French Polynesia Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in French Polynesia

Expats moving to French Polynesia should secure international health insurance to cover medical costs and to secure the best-quality care within the island group and beyond. French Polynesia’s healthcare system is considered good, but quality varies greatly between islands. 

Are you an expat preparing to move to Tahiti, Bora Bora, or somewhere else in French Polynesia who needs top medical coverage? Are you a traveler planning a tropical getaway who wants to ensure that possible trip mishaps are covered?

This article will outline the benefits of international insurance in French Polynesia, explain the country’s healthcare system, compare top insurance plans, give travel safety advice for the area, and more. 

Whether you’re planning your long-term relocation to French Polynesia or just preparing for a quick vacation, Pacific Prime can help you find a plan tailored to your needs and budget. Get a free quote or keep reading to find out more about health insurance in French Polynesia.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in French Polynesia

The Healthcare System in French Polynesia

French Polynesia offers high-quality medical care, particularly for standard medical procedures and on the main islands in the region, such as Tahiti. Options for medical treatment are not available across all islands, however, and more complicated medical treatment may require medical evacuation.

The islands offer a blend of both public and private sectors. Most individuals can qualify to receive public healthcare under the country’s social insurance plan. Many choose private plans to improve access to quality care and to ensure coverage regardless of location.

Public Hospitals in French Polynesia

Public hospitals in French Polynesia are located in Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, and Nuku Hiva, with approximately 115 public healthcare centers spread across the islands collectively. Ta’aone, previously the French Polynesia Hospital Center, is French Polynesia’s main hospital.

Ta’aone Hospital: Ta’aone Hospital, formerly known as The French Polynesia Hospital Center (CHPF), is the archipelago’s main public hospital. With advanced medical technology and medical treatment across most specialties, it serves as the hub for more complicated procedures and for referrals. 

Address: Pīra'e 98716, French Polynesia

Telephone number: 689 40 48 62 62

Hospital Taravao: Hospital Taravao offers 33 hospital beds in this rural, community-based medical center. This hospital offers both short-term and long-term care, including rehabilitation services. Additionally, they provide a basic emergency room but no maternity ward.

Address: 7M8W+X3J, Rte de l'Hôpital, Taiarapu-Est, French Polynesia

Telephone number: 689 40 54 77 77

Hospital Moorea: While there is little information on the services offered at this hospital, patients often report that they receive high-quality care from professionals at this location.

Address: Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia

Telephone number:  689 40 55 22 22

Hospital Uturoa: Hospital Uturoa is located on Raiatea and has 48 beds. Services offered at Hospital Uturoa include emergency care, surgery, including OBGYN, radiology, labwork, technical diagnostics, and more.

Address: 7HC4+P2X, Uturoa, French Polynesia

Telephone number: 689 40 60 08 00

Louis Rollin Hospital: Louis Rollin Hospital in Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, features an operating room, maternity ward, laboratory, radiology department, a hospitalization department, and a reception unit.

Address: Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia

Telephone number: 689 40 91 02 00

Private Hospitals in French Polynesia

Two of the top private facilities in French Polynesia include Clinique Cardella and Clinique Paofai. While Polynesia offers a fairly robust public healthcare sector, private medical care is common for more specialized care.

Clinique Cardella: Clinique Cardella’s 50 practitioners and 180 professionals are dedicated to providing efficient healthcare. The clinic features 14 medical beds, 17 general surgery beds, 19 gynecology and obstetrics beds, and more.  

Address: Rue Anne Marie Javouhey, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia

Phone number: 689 40 46 04 00

Clinique Paofai: Paofai Polyclinic offers maternity services, including OBGYN care, as well as surgical and medical services. Surgical services include orthopedics, ophthalmology, plastic, and more. Medical care includes dermatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, and more.

Address: Jardins de, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia

Phone number: 689 40 46 19 20

Health Insurance Options in French Polynesia for Expats 

Expats may choose to purchase expat insurance before heading to French Polynesia. The archipelago’s social healthcare covers most residents, but with medical evacuation being necessary for tricky procedures, private plans like international health insurance offer better coverage.

Public Insurance in French Polynesia

The Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale (CPS) is French Polynesia’s mandatory social security system. CPS includes coverage for medical expenses, from doctor visits to hospital stays and medications. Note that the Carte Vitale and the European Health Insurance Card are not accepted in French Polynesia.

