Expats moving to or visiting the Maldives are strongly encouraged to purchase a private health insurance policy. There is a public insurance scheme available for expats in the Maldives, but public health facilities often lack highly skilled professionals and specific medical equipment. 

The Maldives is a beautiful country, but it is not without its health and safety risks. Private health insurance, either in the form of travel insurance or international health insurance, can provide expats with the reassurance and financial protection they need while visiting the white sandy shores. 

This guide provides all the essential information that expats need to know when living or traveling in the Maldives. We will cover the healthcare system and health insurance, the country's safety risks, and more.

Keep reading to learn more, or click here for a complimentary quote. 

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Maldives

The Healthcare System in the Maldives

The healthcare system in the Maldives consists of both a public and private sector. The country is composed of hundreds of islands, with a small and dispersed population that has access to at least one public health center on each inhabited island. 

The country has experienced many challenges in its healthcare system. There is a lack of human resources and funds in the country to meet the ever-increasing costs of healthcare facilities. Additionally, hospitals and medical facilities are very limited in the Maldives. 

Within the entire country, there are only three hospitals, located in the capital city of Malé. There are smaller medical clinics across the islands, as well as in-house doctors within some holiday resorts, although these facilities are very basic and limited. A decompression chamber is within reach of most holiday resort islands, in the case of a diving emergency.

There are three hospitals located in the capital city of Malé which all offer adequate healthcare and emergency stabilizing services - the ADK Hospital, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), and the Tree Top Hospital.

Public Health Insurance 

There is a public health insurance called the Husnuvaa Aasandha scheme that offers free public healthcare for Maldivians with a National Identity Card. The scheme is fully financed by the Maldivian Government and builds on a previously limited healthcare scheme. 

Expats working for Maldivian employers can be enrolled in this public health insurance scheme. Public healthcare coverage includes: 

• Inpatient and outpatient treatments
• Medication
• Diagnostics and surgical interventions
• All transportation fees for emergency cases
• Annual medical check-ups for those above the age of 30 and below the age of 18
• Medical cover for terminally ill patients
• Medical cover for those with special needs
• Medical cover during pregnancy

It is important to note that public health insurance does not cover orthodontics, or private rooms in hospitals. 

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance in the Maldives is available through local and international health insurance providers. Expats often favor international insurance companies for their comprehensive coverage and global benefits.

International insurance plans are available through both travel insurance and health insurance policies. Travel insurance addresses medical expenses resulting from accidents or illnesses, in addition to covering lost baggage and rescheduling fees. It is typically designed for short-term coverage.

The Maldives is a tourist hot spot, with more than 1.5 million tourists visiting the country annually. Tourists and expats looking to stay in the Maldives for the short term will find travel insurance is a necessary and valuable addition. 

Travel Insurance for Expats in the Maldives

Those visiting the Maldives will find travel insurance protects them from specific financial risks and losses that may arise during their trip. Travel insurance provides financial protection against potential challenges such as lost luggage, and canceled or delayed flights. 

Additionally, travel insurance can offer medical emergency coverage and medical evacuation. This can be incredibly valuable for those who engage in more dangerous activities, like snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Emergency Medical Services and Evacuation Coverage

Travel insurance policies can include coverage for medical emergencies and medical evacuations, meaning the emergency transport to the nearest adequate healthcare facility. Due to the Maldive’s widespread islands, this coverage is an absolute necessity. 

In the event of a serious illness or emergency, medical evacuation to Malé will be required. Healthcare facilities are limited within the three hospitals in Malé and, therefore, evacuation may be required to hospitals located overseas in Sri Lanka or India where an adequate level of medical care can be received. 

The costs involved in covering hospital care, as well as emergency evacuation to India or Sri Lanka, are expensive and can add up to over USD$100,000, depending on circumstances. As such, expats in the Maldives are strongly encouraged to obtain international health insurance, which includes air transportation services.

Choosing International Health Insurance in the Maldives

Expats looking to stay in the Maldives long term should choose an international health policy for their time on the islands. They can choose their best policy fit by considering the duration of their stay abroad, as well as their lifestyle and medical requirements. 

Additionally, expats should contemplate whether they desire coverage in their home countries.

The benefit of international coverage lies in the financial safeguard it provides to expats no matter where their travels take them. This global protection is particularly advantageous for professionals who frequently journey across the globe for work.

International Health Insurance in the Maldives - Plans and Coverage

Among the best international health insurance providers catering to expats in the Maldives are Allianz, MSH International, and more. Below, we'll provide a concise overview of each provider, and their travel insurance plans if they offer any. 

Allianz

Allianz provides extensive insurance plans in the Maldives designed to meet the diverse needs of expats. Riders are available for purchase and offer coverage for accidents and medical evacuation, and can be attached to insurance policies. 

Allianz presents a range of plans with varying levels of coverage and prices. The shared coverage across their plans includes:

MSH International

MSH International has almost 50 years of experience in providing health insurance for expats and their families. They offer single-trip and multi-trip travel insurance, as well as short-term and long-term international health insurance plans. 

