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

How does the healthcare system work in Fiji?

In Fiji, the quality of healthcare varies considerably. The country is a developing country and it is reflected in the healthcare.
Some hospitals are good, especially private and public hospitals in urban areas, others are of a much lower quality, especially in rural areas.
There are pharmacies in the larger cities and towns. You can also usually find a pharmacy near the resorts. 24-hour pharmacies are rare.
In general, the supply of medicines is good, but the options are limited. Just in case bring your own stack of medicination.
Because healthcare is limited in Fiji, medical evacuation may be necessary. People are usually taken to Australia or New Zealand.
For emergency medical care, you can call 911. However, it often takes a long time to get help and ambulances are not of very good quality.

The quality of public healthcare is generally not great. In cities, basic healthcare is reasonable, but in remote villages the quality of healthcare is often poor, because there are not enough facilities and doctors.
There are also often long waiting times due to staff shortages.
Expats can use public healthcare in Fiji.
There are about 25 hospitals in Fiji, of which the best (reviewed) four are on the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

The quality of private healthcare is, like in many other countries, a lot better. The facilities are often more modern and the waiting times are shorter.
Most clients of private healthcare are foreigners living in Fiji.
There are a few private hospitals, especially in Suva and Nadi. In these hospitals you will find general practitioners, specialists and 24-hour care.
However, the private sector also has to deal with shortages, especially shortages of specialists and diagnostic facilities.
Oceania Hospital is the largest private hospital in Fiji. Pacific Specialist Healthcare is another large private hospital.

GPs are mainly found in private hospitals and clinics. On more remote islands you may have to travel to another island to see a GP.
Ask other foreigners living in Fiji for advice on finding a good GP.
If you are in a resort, there may also be a resort GP.

There are certainly quite a few challenges in the area of maternity care, especially in the public health care.
All public health centres have the necessary materials in case a birth takes place in their clinic. The government also pays a lot of attention to training healthcare workers in the area of maternity care. In general, private hospitals and clinics are better for pregnancy care and childbirth. In private institutions, you can expect good, modern care.
Caesareans are performed and are generally safe. The starting point for a caesarean section is usually medical necessity rather than personal preference.
There are (limited) neonatal intensive care units.
Abortion is illegal unless the mother's life is in danger.

In general, anyone in Fiji, doesn't not have to worry about safety, if some things are kept in mind.
There are parts of the country that have higher crime rates. This is mainly due to the large gap between rich and poor, which means that there is a lot of petty crime such as theft.
Best to not wear expensive things in public and do not walk around alone at night, especially not in tourist areas.
The cyclone season takes place from November to April. Always follow government advice when a storm is approaching.

In Fiji, you run the risk of leptospirosis and mosquito-borne diseases such as zika and dengue. So protect yourself well!
Food poisoning is common in Fiji. It is also recommended to avoid tap water and raw salads.
HIV/AIDS is increasing in the country.
Drinking kava, a local type of alcohol, can have negative consequences for your health.

Traffic is not as tightly regulated as in more western countries. Many drivers do not adhere to traffic rules, which can lead to dangerous situations. So always drive defensively.
The roads in the cities are reasonable, in the countryside they are often bad.
Outside the cities, it is not recommended to drive in the dark. Animals can easily walk onto the road and there are often pedestrians walking along the side of the road.
When using public transport you can run the risk of being robbed.

Is the trip to Fiji 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.

For a stay in Fiji, international health insurance is a must. This way you can ensure that you are covered for the high costs of private care and any medical evacuation or repatriation.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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