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

How does the healthcare system work in Suriname?

In Suriname, you will find both private and public health care institutions.
The quality of health care is often worrying. For example, due to a shortage of work materials, not all medical procedures can always be performed in hospitals. In the cities, it is better than outside.
Life expectancy is slightly below the average life expectancy in South America.
There are multiple hospitals in Paramaribo and in addition, there are a number of health centers.
In some areas, doctors care for large numbers of patients.
Medical care is provided to the residents of the interior by various medical posts in the villages on the Upper Suriname River.
Some villages are no less than a four-hour drive and four-hour boat ride from Paramaribo, such as the Maroon village of Djoemoe, which can only be reached by boat. In emergency situations, it is therefore important that the patient can be brought to Paramaribo as quickly as possible.
Availability of medicines: certain medicines are regularly out of stock. You also often have to pay out of pocket, which you can later claim back from your insurance if you are insured. It is therefore useful to always have enough money on you.
Ambulance services are limited, especially outside Paramaribo. It can be useful to arrange your own transportation in case of emergencies.

The public healthcare system in Suriname falls under the Ministry of Public Health (VGH). Residents are required to take out local health insurance, the employer pays 50% of this.
All residents of Suriname, including foreigners living in Suriname, are therefore entitled to care from the basic package.
Young people (0-16 years) and the elderly from 60 years of age are insured at the expense of the state.
Healthcare in the far interior is in the hands of Primary Health Care, also known as the Medical Mission.
As an expat who is not an official resident, you must pay for services or use private insurance. The latter in particular can be very relevant if you suddenly need a medical evacuation for care that you cannot get in Suriname.
Even expats who are residents often opt for additional insurance that fills in the gaps of the basic insurance.

Private clinics and hospitals offer faster and often better care, but are more expensive.
These institutions are often recommended for expats.
The costs usually have to be paid immediately or reimbursed through private insurance.

General practitioners are the first point of contact for non-urgent health problems.
They are usually available in urban areas and work by appointment. In rural areas, access is limited.
You make an appointment and usually pay immediately, unless you are insured.
Many general practitioners can refer you to specialists if necessary.

Dentists in Suriname are well-trained and work in both public and private practices.
The costs of dental care are relatively low compared to Western countries.
Specialized treatments, such as orthodontics or implants, are limited to large cities.

Pregnant women have access to prenatal care in government hospitals and private clinics.
There are specialized maternity clinics in Paramaribo.
Most deliveries take place in health facilities such as hospitals.
Home births are less common and are not recommended due to limited medical infrastructure in certain areas.

In general, Suriname is quite safe, unfortunately crime is increasing.
It is not wise to go into the back streets of Paramaribo with large amounts of money or adorned with jewelry.
Pickpockets are also active in busy places.
Armed robberies can occur if you are out and about alone in the streets of Paramaribo at night.
Dangerous animals such as snakes and jaguars can be found in rural and wooded areas. Take precautions when you will spend time in nature.

In Suriname there are many mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and dengue fever. Good protection against mosquitoes is therefore recommended.
Various vaccinations are also recommended, discuss this with your vaccination doctor.
Tap water is safe to drink in urban areas.
There are several other health risks, including tuberculosis and HIV. It may be wise to take this into account.

Roads in urban areas are generally in reasonable condition, but in rural areas roads can be poorly maintained or unpaved.
Be aware that people drive on the left, due to the history with the English.
During the rainy season, roads can become flooded or impassable.
It is permitted to drive with an international driving license.
Lighting and traffic regulations are not always strictly adhered to, so be alert.
It is not recommended to drive long distances at night due to poor visibility and unpredictable behavior of other road users.
There is also a lot of travel by boat.
Buses and minibuses are available, but often unreliable and overcrowded. Taxis are a safer alternative, but always agree on a price before you get in.

Is the trip to 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.

If you register as a resident in Suriname, you are required to participate in the national insurance system. However, many expats choose to take out an international private insurance in addition to enjoy broader coverage and possibly also be insured for repatriation or care in neighboring countries.
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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