How does the healthcare system work in Nauru?

What is the quality of healthcare in Nauru?

• Like most things, healthcare is limited in Nauru (one of the smallest countries in the world) with only one hospital and five doctors.
• The quality of healthcare is good when it comes to basic healthcare.
• Doctors generally speak good English and local healthcare workers are known for their friendliness.
• There are only public healthcare facilities. There is no private healthcare sector in Nauru.
• The only hospital is the Nauru Ron Hospital.
• Many of Nauru's residents die from heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The country has one of the highest obesity rates in the world.
• This is mainly due to poverty in the country. This forces people to buy cheap food, such as canned food.
• Another major problem is the lack of drinking water. The healthcare system is therefore also very focused on preventing infectious diseases that can arise from water shortages.
• Most locals who have a serious illness choose to have treatment abroad - for example in Australia. The Republic of Nauru Pharmacy imports medicines from Australia and the Netherlands, but there are often shortages.
• International health insurance with evacuation cover and cover in surrounding countries is a must for a stay in Nauru.

How does the public healthcare system work in Nauru?

• Public healthcare consists of basic care and is mainly provided through the Nauru Ron Hospital.
• In the hospital you have access to medical specialism, surgery, radiology, laboratory tests, pharmacy, radiology, haemodialysis and oral care.
• Treatment for diabetes and obesity is only available through the Nauru Public Health Center.

How is the dentist arranged in Nauru?

• Dental care is very limited and available at the Nauru Ron Hospital. There are no private clinics.
• Most people choose to have dental care abroad.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Nauru?

• You may have seen it coming, but maternity care on Nauru is very limited.
• Pregnancy care often depends on foreign doctors who only work in the country temporarily. It is therefore not recommended to spend your pregnancy and delivery in Nauru. The risk of medical evacuation is high.

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

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

• In terms of human danger, Nauru is very safe. There is almost no crime, although pickpocketing can occur.
• The safety and danger is connected to nature. There are many strong currents along the coast. So be very careful with riptides.
• Nauru is also experiencing the severe consequences of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion and heavy storms pose a danger to the island.
• The island is very sensitive to drought. This can cause water shortages.

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

• Food hygiene is not equally good everywhere and food poisoning can occur. So prepare yourself for this!
• Dengue and zika occur, so protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
• Nauru is very hot and the sun is strong. So drink enough water and protect yourself from the intense sun rays.
• Only drink water from sealed bottles.

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

• There is almost no public transport on Nauru. Most visitors use taxis. People who live a while in Nauru can rent or buy a car.
• Most roads are unpaved. Only the main road, a circuit along the coast, is paved.
• Be careful of people and animals walking on the road in the evening.

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

• Is the trip to Nauru 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 Nauru if you are going to live there for a while?

• It is better not to move to Nauru without international health insurance. The chance of medical evacuation is high, which might also mean high costs in another country.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.