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Tonga Health Insurance for Expats

Discover international health insurance options for expats living and/or working in Tonga and learn about Tonga’s healthcare system.

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International Health Insurance for Expats in Tonga

Expats living in Tonga will need to secure a private health insurance plan if they don’t want to pay for all their medical care out-of-pocket. Foreigners living in Tonga do not get free healthcare like Tongas and naturalized Tongans do.

Are you thinking about traveling to or living in Tonga? Do you need help figuring out your international health insurance options?

This guide will teach you how the Tongan healthcare system is organized, what insurance options are available to expats, and who the best international insurance providers are in Tonga.

Pacific Prime can help you find the ideal plan for your requirements and budget. Click below to receive a free quote or keep reading to learn more about health insurance in Tonga.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Tonga

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
  • Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
  • Numerous Deductible Options
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • 4 Core Insurance Plans
Plan Details

Allianz Care Health Insurance

  • World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
  • Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
  • Quick and Efficient Claims Process
  • Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000
Plan Details

The Healthcare System in Tonga: Explained for Expats

Tonga’s healthcare system has one of the best overall levels of health in the Pacific, but expats may feel the quality of care is only basic. About 47% of the healthcare funding comes from the government, 38% comes from donors and development partners, and 15% comes out-of-pocket from patients.

When visiting Tonga, the worst problem most travelers experience is a hangover or upset stomach. The main health danger comes from dengue fever, which is caused by mosquito bites.

If you have a medical emergency or serious health problem, visit the closest hospital or pharmacy as soon as possible.

Some of the common health conditions that present challenges for the healthcare system in Tonga include:

  • 99.9% of the adult population are at moderate to high risk of developing a non-communicable disease
  • Rural areas in Tonga can lack adequate healthcare services, medications, and supplies
  • Lifestyle diseases, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are on the rise in Tonga

Tonga’s Public Hospitals and Healthcare

Tonga’s healthcare sector includes a network of 34 maternal and child health clinics, 14 health centers, 3 district hospitals, and 1 tertiary referral hospital. This referral hospital, Vaiola Hospital, is the main referral center, equipped for advanced medical services and critical care.

Over 90% of all healthcare services in Tonga are delivered in hospitals (as opposed to clinics in other countries), so being close to one is essential for prompt care.

Expats may feel like the range of drugs available in Tonga and their options for modern equipment are limited.

Tonga’s Private Hospitals and Healthcare

While Vaiola Hospital is used by all individuals, it is technically a private hospital. It is located in the capital Nuku’alofa, and expats may prefer to live within close traveling distance to this care facility. There are additional private clinics and rural healthcare centers available in Tonga.

This national referral hospital has few specialists, so expats will want to make sure they have emergency evacuation coverage in the event they must be transported out of the country to the nearest adequate hospital that can provide the care they need.

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Health Insurance Options for Expats in Tonga

Expats living in Tonga will not have access to public health insurance medical coverage unless they are a Tongan or naturalized Tongan. Most expatriates will either need to pay a fee for their medical services out-of-pocket or purchase a private health insurance plan.

Public Insurance in Tonga

Tongan citizens and naturalized Tongans receive medical treatment for free in public facilities. The government highly subsidizes the healthcare system to make this possible for citizens. Basic medical services at public hospitals and clinics are covered.

Private Insurance in Tonga

Foreigners and expats living in Tonga are required to pay a fee for medical care both in public and private facilities. The fee for expat consultations and medications in private facilities can range from about USD $4.22 - $12.50 (TOP 10 - 30). Advanced care may cost more.

To avoid the piling up of medical bills, expats may want private insurance.

Expats in Tonga can get a private insurance plan from an international insurance provider, like Bupa, AXA, or NOW Health. These providers offer health insurance that is carefully customized to the unique needs of expatriates and international citizens.

An international health insurance plan can include these benefits:

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

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Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Tonga

The best international health insurance providers for expats living in Tonga are April International, NOW Health International, AXA, William Russell, and Cigna. Each of these providers offers comprehensive, customizable insurance plans designed for the unique needs of expatriates and digital nomads.

To read our full list of top international health providers, read our blog post The Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers.

April International

April International is an international insurance provider based in France with more than 30 years of experience in international health insurance and 12 different countries of operation. April offers 5 tiers of coverage for individuals and families, paperless reimbursement, and 24/7 contact.

