How does the healthcare system work in Marshall Islands?

What is the quality of healthcare in the Marshall Islands?

• Healthcare in the Marshall Islands is good, but very limited. There are relatively few doctors per inhabitant and there are only two hospitals. Not surprising if you live in such a remote place.
• Only primary and secondary care is available. For specialist care and treatments, patients generally go to the Philippines or Hawaii.
• There are at least three pharmacies in Majuro, but it is possible that medicines are out of stock. It is therefore important to bring your own supplies, if you are dependent on medicines.
• You can call 6254142 for an ambulance, but they are of course not over-available.

How does the public healthcare system work in the Marshall Islands?

• Public healthcare is available to all residents. Care is organised through a national health insurance system in which patients pay a personal contribution.
• The contribution is cheap, but it is not free.
• There are two hospitals and more than 50 health clinics. The hospitals provide primary, secondary and a small amount of tertiary care for the residents of Majuro and Ebeye and the surrounding islands.
• The health clinics provide basic care on the more remote islands

How does the private healthcare system work in the Marshall Islands?

• There is very limited private healthcare available in the Marshall Islands. The majority of residents use public healthcare.
• Most foreigners have private health insurance with medical evacuation coverage.

How is the general practitioner arranged in the Marshall Islands?

• There is no general practitioner system in the Marshall Islands. People simply go directly to the nearest clinic or hospital.

How is the dentist arranged in the Marshall Islands?

• There is a private dental clinic in the Marshall Islands.

How is pregnancy care arranged in the Marshall Islands?

• Because healthcare is limited in the Marshall Islands, pregnancy and childbirth can be riskier.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in the Marshall Islands?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in the Marshall Islands?

• In general, the Marshall Islands are quite safe. There is little serious crime. However, it is wise to watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
• Most crime is related to alcohol consumption.
• What is more dangerous is the annual typhoon season (although typhoons can occur all year round). Typhoons can cause flooding and severely disrupt infrastructure. Always make sure you know the evacuation plans, carry your passport in a safe, waterproof place and follow local advice carefully.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in the Marshall Islands?

• Sometimes there are outbreaks of diseases, such as measles.
• There are mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. So make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
• Tuberculosis is a problem in the Marshall Islands.
• Sexually transmitted diseases are relatively common. Protect yourself well against these.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in the Marshall Islands?

• If you are driving around the Marshall Islands, you do not have to worry about getting lost. There are few roads, so you do not have much to choose from.
• Always watch out for dogs, chickens, pigs, children, you are never alone on the road!
• Driving with a lot of alcohol is common, especially on weekends.
• There is also little street lighting, which makes driving in the evening not easy.
• With heavy rainfall or high water, the roads can flood.
• In Majuro you can use shared taxis and minibuses if you do not have your own transport.
• You can travel between the islands by boat, but this can be somewhat risky because the ships often do not meet Western safety standards.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in the Marshall Islands?

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

• A good international health insurance with evacuation and possibly repatriation coverage is an absolute must for a (long) stay on the Marshall Islands.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.