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International Health Insurance for Expats in Brunei
For expats planning to relocate to Brunei, securing international health insurance is recommended due to differences in healthcare facilities and services throughout the country. By having suitable coverage, expats can enjoy a rewarding expatriate experience in Brunei.
In this Pacific Prime guide, we help you find the best plan for your needs, at a cost that you are happy with. Keep reading to learn more about health insurance in Brunei or click below to receive a free quote.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Brunei
Healthcare System in Brunei
Brunei has one of the top public healthcare systems in Asia, as well as across the globe. Public medical care is available to locals at no additional cost and expats are typically charged affordable rates.
Even though healthcare is not offered free of charge to expats, public hospitals often extend their treatment without requiring any type of payment guarantee. Patients are expected to settle their bills before their discharge.
Expats with a comprehensive health insurance policy can access one of Brunei’s many private hospitals, which are usually only found in major urban areas. Make sure your insurance policy covers the following:
- Full medical cover
- Emergency evacuation (air ambulance)
- Bringing your family home (in the event of your injury or illness)
In rural areas, where it can be difficult to travel to a facility for care, the Flying Medical Services division will fly patients by helicopter to the nearest hospital.
For expatriates, it is important to consider international medical insurance that will cover emergency medical transportation from rural areas in Brunei where ground traveling conditions are difficult.
If complications were to arise, such as a lack of medical supplies, medical evacuation to Singapore, or even Thailand, could be necessary.
Brunei’s Public Hospitals
In Brunei, public healthcare services are primarily provided by the Ministry of Health through government hospitals and health centers.
Some of the major public hospitals in Brunei include:
- Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS): Located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, RIPAS Hospital is the largest hospital in Brunei and serves as the country's main referral hospital.
- Suri Seri Begawan Hospital: Suri Seri Begawan Hospital is another prominent public hospital in Brunei. It is located in Kuala Belait.
Brunei’s Private Hospitals
Private hospitals work alongside the public healthcare system to provide an all-rounded healthcare system in Brunei.
Prominent private hospitals in Brunei include:
- Gleneagles JPMC: Gleneagles JPMC (Jerudong Park Medical Centre), located in Jerudong, is a private hospital in Brunei known for its comprehensive healthcare services.
- Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre: Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre is another well-known private hospital in Brunei offering various medical services.
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Health Insurance Options in Brunei
In Brunei, individuals have health insurance options that include private health insurance plans offering additional coverage beyond the public healthcare system.
International health insurance for broader coverage locally and internationally, potential employer-sponsored health insurance benefits, reliance on government-funded healthcare services, and personal health savings as a self-insurance strategy.
Public Insurance in Brunei
In Brunei, public healthcare services are funded by the government and provided free of charge or at a nominal fee to citizens and residents. While there isn't a mandatory public health insurance scheme, the Ministry of Health offers healthcare services through public funding.
Private Insurance in Brunei
Private insurance in Brunei consists of local and international insurance providers. Expats are generally recommended international health insurance plans from international providers to ensure that they are ensured in their country of residence and origin.
Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Brunei
The best private insurance providers for expats in Brunei include Allianz, AXA, Bupa, Cigna, and IMG. These insurers offer expats some of the most comprehensive and flexible international health insurance plans for expats to stay insured in Brunei and their country of origin.
Allianz Care
For expats and travelers to Brunei, Allianz Care offers international health insurance plans and travel insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage during their stay. Their international health insurance plans cover inpatient and outpatient treatments, dental care, and medical evacuations.
AXA
AXA offers expats in Brunei five main international health insurance plans, Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. These different plans offer different benefit limits and coverage so expats can choose a plan that suits them.
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a great option for expats in Brunei thanks to their flexible insurance plans with 24/7 access to their customer care team. In addition to comprehensive international health insurance options, foreigners can also benefit from their short-term expat health insurance options.
IMG
IMG Global offers international health insurance, travel insurance, and travel medical insurance to expats in Brunei. IMG Global offers many attractive benefits in their insurance plans, such as worldwide and customizable coverage, emergency medical evacuation assistance, and more.
Facets to Consider when Picking Insurance in Brunei
When picking an insurance plan in Brunei, the first thing you need to do is consider your needs and requirements. Once you have determined what you need to cover, you will be able to look for a plan that suits your needs and requirements the most.
Important factors to consider when picking health insurance in Brunei include:
Premiums and Payment Options
Premiums are an important factor to consider when picking the right insurance plan in Brunei. 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 Brunei. 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, and it is also equally important that you look at a plan’s exclusions when picking an insurance plan that’s right for you in Brunei. Those with chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions should pay particular attention to this factor.
Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Brunei
Brunei is a modernized country with high standards of living and has almost eradicated the majority of its tropical diseases, but there are still some other diseases that could present some risk for expatriates or visiting travelers.
- Dengue fever is still present within Brunei and is a real risk during any time of the year, but other diseases that spread through mosquitoes, such as malaria, are very low-risk factors.
- You can communicate with doctors and nurses in English. Pharmacists also generally speak English.
- The tap water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is readily accessible within urban areas. If you cannot find bottled water in rural areas, be sure to filter and boil water to eliminate any bacteria or pathogens in the water.
- Milk in Brunei is unpasteurized, which carries some bacteriologic risks.
Vaccinations for Brunei
The WHO recommends travelers to Borneo get the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A/B
- Adult diphtheria and tetanus
- Polio
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Typhoid
- Varicella
Additionally, those who are traveling for more than a month or are at special risk are recommended to get:
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Japanese B Encephalitis
- Tuberculosis
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunei a safe country for expats?
Brunei is generally considered a safe country for expatriates. The nation has low crime rates, with a stable political climate and a strong emphasis on security and law enforcement. Expatriates living in Brunei often appreciate the sense of safety and security that the country offers.
What is the cost of living in Brunei?
The cost of living in Brunei is approximately B$3,710 (USD $ 2716.52) for a family of four excluding rent and B$1,030 (USD $754.18) for a single person excluding rent.
Can expats buy property in Brunei?
The Land Code of Brunei generally prohibits non-citizens from owning land in the country, with limited exceptions. Expats residing in Brunei typically have the option to lease residential properties for a specified period, usually up to 99 years, rather than outright ownership.
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Brunei, with its serene landscapes and blend of modernity and tradition, offers expats and travelers a unique and enriching experience. To immerse oneself fully in this experience, it's important for expats to bear in mind that unexpected situations can arise at any point in time.
There are several health insurance options for you and your family to choose from, such as international, local, and travel. Pacific Prime can help you find the right insurance for you and your loved ones based on your needs and budget.
Pacific Prime offers a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, be it international health insurance policies for you or your entire family. Contact our advisors today for impartial advice, or click the button below to revive an instant quote.
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