Samoa Health Insurance

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  Located in the Pacific Ocean at the heart of Polynesia, approximately half way between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa used to be a German protectorate pre world war one. Samoa was originally known as the Navigators islands, most notably because of the Samoans′ natural seafaring skills.

  During world war one it was split into two protectorates, one held by America, now American Samoa, and the other taken by the British. Samoa was occupied by New Zealand military forces during its time as a British protectorate, until in 1962 when Samoa became the first independent pacific island nation. Previously known as Western Samoa, the "Western" was later dropped in 1997. Samoa consists of 2 main islands, 2 smaller islands and lots of little uninhabited islands and sand flats. The smaller of the main islands, Upolu, is where parliament is seated and where the country is run from. On any given day the western most point of the larger island, Savaii, is the last place to see the sun set in the world.

  Samoa Medical Insurance News

  Samoa was originally known as the Navigators islands, most notably because of the Samoans′ natural seafaring skills. During world war one it was split into to protectorates, one held by America, now American Samoa, and the other taken by the British. Samoa was occupied by New Zealand military forces during its time as a British protectorate, until in 1962 when Samoa became the first independent pacific island nation. Previously known as Western Samoa, the "Western" was later dropped in 1997. Samoa consists of 2 main islands, 2 smaller islands and lots of little uninhabited islands and sand flats. The smaller of the main islands, Upolu, is where parliament is seated and where the country is run from. On any given day the western most point of the larger island, Savaii, is the last place to see the sun set in the world. Because of Samoa′s large tourism sector of the economy, there is infrastructure in place to cope with demand for top quality health services as well as adequate health services for very fair prices.

  The UNDP Global Human Development Index ranks Samoa 96th worldwide, while is not ranked under the Human Poverty Index. Based on the HDI Samoa has one of the most highest levels of social rankings amongst the pacific island countries showing higher levels of education and health standards, relative to other Pacific Island nations around the region. Samoa′s relatively high social standings compared to other nations in its region can be put down to the government′s commitment to strict and efficient macro and micro economic reforms which have allowed Samoa to spend more money through its budget on development on its health and education sectors.

  Over the past couple of decades Samoa′s health standards have improved dramatically, and now Samoans enjoy a relatively good health status as the following health statistics indicate; Life Expectancy is at 68.4 years for the average Samoan citizen, Infant Mortality Rate is 17.8 per 1000 citizens, Maternal Mortality Rate is 60 deaths per 100,000 and Under-5 mortality Rate is 27 out of 1000. In addition to this 96.3% of infants are immunized against major communicable diseases. These statistics are ahead of most other Pacific Island Nations, except Fiji who also enjoys relatively good living standards. Samoa has not had a confirmed case of measles in the last 4 years.

  Today in Samoa there is an epidemiological transition happening in Samoa where non-communicable diseases have begun to replace communicable diseases as the main cause of death in Samoa. Non-communicable diseases in Samoa are growing at phenomenal rates to epidemic proportion replacing the traditional communicable diseases as main cause of death. Samoans are increasingly suffering from hypertension and diabetes, a consequence of the changing lifestyle including, alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy fast food diets and lack of exercise.

  In Samoa Health costs are heavily subsidized by the government when you use any of the Samoan National Hospitals. This financial burden is especially heavy for the tertiary overseas care of patients who qualify for referral overseas, mainly to New Zealand or Hawaii, where except travel costs- it is fully financed by the Samoan government. Recent research both by overseas medical institutes and the Samoan government show that an increase in means test for referrals would save the Samoan government immensely and allow for them to improve local infrastructure.

  Overall Samoa has a well rounded and easily accessible healthcare service. As is true with any country in the world, there are some problems inherent in the system; however most people are able to receive the care that they need when they need it. The only way to avoid the issues and concerns of any healthcare system in the world is through a quality international health insurance plan. These plans give you the flexibility to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice, meaning that no matter where in the world you may be located, from Afghanistan to the United States of America, you will always be able to receive the highest standard of care available.

  For more information about the Samoan healthcare system, Samoa expat health insurance, or to receive a free comprehensive international health insurance quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.

• Samoa Travel Tips

  Whenever you travel overseas it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be very different to your own. Samoa′s legal system may be similar to that of many western countries; however there are a few differences in culture which are worth noting as to avoid possible trouble. As such we have provided some Samoa travel advice so that you may stay safe and better enjoy your travels.

  

  Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning; as such you should consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.

  • Cyclone season in Samoa is from November to April. However, tropical storms and cyclones may occur in other months. If you plan to visit Samoa during these months it is advised to stay alert to storm warnings
  • Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness dengue fever occur in Samoa
  • You should avoid driving out of built up areas at night as lighting is poor and road quality outside Apia is poor
  • The level of serious crime is low, but incidents of petty theft are fairly common. Commonly stolen items include shoes, hats; there is a minimal amount of bag and purse snatching. You should not leave your belongings unattended and should use hotel safes for passports and valuable items
  • Drivers and pedestrians should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced and traffic violations occur routinely. Roads in Samoa often traverse small rivers, and drivers should exercise extreme caution when crossing these passages of water
  • Whilst swimming it should be noted that rips are quite common in Samoa, if caught in one do not try to swim against it, try to swim side ways to avoid being taken right out and then swim around the rip back to the shoreline. Even the most experienced swimmers will find it very difficult to swim against the tidal rip.
  • Gay and lesbian travelers should be aware that, despite examples of men cross-dressing and behaving in a feminine manner within the traditional Pacific culture, homosexual acts in Samoa are illegal. Anyone caught in conduct of homosexual acts could face heavy fines, possible infringement and in serious cases deportation.
  • Health care facilities in Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited in range and availability. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment, and you should ensure that your insurance policy covers this. Difficulties may arise in obtaining some specialized prescription medicines in Samoa.
  • Dengue occurs in Samoa. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue, but there are preventative measures that you can take which include sleeping in mosquito nets and applying mosquito repellant.
  • It is understood that 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, along which Samoa is located. If caught in an earthquake it is advised to take cover either in a door frame, under a desk or table or outside away from trees or power poles. Whatever you do, do not stand under a power pole.
  • Stray, sometimes vicious, dogs are common in Samoa. Although uncommon there have been reports of dog attacks in suburban areas and on beaches outside of hotel boundaries.
  • Levels of services in Samoa for travelers with disabilities are extremely limited. The lack of footpaths or adequately paved walkways makes it difficult for individuals in wheelchairs or the walking impaired to travel around Samoa. There are few, if any, motor vehicles capable of transporting wheelchairs and the lack of disabled ramps and access points at major hotels makes finding suitable accommodation difficult. None of the tour operators specifically cater for the disabled.
  

  For more information about traveling to Samoa, international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free customized quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisors today.

For more information about Samoa, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.