To qualify for public health insurance through CPS in French Polynesia, expats must simply provide proof that they are a legal resident with a valid residence permit or a long-term visa.

Private Insurance in French Polynesia

Expats who qualify for CPS are still advised to purchase private health insurance. High-quality worldwide care, customization, and medical evacuation coverage (which is frequent in French Polynesia) make international health insurance the best choice for expats.

Some of the benefits often included with international health insurance include:

• Worldwide coverage
• Inpatient and day patient care
• Cancer care
• Mental health care
• Emergency ambulatory services and ER care
• Palliative care
• Home nursing
• Lab work and testing
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental care
• Rehabilitation

International health insurance provides portable care regardless of country, so expats can access top-tier facilities worldwide. Portability is important for expats in French Polynesia since medical evacuation is otherwise very expensive, and many patients needing serious treatment receive care outside of the island group.

Individuals who choose an international insurance plan also get to pick which benefits they need, with flexible options to renew their policies. Expats may also consider add-on benefits for vision, dental, maternity, and preventive care. 

To find a personalized plan,  speak to our expert insurance advisors today as you begin your adventure in French Polynesia.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in French Polynesia

Some of the best private health insurance providers for expats in French Polynesia include Allianz, AXA, Cigna, NOW Health, VUMI, and William Russell. Read more about each provider below, head to the link for their page, or get a free quote right away.

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.

Allianz

Allianz is one of the largest international health insurance providers worldwide. Their Allianz Care, Allianz Care Plus, and Allianz Care Pro offer ideal coverage for French Polynesia expats. All three plans cover inpatient and day-care services, oncology treatment, and medical evacuation.

The annual limit per plan is:

• Care plan: USD $2,500,000
• Care Plus plan: USD $4,000,000
• Care Pro plan: USD $5,00,000

Expats seeking the most comprehensive care should consider the Care Pro plan, with more budget-friendly options found in the Care Plus or Care plans. 

Beyond the core benefits offered in each plan, expats may purchase add-on riders for further coverage, with offerings for an outpatient plan, a dental plan, a repatriation plan, and a maternity plan.

AXA

AXA offers five international plans: their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. These plans include valuable services for expats such as 24/7 personal support, claims repayment within 48 hours, second medical opinions, and virtual doctor visits. 

The plans all offer coverage for:

For those needing extra coverage, the Prestige and Prestige Plus plans also cover routine pregnancy care and annual health checks.

The annual limit of each plan is:

• Foundation plan: USD $160,000
• Standard plan: USD $1,600,000
• Comprehensive plan: USD $2,400,000
• Prestige plan: USD $3,200,000
• Prestige Plus plan: USD $8,00,000

Cigna

Cigna is known worldwide as a leading health insurance provider. They provide excellent coverage of inpatient and outpatient services for expats through their Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans as well as their Close Care plan. The core benefits included in these plans are:

Expats have the option to customize their plan for their health and lifestyle needs, with some popular add-on benefits including: 

• Dental and vision benefits
• Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
• Outpatient services
• Health and wellbeing services

The Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan all offer international coverage, while the Close Care plan only offers coverage in French Polynesia and the expat’s home country as a cost-effective option. 

The annual limits for each plan are: 

• USD $1,000,000 for the Silver plan
• USD $2,000,000 for the Gold plan
• An unlimited annual maximum for the Platinum plan 
• USD $500,000 for the Close Care plan 

NOW Health

NOW Health offers its WorldCare and SimpleCare plans with different tiers of coverage across both plans. Through their WorldCare plan, expats can choose from four tiers of coverage, and through the SimpleCare plan, expats can choose from three tiers of coverage. 

The SimpleCare plan helps expats save on premium costs. Note that expats cannot receive elective coverage in the United States under the SimpleCare plan. Under the SimpleCare plan, annual limits are:

• USD $1,000,000 for the SimpleCare Core tier
• USD $1,500,000 for the SimpleCare 100 tier
• USD $1,500,000 for the SimpleCare 250 tier

The WorldCare plans from NOW Health offer more comprehensive care, and the copay options help expats lower their monthly premiums. Under the WorldCare plan, annual limits are:

• USD $3,000,000 for the Essential tier
• USD $3,500,000 for the Advance tier
• USD $4,000,000 for the Excel tier
• USD $4,500,000 for the Apex tier

VUMI

VUMI’s five international health insurance plans are their Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total plans. VUMI offers access to an extensive network of healthcare providers, coverage for prescribed medications, and even support for chronic conditions.

