Samoa Health Insurance
Those moving or traveling to Samoa will undoubtedly have many questions regarding how Samoa’s healthcare system works, as well as whether private health insurance in Samoa is necessary. This guide provides information about Samoa, its healthcare system, and further outlines the key health insurance options available in the country. Read on to learn more, or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.
About Samoa
Located in the Pacific Ocean at the heart of Polynesia, approximately halfway 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. 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, with its capital city Apia, is where parliament is seated and where the country is run from.
Samoa healthcare system
Samoa has well-rounded and easily accessible healthcare services. As the tourism sector accounts for a large part of Samoa's economy, there is infrastructure in place to cope with the demand for top-quality health services, as well as adequate health services for very fair prices. Samoa’s main and largest national hospital, the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, is located at Motootua, in Apia, and is supported by four district hospitals and various health centers.
In Samoa, healthcare costs are heavily subsidized by the government and 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.
Samoa travel advice
All visitors to the country are required to pay for health services in Samoa, usually by cash payment before carrying out any treatment. The private healthcare sector is mainly available in Apia and consists of small hospitals and clinics able to offer only a limited range of medical services.
Samoa is a small country in a remote location, making travel to and from the country limited and difficult. Considering the options for medical evacuation from Samoa is extremely important if a person is injured or has become ill in any serious way. Discuss with your international health insurance provider about your options for medical evacuation from Samoa.
Immunization
The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for Samoa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza. In response to a Proclamation of State of Emergency issued 15th November 2019, regarding the measles outbreak in Samoa, all visitors planning to visit, currently staying in Samoa, and those who recently left must ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Dengue fever is the main infectious disease that has a real presence in Samoa. Take preventative measures from being bitten by mosquitoes to avoid catching dengue fever. Malaria, though usually among the culprits of mosquito-borne diseases, is not present in Samoa.
Comprehensive travel insurance or Samoa private health insurance can help to offset healthcare and medical evacuation costs, should something happen to you during your stay in Samoa.
Visitors should also avoid drinking tap water, use bottled water to brush their teeth, and not eat uncooked meat or fish, as it may lead to traveler’s diarrhea.
Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities, and while normally safe, it is advisable not to touch fish and corals in the ocean, as some species can be toxic.
Samoa health insurance
While Samoa’s healthcare infrastructure and healthcare system are extensive, medical facilities are considered basic in comparison to western standards. In the event of a serious illness or accident, visitors and resident expatriates in the country are advised to seek medical assistance in New Zealand, Australia, or Hawaii. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all foreign nationals in the country obtain a comprehensive international health insurance policy that contains the emergency evacuation benefit.
If you would like more information about traveling, or moving to Samoa and obtaining the best medical insurance policy for the occasion, feel free to contact one of our dedicated advisors today.
