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Seychelles Health Insurance
Those moving or traveling to Seychelles will undoubtedly have many questions regarding how the Seychelles healthcare system works, as well as whether private health insurance in Seychelles is necessary. This guide provides information about the Republic of Seychelles, it’s healthcare system, and further outlines the key health insurance options available in the country. Read on to learn more, or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.
Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance
- Extensive Network of Providers
- Direct Billing Options
- 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
- Lifetime Renewal Options
- Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300
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
About Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles consists of a group of 115 islands, hidden within the Indian Ocean, 1500 kilometers from the east coast of Africa. The country has a population of around 85,000 people, and collectively the islands cover a small area of 457 square kilometers. The Seychelles islands are scattered over a region of 1.4 million square kilometers, consisting of an inner group and an outer group of islands.
Only 30 of the Seychelles islands are inhabited by people. Approximately 90 percent of the country's population lives on Mahe, the largest island in the country, which is only 28 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide. Victoria is the capital city of Seychelles, located on Mahe, and is known as the smallest capital in the world with a population of only 30,000 people. Tourism is the predominant industry in Seychelles, as well as agriculture and fishing.
Do I need a visa for Seychelles?
Tourists visiting Seychelles don't require a tourist visa, however, to obtain a visitor’s permit, the traveler must meet certain specific criteria:
- Have a valid passport;
- Have a valid return or onward ticket for the duration of the visit;
- Have a confirmation for their accommodation, or an invitation letter, if staying with friends or relatives; and
- Have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay ( minimum of US$150 or equivalent per day).
Is travel insurance mandatory for Seychelles?
No, there is no mandatory travel insurance obligation to enter Seychelles, however, as with any journey, a 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.
What vaccinations do I need for Seychelles?
Outbreaks of the bacterial disease, Leptospirosis, continues to be reported throughout the Republic of Seychelles. Leptospirosis is usually transmitted through contact with water, wet soil, or vegetation that has been contaminated by the urine of animals infected with the bacteria leptospira. Symptoms range from fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases can lead to hemorrhage and death. Immediate medical attention is required to treat the condition and prevent a fatality.
There are reports of mosquito-borne viruses including chikungunya and yellow fever throughout Seychelles. Travelers' diarrhea is also very common, particularly among foreign visitors. Expats need to exercise caution by wearing insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing to assist in protection against mosquito bites. Expats should wash raw vegetables and fruit before eating. Children are susceptible to rapid dehydration, therefore medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent potential deterioration.
The Seychelles Government requires all individuals to present a validated International Certificate of Vaccination if they have traveled to a country where yellow fever is prevalent. No other vaccination is mandatory, however protection against typhoid, measles, and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) is recommended for individuals visiting Seychelles.
Seychelles healthcare system
The Seychelles government provides free access to primary healthcare for all its citizens and has adequate services in child and maternity healthcare. Access to education and health, safe drinking water and sanitation is considered to be adequate within the country.
There are two government hospitals on Mahe; the Victoria Hospital, located in the capital city Victoria; and a smaller facility called 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. There are also some small private medical clinics located on Mahe that provide primary healthcare services.
Specialized health care 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. Hospitals and doctors will expect payment in cash and will generally not accept credit cards. Foreign patients are required to organize reimbursement of their medical bills with their insurance provider. As such it is strongly recommended that all expatriates and travelers within the country obtain a comprehensive Seychelles health insurance policy.
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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 that can provide basic health care and organize emergency evacuation to Mahe if specialized care is required.
There are three remaining hospitals in the Seychelles which are located on Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette island, and they are the Anne Hospital, Logan Hospital, and the Silhouette Hospital respectively. These hospitals provide emergency stabilizing and non-specialized healthcare services only, and for specialized care patients would have to be medically air-evacuated to another healthcare facility that can help them - either in Mahe, Kenya, or South Africa. Discuss with your international health insurance provider about your options for medical evacuation from Seychelles.
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Seychelles medical insurance
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.
Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance
- Extensive Network of Providers
- Direct Billing Options
- 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
- Lifetime Renewal Options
- Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300
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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