The shared benefits across these plans include:

• Comprehensive inpatient care
• Comprehensive outpatient care
• Zero-deductible options for emergency transportation.

Annual coverage across each plan is:

• USD $3,000,000 for the Basic plan
• USD $3,500,000 for the Standard plan
• USD $4,00,000 for the Superior plan
• USD $4,500,000 for the Ultra plan
• USD $5,000,000 for the Total plan

William Russell

William Russell offers their Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold plans for access to a wide network of top providers worldwide. All of William Russell’s plans offer full coverage for hospitalization costs, cancer treatment, and medical evacuation, with premium plans offering additional benefits.

Let’s at a closer look at some of the benefits and limits of William Russell’s international health insurance plans for expats:

Annual Benefit Limits of William Russell Medical Insurance Plans
	Bronze	SilverLite	Silver	Gold
Annual Benefit Limit	USD $1.5 million	USD $1.5 million	USD $2.5 million	USD $5 million

William Russell Plan Comparison for Hospital Coverage Options
	Bronze	SilverLite	Silver	Gold
Hospital Accommodations	Semi-private room (option to upgrade to a private room)	Semi-private room (option to upgrade to a private room)	Private room	Private room
Hospital Treatment	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
Parent Accommodation	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
Local ambulance	Full coverage	Up to USD $1,600	Full coverage	Full coverage
Hospital Cash benefit	Up to USD $150 per night (maximum of 60 nights)	Up to USD $200 per night (maximum of 60 nights)	Up to USD $200 per night (maximum of 60 nights)	Up to USD $350 per night (maximum of 60 nights)
Advanced Diagnostic Tests	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage

In French Polynesia, it is especially important that expats secure medical evacuation coverage as serious treatment may not be available on the islands. Paying to transport you to where you can receive medical care is very costly without insurance. William Russell’s rates for evac coverage are: 

William Russell Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Benefits
	Bronze	SilverLite	Silver	Gold
Emergency Medical Evacuation	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
Repatriation of Mortal Remains	Full coverage	Up to USD $5,000	Full coverage	Full coverage

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in French Polynesia

Expats comparing private insurance plans should consider an insurer's reputation as well as the size of the provider network, direct billing options, and specifics of their health and budget. We’ve listed the main factors to keep in mind below:

1. Your Budget: Your health history, desired coverage, extra benefits, and even age and gender contribute to the cost of your insurance plan. When breaking down your budget for your policy, remember the following costs:
   • Premiums are the amount you pay each month for health insurance. 
   • Deductibles are the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs. 
   • Copays are the amount you pay for medical visits, like doctor’s visits. 
   • Coinsurance is the coverage percentage you pay once you have met your deductible. 
   • The out-of-pocket maximum is the total maximum amount you may pay for health care within a term.
2. Plan Limits: Each plan offers varied coverage limits, meaning the maximum amount the insurer will pay for medical expenses. International health insurance limits are usually annual. Ensure that plan limits align with your healthcare needs, especially if you often receive extensive care.
3. Range of Benefits: Expats should evaluate which plans provide comprehensive coverage that includes inpatient, outpatient, and preventive care. When applicable, seek plans with coverage for maternity care, mental health services, and prescription medications.
4. Exclusions: Many plans have exclusions, so carefully review your policy or seek professional help from a broker. Many plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, elective surgery, or alternative therapies. If you receive treatment for excluded care, you will have to cover the costs out of pocket.
5. Insurer Reputation: Pacific Prime partners with fantastic insurance providers, so you can trust the reputation of all partners on our site. If you choose to look elsewhere, check ratings and reviews online from current policyholders. 
6. Direct Billing Options: Some providers provide direct billing, which allows expats to receive treatment upfront before payment, alleviating financial stress and streamlining the medical process. 
7. Adventure Support: Many individuals in French Polynesia enjoy outdoor excursions, so verify that your chosen policy covers your favorite activities, from hiking to rock climbing to surfing and scuba diving. Ensure the insurer also provides 24/7 emergency assistance for urgent medical emergencies.
8. Medical Evacuation: Confirm that the plan includes medical evacuation coverage. This is essential for expats and travelers in French Polynesia. Medical evacuation addresses the costs of transporting you to another location or country for necessary medical care.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in French Polynesia

