Guam Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance in Guam for Expats

International medical insurance plans are excellent for expats living in Guam because these packages are designed specifically for the unique circumstances of living abroad. Global health plans can cover you in every country, offer services in most languages, and be customized to your needs.

Expats in Guam should consider using an international health plan because they can offer more comprehensive coverage than a public plan. International health insurance can include coverage for:

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

With private insurance, you get to choose your insurance provider, level of coverage, and add-on benefits to fit your budget and health situation.

In this Pacific Prime article, we'll explain what health insurance options are available to expats, how Guam’s 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.

Because Guam is a U.S. territory, it may be helpful to also better understand the health insurance industry in the U.S. for expats.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Guam

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

Plan Details Get a Quote

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 $5,000,000

Plan Details Get a Quote

The Healthcare System in Guam

While Guam is a U.S. territory, it doesn’t always feature U.S. level quality of care. Guam is designated as a Medically Underserved Area with a shortage of physicians. It has a mix of both public and private medical facilities with a range of health quality from high to limited.

Guam has 300 physicians, 28 dentists, 6 personal and family counselors, and 11 optical centers. There is a scarcity of mental health professionals.

While there are a number of specialists on the island, it is common for residents to need to go off island to receive certain specialist care. For this reason, it’s essential that expats have medical insurance that covers them off island and that has emergency evacuation.

Uniquely enough, Guam has a robust telehealth infrastructure which can be very convenient when local physicians are booked and unavailable. That said, rural areas may struggle with connectivity issues.

Read more about Guam’s healthcare system here.

Guam Public Sector and Hospitals

The two civilian hospitals in Guam are Guam Memorial Hospital Authority and Guam Regional Medical City. The public sector tends to suffer from geographical isolation, a shortage of medical professionals, and limited access to specialized care. The low funding negatively affects the quality of care.

Because of these factors, public hospitals and centers in Guam often have:

• Longer wait times
• Medication and medical equipment shortages
• Less maintenance and up-keep

Guam Private Sector and Hospitals

There are several private clinics and specialists on Guam, including a privately owned birthing center. The private sector tends to have shorter wait times and more choices for expats, but it still suffers from limited access and disparities in care compared to the quality on the U.S. mainland.

Because of these factors, private hospitals and centers in Guam often have:

• More access to care with shorter waits
• More access to medications and medical equipments
• Better maintenance and upgrades
• More personalized care
• A higher cost

Health Insurance Options in Guam for Expats

Expats, both foreign and U.S. citizens, can choose between four public health insurance schemes in Guam if they meet the age and/or low-income requirements. Expats who can’t qualify for public coverage should get a private insurance plan, either from a local company or an international provider. 

Guam Public Insurance: Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and MIP

As a U.S. territory, Guam accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP as forms of viable health insurance. Guam also has a local health insurance scheme called MIP for foreign expats and U.S. citizens.

1. Medicare: Expats who are over 65 or have a permanent disability can use Medicare.
2. Medicaid: Expats whose low income meets the eligibility requirements for their household can use Medicaid.
3. CHIP: CHIP is a health insurance program for children from low-income families.
4. Medically Indigent Program: The Medically Indigent Program (MIP) is a locally funded health insurance program for low-income and uninsured families in Guam.

MIP primarily provides coverage for non-U.S. citizens living in Guam. Expats who are U.S. citizens can use any of these four forms of health coverage if they meet the program requirements. Foreign expats can also qualify!

You can learn more about Medicaid and CHIP in Guam here.

Private Insurance in Guam

Private insurance is the preferred insurance option for most expats living in Guam, and anyone who doesn’t qualify for a public scheme either due to their age or income should get a private plan. Expats can choose to either get a local private insurance plan or an international private plan.