Here are their private expats plans:

  • Emergency Plan
  • Formule Basic
  • Essential Plan
  • Comfort
  • Platinum Plan

  • Inpatient treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Emergency repatriation
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Maternity coverage
  • Vision and dental coverage
Plan Details

NOW Health International

NOW Health International offers coverage in over 200 territories, and expats choose Now Health because of their customer-focused services and extensive worldwide provider network. SimpleCare plans are designed to be cost-effective for expats, and Worldcare plans offer more comprehensive coverage.

Their expat international insurance plans are:

  • SimpleCare Core
  • SimpleCare 100
  • SimpleCare 250
  • WorldCare Essential
  • WorldCare Advance
  • WorldCare Excel
  • WorldCare Apex

  • In-patient and day-patient care
  • Organ transplant
  • Evacuation and repatriation
  • Cancer treatment
  • Rehabilitation
Plan Details

AXA

AXA Global Healthcare is a renowned brand with over 50 years of experience offering insurance solutions to more than 95 million clients in 50 countries. This makes AXA a great choice for expats in Tonga looking for wide coverage and flexibility in their health insurance plans.

The annual plan limits for AXA’s international insurance plans range from US $160,000 to US $8,000,000. Their plan names are:

  • Foundation
  • Standard
  • Comprehensive
  • Prestige
  • Prestige Plus

  • Hospital charges and surgery
  • Virtual doctor service
  • Mind health service
  • Emergency coverage
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Wide range of cancer treatment
  • Ambulance transport
  • CT, PET and MRI scans
Plan Details

William Russell

William Russell is a top provider of global health packages catering to expat individuals, digital nomads, families, and students. Those living in Tonga will appreciate William Russell’s 6 zones of coverage that grant you the control to customize your premiums and where you get coverage.

The 4 international medical plans offered for expats are:

  • Bronze
  • SilverLite
  • Silver
  • Gold

  • Hospotalization treatment
  • Cancer treatment and care
  • Emergency evacuations
  • Diagnostics
  • Post-hospital physiotherapy
Plan Details

Cigna

Cigna Global offers international health insurance to expats living in more than 200 markets and territories around the world. Cigna has 1.5 million health professionals and 24/7 customer support workers who speak more than 50 languages. Individuals, families, and businesses can get Cigna coverage.

Cigna’s 4 expat health insurance plans are:

  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum
  • Close Care

  • Hospitalization
  • Inpatient and daypatient treatments
  • Cancer treatments
  • Physiotherapy
  • Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation
Plan Details

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Tonga

Expats living in or moving to Tonga should make sure their insurance policy is comprehensive enough for their needs before traveling. Additionally, check whether you are covered for any local activities you may want to participate in, such as diving, surfing, and snorkeling.

Your health insurance policy should also cover emergency evacuation, which enables you to be evacuated to the closest hospital that can best treat you. Evacuation can cost as much as USD $250,000, so you won’t want to pay these fees out-of-pocket.

It’s worth noting that while hospitals in Tonga will accept direct payment from most major international insurers, other health-related costs might have to be paid upfront in cash.

Tonga Health and Safety Travel Advice for Visitors

Foreign visitors traveling in Tonga should stay safe and healthy by getting the required vaccinations, eating and drinking safe foods and drinks, staying hydrated, and doing what they can to prevent bug bites.

  • Recommended vaccinations for Tonga visitors include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, measles, polio, chickenpox, COVID-19, and typhoid fever, along with a current influenza shot.
  • Learn about and prepare against these infectious diseases that can be prevented: zika virus, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and tuberculosis.
  • Stay away from tap water that hasn’t been filtered, boiled, or chemically disinfected. Likewise, it’s best to avoid ice unless you make it yourself using bottled water.
  • Apply sunscreen and stay hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion.
  • The CDC recommends that travelers to Tonga keep away from animals, avoid bug bites, reduce their exposure to germs, avoid sharing bodily fluids, and use safe transportation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my health insurance cover me when I move to Tonga?

Domestic health insurance from your country of citizenship usually will not provide medical coverage in Tonga. Instead, expats, professional travelers, and digital nomads must purchase an international health insurance plan designed to cover them abroad.

What’s the average cost of international health insurance in Tonga?

NOW Health International’s SimpleCare Core health insurance plan can cost as low as USD $45/month for a 30-year-old male living in Tonga. The average cost of international health insurance in Tonga will vary depending on your age, gender, health status, and more.

Conclusion: Compare Tonga Plans and Quotes Now

If you are a visitor or expatriate who is looking for peace of mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in the event of an accident or illness while traveling to Tonga, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance or expat medical insurance plan is the optimal solution for you.

Pacific Prime can help you find the best health insurance plan in Tonga to meet your needs and budget. Contact us to speak to our expert advisors or receive a free quote today.

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