French Polynesia is considered a safe place to travel. The islands have a low violent crime rate, but travelers should keep their objects safe from pickpockets, beware of strong rip currents, stay safe from cyclones and tsunamis, buy travel insurance, and avoid mosquitoes, which may carry dengue. 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Along with routine vaccinations such as chickenpox, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), travelers to French Polynesia may be able to get vaccinated against dengue before their tropical adventure. 

Vaccination against dengue isn’t advised for everyone, but to avoid the sickness, keep yourself safe from mosquito bites by:

• Using insect repellent: This is the simplest way to keep bugs, including mosquitoes, from biting you.
• Wearing protective clothing: Long clothing better protects you from mosquito bites.
• Utilizing mosquito nets: Mosquito nets are highly advised as a covering while you sleep.
• Using screens on doors and windows: Make sure anywhere you plan to stay uses screens on their doors and windows so that mosquitoes cannot get inside.
• Avoiding activities during peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are often most active during dawn and dusk. 

Purchase Travel Insurance

Those who visit French Polynesia briefly are best covered by travel insurance. Travel medical insurance covers medical emergencies during your vacation, such as emergency care or repatriation. Make sure any insurance you purchase covers emergency evacuation.

Pair travel medical insurance with traditional travel insurance to receive comprehensive coverage against most travel mishaps. Travel insurance usually covers:

• Trip cancellation
• Delayed departure
• Personal belongings
• Lost luggage
• Travel documents
• Personal liability

If travel insurance fits your needs, read more about top insurers in this guide. 

Understand Rip Currents

Rip currents are strong, narrow currents that move away from the shore near beaches where waves break. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and read beach forecasts. If you get stuck in a rip current, float along with the current until it subsides or swim parallel to the shoreline. 

Prepare for Cyclone and Tsunami Season

Cyclone season runs from about November through April in French Polynesia. Visitors should also note that French Polynesia’s location in an active seismic zone makes it susceptible to earthquakes and, consequently, tsunamis. 

To prepare for cyclones, travelers should first evacuate, if safely possible. If evacuation isn’t an option, travelers can shelter in buildings and rooms without windows, and stay up to date on local weather channels.

To prepare for tsunamis, travelers can:

• Identify evacuation routes to higher ground
• Practice evacuation routes
• Make and carry an emergency kit with essential supplies
• Follow local tsunami guidelines
• Stay away from beaches ifthe  tsunami risk is high

Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare free in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia offers a mandatory social security system, which includes some medical coverage. All legal residents can qualify for this health coverage, but private insurance is still a popular choice for greater coverage.

Is French Polynesia a good destination for tourists?

French Polynesia is a favorite tourist destination for its turquoise waters, gorgeous sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It is an enviable destination, especially for divers with a variety of marine life to explore and see.

Is French Polynesia a good place for expats to live?

Expats looking for a laid-back tropical lifestyle may love French Polynesia, but they should remember that French Polynesia is considered quite expensive.

Do you need private health insurance in French Polynesia?

Private insurance is highly recommended for expats and travelers in French Polynesia, because medical evacuation is common for specialized treatment and can be very costly for those who only utilize the public healthcare system.

Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Private health insurance is highly recommended for any expat who wants access to high-quality care in French Polynesia. Along with providing access to care within French Polynesia, international health insurance ensures policyholders can receive treatment regardless of where they are in the world. 

Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience helping expats and travelers find amazing insurance plans. By contacting a broker from Pacific Prime, you guarantee that you get the information to find the right plan for you. 

Pacific Prime offers a wide array of travel insurance policies and health insurance plans as well as benefit packages for inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and dental care. Contact our expert advisors to get a free, no-obligation quote or impartial advice, and experience the peace of mind our plans can offer. 

If you found this article helpful, expats may also benefit from our articles on French Guiana and Gibraltar.