as Seychelles does not recognize the state of Kosovo.

Can foreigners buy property in Seychelles?

Anyone can buy property in Seychelles, whether they are local or non-local.

Compare Plans and Quotes Now

The pristine beaches and vibrant culture make Seychelles worth visiting but it is important to remember that while the public healthcare system is free, medical facilities are limited, and specialized care often requires evacuation to other countries. Insurance is vital for expats and travelers.

For expats, we highly recommend securing a comprehensive international health insurance plan that includes medical evacuation coverage, as complex medical procedures typically require treatment in neighboring countries like South Africa or India.

This is where Pacific Prime can help you. Contact our expert advisors to discuss your healthcare needs. Using a broker like Pacific Prime can ensure that you not only get the right coverage at the best price but that you have the ongoing support of our team for the duration of your policy.

Our experts can provide you with a personalized quote based on your needs and requirements.