How does healthcare work in Tuvalu, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Tuvalu?

What is the quality of healthcare in Tuvalu?

• Tuvalu is a very small country, and that naturally means limited health care. The quality is good, but nothing more is offered than basic care.
• The Princess Margaret Hospital, on Funafuti, is the only hospital in the country.
• Most foreigners opt for a medical evacuation to Fiji or Australia for better care. It is therefore important to have good, international health insurance.
• There is no private health care on the island.

How does the public healthcare system work in Tuvalu?

• All Tuvaluans are entitled to free primary and preventive health care, medication and hospitalizations.
• The Princess Margaret Hospital offers basic care, dental care and pharmaceutical care.
• On the other Tuvaluan islands you will mainly find nurses.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Tuvalu?

• There is no GP system in Tuvalu. For care you can go directly to the hospital or a clinic.

How is the dentist arranged in Tuvalu?

• For oral care you can go to the Princess Margaret Hospital.
• However, most expats opt for oral care abroad.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Tuvalu?

• There is prenatal care, but it is very limited.
• Many mothers-to-be choose to deliver their baby in another country.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Tuvalu?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Tuvalu?

• Tuvalu is reasonably safe. There is little crime, but there is still a small risk of pickpocketing and burglary.
• It is also generally safe to be outside in the evening.
• Beware of strong currents along the coast, even if you practice water sports.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Tuvalu?

• There are various health risks, including those related to climate change.
• For example, diseases can be spread through water and food. So make sure you only drink filtered or boiled water and eat well-prepared food.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Tuvalu?

• The main roads are paved, but most other roads are unpaved.
• Animals and pedestrians share the road surface with you, so be careful, especially in the evening!

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Tuvalu?

• Is the trip to Tuvalu and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Tuvalu if you are going to live there for a while?

• Because healthcare is so limited in Tuvalu, international health insurance with evacuation cover and cover abroad is essential for anyone foreign moving or staying (for a longer period of time) in Tuvalu.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.