How does the healthcare system work in Kiribati?

What is the quality of healthcare in Kiribati?

• Kiribati is a small country, with a very small and limited health care system. The care is not of the best quality due to limited resources and limited staff.
• The country also has to deal with high infant mortality rates, tuberculosis cases and many people with eye diseases.
• The country has four hospitals and about twenty medical clinics. There are also in addition health related NGOs and non-profits active.
• There are no private clinics in Kiribati. The government manages all health care.
• Many locals choose to be treated by traditional, local healers.
• There are around 70 pharmacies spread across the islands. In the pharmacy the staff can help you with the treatment of minor wounds and common health problems. It is recommended that you bring your own medicines and vitamins to Kiribati.
• Medical evacuation to Fiji or New Zealand is often necessary.

How does the public healthcare system work in Kiribati?

• The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is responsible for public health care. Public health care is therefore quite limited. The hospitals are good for routine complaints, but that is usually about it. The main hospital - Tungaru Central Hospital, does offer more extensive care.
• Public health care is free for locals. Foreigners can also use it, but have to pay on the spot.
• For all serious care, medical evacuation is often necessary, operations and other serious treatments are carried out abroad and are not carried out in Kiribati.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Kiribati?

• There is no GP system in Kiribati. People usually go straight to the hospital, or to a health clinic (where nurses usually work).

How is the dentist arranged in Kiribati?

• Because there are no private dental practices, you are completely dependent on the public supply. This is limited and the quality is not very good.
• It is therefore recommended to travel to another country for serious dental care.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Kiribati?

• Kiribati has the highest infant mortality rate in Oceania (about five times higher than Australia). The most common causes are perinatal conditions, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
• There is maternity care, but this care faces many challenges. For example, few women give birth in health centers and they sometimes do not have access to prenatal and postnatal care.
• Because there is no private care available, pregnant women can only choose from limited public care.
• A pregnancy in Kiribati therefore involves risks. Make sure you have good insurance for medical evacuation.

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

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

• Stray dogs occasionally bite people. Be careful, especially on the beaches. Never run away, but pick up a stick to scare them off.
• Do not swim in the lagoon in the south of Tarawa. It is very polluted.
• Also be careful when swimming. The current is very strong around Kiribati.
• During the rainy season, flooding sometimes occurs. In other periods, extreme drought can occur.

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

• There are several health risks and challenges in Kiribati. Especially as a foreigner, it is important to be aware of these.
• There are several mosquito-borne diseases present. So protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
• The country has the highest tuberculosis rates in the Pacific.
• Kiribati is also experiencing severe consequences of climate change. Air and sea temperatures are rising, winds are stronger, there is more erosion and natural disasters are more extreme.
• All of these things pose a risk to the health of the inhabitants due to the risk of injury, malnutrition and outbreaks of diseases such as dengue, scabies and diarrhea.

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

• In general, the major roads are in good condition and there is not much traffic. However, the country roads are often more like Swiss cheese.
• People who drive drunk or too fast are a common problem. So watch out for this.
• Public transport mainly consists of minibuses. These are reliable and run regularly.
• You can travel between the islands by boat.

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

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

• Health insurance is not mandatory, but it is a must. In Kiribati you run a great risk that medical evacuation is necessary, which can suddenly leave you with very high costs. So make sure you are well insured for this!
• Check your insurance, it is important it covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.