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

What is the quality of healthcare in Suriname?

• In Suriname, as everywhere else in the world, you will find both private and public health care institutions.
• The quality of health care regularly falters. For example, hospitals cannot always perform all medical procedures due to a shortage of working equipment. It is better in the cities than outside them, though.
• Life expectancy is just slightly below the average life expectancy in South America.
• In Paramaribo you will find several hospitals. There are also a number of health centers.
• Doctors care for large numbers of patients in some areas.
• With several medical posts in the villages along the Upper Suriname River, medical help is provided to residents in the interior.
• Some villages are as much as a four-hour drive and four-hour boat ride away from Paramaribo, such as the Maroon village of Djoemoe, which can only be reached by boat. In emergencies, for this reason, it is important that someone can be brought to Paramaribo as quickly as possible.
• Availability of medication: with some regularity certain medications are not in stock.
• Also, you often have to pay for medication out of pocket, which you can later ask for back from your insurance if you are insured. So it is convenient to always have sufficient means of payment available.
• Ambulance services are limited, especially outside Paramaribo. It can be convenient to arrange your own transportation immediately in case of an emergency.
• Also check your coverage for medical care abroad and medical evacuations.

How does the public healthcare system work in Suriname?

• The public health care system in Suriname falls under the Ministry of Health (VGH). It is compulsory for residents to take out a local health insurance, of which the employer pays 50%.
• All residents of Suriname, including foreigners living in Suriname, are thus entitled to care from the basic package.
• Young people (0-16 years) and elderly from 60 years are insured at state expense.
• Health care in the far interior is in the hands of Primary Health Care, also known as the Medical Mission.
• As a foreigner who is not an official resident, you must pay for services or use private insurance. Especially the latter can be very relevant should you suddenly need medical evacuation for care you cannot get in Suriname. 
• Even if you are a resident as a foreigner, you can make the trade-off whether you want additional insurance that fills in the gaps of the basic insurance.

How does the public healthcare system work in Suriname?

• Private clinics and hospitals offer faster and often better care, but are more expensive.
• Costs must usually be paid directly or are reimbursed through private insurance.
• More and more people in Suriname are opting -often partially, for example for elderly relatives- for professional home care, to be sure of quality and reliable care.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Suriname?

• General practitioners are the first point of contact in Suriname for non-emergency health problems. They are usually available in urban areas; in rural areas, access is limited.
• You make an appointment and usually pay directly, unless you have insurance.
• Many family doctors can refer to specialists if needed.
• There is a GP post in Paramaribo, for urgent GP care outside regular opening hours.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Suriname?

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

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Suriname?

• Pregnant women have access to prenatal care at state 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 not recommended, due to the limited medical infrastructure in certain areas.
• There are consultancies in Suriname that provide care for infants and toddlers (often 0 to 5 years old). After discharge from the hospital, or after an outpatient delivery, it is important to make an appointment at a consultation bureau for further check-ups and advice.
• In Suriname, maternity care can be arranged through the Regional Health Service (RGD), but also through private maternity care organizations. Do check on what days they provide service; some agencies/poli's are not open every day.
• In Suriname there are various cultural customs surrounding childbirth, often depending on the ethnic background of the family.
  • For example, there are rituals among Maroons in which the child is placed on the earth with its buttocks. Vaginal steam baths are also a common tradition, especially after childbirth, to cleanse and contract the uterus.
  • In Surinamese-Hindu families, there may be specific rituals surrounding the father's role and when he is allowed to see the baby.

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

What should you look out for in Suriname in terms of general security?

Crime

• In general Suriname is reasonably safe, unfortunately there is more and more crime.
• It is not wise to go to the back streets of Paramaribo with large amounts of money or jewelry.
• Pickpockets are also active in crowded places.
• Armed robberies can take place if you are out on your own in the streets of Paramaribo at night.

In & around your home

• If you own a home as a foreigner in Suriname, install solid bars, locks and sensor lights; home burglaries and violent home invasions still occur occasionally in Paramaribo. Close windows/doors even during the day when you are away; police coverage outside the capital is limited.
• Keep a small SRD cash buffer and some USD/EUR at home; ATMs are regularly empty or offline on weekends/evenings.
• Many foreigners are in WhatsApp neighborhood groups; news about power outages, flooding or road closures circulates fastest there.

What should you watch out for in terms of nature in Suriname?

• In rural and forested areas, dangerous animals such as snakes and jaguars may be found. Take precautions when heading into nature.
• During the rainy season, snakes migrate from the forest into gardens and unpaved paths. So better not to walk barefoot and use a flashlight after sunset.
• Fire ants and stinging wasp-like creatures nest in lawns and forest edges; wear closed shoes and pat out picnic blankets. Shake out clothing/shoes to ward off scorpions or spiders.
• Swim only on the advice of locals/guide in rivers-currently, caimans and piranhas are less visible than you think.

What should you watch out for in terms of disease in Suriname?

• Suriname is home to many mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and dengue fever. So good protection against mosquitoes is 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 consider these.

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

• In Suriname people drive on the left and there are many potholes in the road and missing lines.
• Make sure you always wear your seat belt and hands-free calling is also mandatory.
• Controls aimed at motorcyclists are becoming more common: wear helmets and protective gear.
• It is permitted to ride with an international driver's license.
• Lighting and traffic rules are not always strictly observed, so be alert.
• It is not recommended to ride long distances at night due to poor visibility and unpredictable behavior of other road users.
• Travel by boat is also common.
• Buses and minibuses are available, but often unreliable and overcrowded. Cabs are a safer alternative, but always agree on a price before boarding. After sunset, go by registered cab or app service anyway rather than walking or taking a minibus.
• Streets in Paramaribo can flood quickly, especially at spring tides during rainy seasons.
• Bring a flashlight, power bank and dry shoes in the car; some residential areas flood up to 20 cm during downpours.
• Inland, police care is limited; report your itinerary and expected arrival times to colleagues or roommates.
• See road closures or gatherings? Turn around, follow local radio and wait to travel until calm has returned.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Suriname?

• Is the trip to Suriname and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Suriname
• Insurance for studying in Suriname
• Insurance for internships in Suriname
• Insurance for volunteering in Suriname
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Suriname

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Suriname?

• 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.
• International health insurance for Suriname
• International travel insurance for Suriname
• International life insurance for Suriname
• International income protection insurance for Suriname