Local Private Plan:

• A local private plan would provide coverage in Guam and it may or may not provide coverage off-island at specific providers’ offices in Hawaii, and U.S. and/or the Philippines
• This type of plan may be more cost effective, depending on your plan selected and benefits included
• A private plan grants greater flexibility for patients to select their preferred physician from a much larger network of providers
• Private insurance usually includes telehealth benefits
• It can include specialized benefits for certain conditions, procedures, and treatments

International Private Plan:

• An international private plan with worldwide coverage insures expats in Guam and in every country of the world so when they travel they’re always protected
• This type of plan can be more expensive, but this is not always the case, especially on lower-tier levels of coverage
• An international private plan grants even greater flexibility for patients to select their preferred physician from a network of providers that practice worldwide
• International private insurance includes telehealth benefits that are available 24/7 around the globe in almost every language
• International private plans offer more comprehensive coverage for a much larger range of benefits, procedures, treatments, illnesses, and chronic conditions
• International insurance includes emergency evacuation and repatriation with every plan so you can always to transported to the closest country that can administer proper care

To learn more about your health insurance options and which plan would best meet your needs, contact our private insurance experts today.

Best Private Insurance for Expats in Guam

William Russell, Morgan Price, A+ International, Bupa, and Expatriate Healthcare are the best private international health insurance providers for expatriates living and/or working in Guam.

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.

William Russell

William Russell is a top provider of global health packages catering to expat individuals, digital nomads, families, and students. Those living in Guam will appreciate William Russell’s six zones of coverage that grant you the control to customize your premiums and where you get coverage.

The four international medical plans offered for expats are:

• Bronze
• SilverLite
• Silver
• Gold

Here are some William Russell highlights:

• Hospitalization treatment
• Cancer treatment and care
• Emergency evacuations
• Diagnostics
• Post-hospital physiotherapy

Plan Details Get a Quote

Morgan Price

Morgan Price has been an international insurance provider for over 25 years, and they sell expats health, dental, vision, inpatient, and outpatient insurance. Morgan Price can insure individuals, families, groups, and corporations, and they cover newly diagnosed medical conditions.

Here are some Morgan Price highlights:

• 24-hour helpline
• Flexible deductibles and premiums
• Cutting-edge claims processes
• 5 private insurance plans for expats

Plan Details Get a Quote

A+ International Insurance

A+ International Insurance has experience insuring expats around the globe in over 150 countries with a network of over 10,000 doctors, hospitals, and clinics. A+ International boasts four worldwide plans, four Southeast Asia plans, and four Easy Care+ plans. 

Here are some A+ International highlights:

• 24/7 Support
• Reimbursement limit up to USD $4,050,000
• Borderless coverage
• Robust network of highly qualified hospitals, clinics and medical professionals

Plan Details Get a Quote

Bupa

Bupa Global is a top choice for expats in Guam 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:

• 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

Plan Details Get a Quote

Expatriate Healthcare

Expatriate Group has supported expats abroad since 1997, offering comprehensive health plans for families, individuals, and families. Expatriate Group offers terms from 1–30 years, eliminating the need of annual renewal. Benefits include an easy claims process, no hospital restrictions, and more.

Here are some more highlights of Expatriate Healthcare in Guam:

• 24/7 customer support
• Comprehensive coverage that begins immediately
• Multilingual emergency assistance
• Quick and easy application form

Get a Quote

What Expats Should Consider When Picking Insurance in Guam

U.S. citizens living in Guam should learn if their U.S. domestic health insurance will cover them in Guam or if they’ll need to purchase an international expat insurance plan. Non-U.S. citizen expats in Guam will need to secure their own medical coverage if their employer doesn’t offer one.

Here are some more topics of consideration for expats while picking their health insurance:

1. U.S. Territory Healthcare System: Guam follows a U.S. style healthcare system, so many U.S.-based insurance providers offer coverage. However, access to certain specialists or advanced care may be limited locally, requiring off-island treatment.
2. Local vs. International Insurance: If you're an expat from outside the U.S., check whether your international plan covers care in Guam and other U.S. territories. Some international insurers exclude U.S. regions or charge higher premiums for coverage there.
3. Employer Coverage Options: Many expats working in Guam receive employer-sponsored health insurance. Review the plan’s coverage scope, co-pays, and network access to ensure it meets your needs—or consider supplemental coverage if it falls short.
4. Access to Specialists and Off-Island Care: Guam may not have all types of specialists or high-level facilities. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Hawaii or the U.S. mainland if advanced treatment is required.
5. Coverage for U.S. Citizens and Non-Citizens: U.S. citizens may be able to use their domestic plans, but non-citizens will need to verify whether their provider includes U.S. territories. If not, you'll need separate or supplemental insurance.
6. Network and Direct Billing: Choose an insurer with a strong provider network in Guam and direct billing agreements, especially with major facilities like Guam Memorial Hospital and Guam Regional Medical City.
7. Emergency and Evacuation Services: Since complex procedures may require transfer to the mainland U.S., confirm that your plan includes medical evacuation and related transport costs.
8. Cost-Sharing and Deductibles: Review how much you’ll pay out of pocket for services. Even with insurance, high deductibles and copays can add up, particularly for expats with chronic conditions or frequent care needs.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Guam

Stay hydrated, avoid unfamiliar animal species, protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, and secure travel and/or medical insurance are some of the health and safety tips we offer travelers heading to Guam.

Read more tips below:

1. Stay Hydrated and Protect Against Heat: Guam has a tropical climate with high humidity. Drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion or dehydration.
2. Use Sun Protection: The UV index in Guam is often very high. Apply reef-safe sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat, and limit direct sun exposure during midday hours.
3. Be Aware of Ocean Safety: Guam’s beaches are beautiful but can have strong currents and riptides. Swim in designated areas, check local warnings, and avoid coral contact to prevent injury and reef damage.
4. Watch for Mosquitoes: Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses can occur. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in wooded areas, and stay in accommodations with screens or air conditioning.
5. Practice Food and Water Safety: Tap water in Guam is treated and generally safe to drink, but sensitive travelers may prefer bottled water. Stick to freshly cooked meals and clean dining establishments.
6. Know Emergency Services: Guam uses 911 for emergencies. Save contact info for local hospitals like Guam Memorial Hospital or Guam Regional Medical City in case you need urgent care.
7. Avoid Unfamiliar Wildlife: Guam has some invasive species like the brown tree snake, though human encounters are rare. Avoid handling unknown animals or insects, and watch where you step when hiking.
8. Drive with Caution: Road conditions vary, and heavy rains can cause flooding or slick streets. Drive defensively, especially at night or in rural areas, and always wear your seatbelt.
9. Prepare for Tropical Storms: Guam is in a typhoon-prone region. Check forecasts, especially during the rainy season (June–December), and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelter locations.
10. Consider Travel or Medical Insurance: Healthcare in Guam is good, but off-island evacuation may be needed for complex care. Insurance with emergency and evacuation coverage is highly recommended, either with travel insurance or medical insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do U.S. health insurance plans cover expats in Guam?

Since Guam is a U.S. territory, many American health insurance plans do provide coverage. However, access to in-network providers may be limited, and some services may require travel to Hawaii or the mainland. Always check your insurer’s Guam network and policy terms.

Do I need international health insurance to live in Guam?

If you're a U.S. citizen, domestic plans typically work in Guam. But for expats from other countries, international health insurance may be necessary to ensure full access to care, especially for emergencies or evacuations. Local employer plans may also offer limited benefits.

Does insurance cover medical evacuation from Guam?

Not all insurance plans include medical evacuation, which is important since Guam has limited specialized care. Expats who need advanced treatment, evacuation to Hawaii or the mainland U.S. may be required. Choose a plan that explicitly covers air ambulance and related costs.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Expats living on Guam may qualify for the public health insurance offered by the government, but those who don’t qualify will need to secure their own private insurance plan. Getting an international medical coverage policy is recommended since it travels with you and can be comprehensive.

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 drastically. There are many benefits for using a broker to pick your insurance plan, including saving money and time!

As an insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime offers a wide spectrum of health insurance policies. From family insurance and maternity coverage to travel insurance, we are more than capable of finding 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!