Their single-trip travel insurance covers emergency medical coverage up to $7,000,000, with their multi-trip plan covering up to $10,000,000. Their international health insurance plans differ in coverage and limits, but some basic features across their plans are: 

Cigna

Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats in the Maldives with 24/7 access to a customer care team. While they don’t offer typical travel insurance, they offer a Cigna Close Care flexi plan for short-term expat health insurance. This plan is perfect for trips under a year. 

Cigna has Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with different levels of coverage and limits. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits: 

Bupa Global

Bupa Global offers expats in the Maldives tailor-made plans and guaranteed lifetime renewal. They stopped selling travel insurance in 2021, but still provide excellent international health insurance solutions to expats looking to stay on the islands longer-term. 

Some of the shared features of Bupa’s plans include: 

Aetna

Aetna offers expats in the Maldives flexible and customizable benefits plans with additional options for medical, vision, dental, and pharmacy coverage. They cater to expats looking for long-term healthcare solutions through their Pioneer plans. 

These plans range in coverage and limits with five levels of coverage to choose from. The basic coverage for their plans includes:

NOW Health 

NOW Health International offers expats abroad in the Maldives comprehensive health insurance solutions. They offer two categories of global plans: SimpleCare and WorldCare. SimpleCare plans are intended as budget-friendly, with coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation. 

WorldCare provides a more comprehensive solution to expat healthcare. WorldCare plans come in different tiers with different coverage, but the shared benefits across the plans are:

AXA

AXA Global Health Insurance is a great choice for expats in the Maldives with its range of differing coverage and customizable additional benefits. Along with their long term international health insurance plans, they offer short term plans designed for expats staying 3-11 months in the country. 

They offer five categories of coverage with their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include: 

Pacific Prime is partnered with even more leading international health insurance providers with different plan options. To see more, check out our insurer page on our website. 

Additional Benefits and Coverage 

Many insurance providers allow expats in the Maldives to enhance their benefits by opting for additional coverage options. These may include services such as dental, optical, maternity, and more.

• Dental: Additional benefits can cover dental check-ups, cleanings, and major dental procedures.

• Maternity and family coverage: Expats planning to start or expand their families can tailor international health insurance plans to include coverage for prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and additional benefits for newborns.

• Preventive care: Certain plans offer regular health checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs, aiding expats in maintaining their well-being during their adventures abroad.

Pre-existing Conditions

Expats in the Maldives with pre-existing conditions may have more limited choices when purchasing an international insurance policy, but viable solutions exist. Options include selecting a plan with a pre-existing condition exclusion, a moratorium, or coverage with loading.

• Exclusion: Choosing a plan with an exclusion means that the insurer won't reimburse the policyholder for medical bills related to the pre-existing condition.

• Moratorium: In this scenario, the insurance company provides health coverage but excludes pre-existing conditions. Instead, there is a waiting period, typically around 24 months, during which the company assesses the pre-existing condition before deciding on coverage.

• Coverage with loading: Some insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions but at higher premiums. It's important to note that not all pre-existing conditions qualify for this type of coverage, and not all insurance providers offer this option.

Retirees Seeking International Healthcare in the Maldives

Retirees settling in the Maldives should choose an international health insurance plan that provides extensive and adaptable coverage tailored to their specific needs. This may encompass benefits like cancer screenings, support for chronic conditions, and preventive health services.

Contact Pacific Prime to explore our range of international insurance plans designed for retirees in the island country. We are committed to assisting expats in finding a plan that offers outstanding coverage tailored to their needs, along with access to the finest private healthcare facilities.

Safety and Travel Tips for Expats in the Maldives

Expats can stay safe during their time in the Maldives by avoiding political protests and protecting themselves from bug bites. Threats of terrorism and dengue fever remain some of the largest health and safety risks for expats in the islands.

Political Threats 

Within the recent years, there has been an increased threat of terrorism and political unrest within the country. Expats living in the Maldives should exercise caution, particularly during public events and political protests in the city of Malé, as they may turn violent.

Expats who have been the victim of violence or a crime can call the Maldivian police department by dialing 1-1-9. 

Health Threats 

Dengue Fever and Chikungunya remain a threat to expat health in the Maldives. Both of these illnesses are transmitted through bites from infected mosquitos, and result in flu-like symptoms. The subtropical climate and wet seasons in the islands make these outbreaks particularly likely. 

To avoid these illnesses, expats should do their best to prevent bug bites. Some examples of prevention methods are remaining adequately covered by clothes, using the correct bug spray, and sleeping with a mosquito net. 

Conclusion 

International health insurance is an excellent way for expats to protect themselves during their stay in the Maldives. It is especially important to secure a plan with medical emergency and evacuation coverage. 

Pacific Prime offers a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, be it travel insurance, or an international health policy. 

Contact our advisors today for impartial advice, or visit our website for a free quote. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need international health insurance while in the Maldives? 

Expats are strongly recommended to secure an international health insurance plan. This will offer them medical and financial protection during their time visiting or living on the islands. 

Are the Maldives safe for tourists?

The Maldives is largely safe on the resorts, but there have been reported terrorist threats and political unrest in the country. Stay away from political rallies or protests, and avoid confrontation with political demonstrators.