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

What is the quality of healthcare in Bonaire?

• The healthcare institution on Bonaire is the Fundashon Mariadal Hospital, where care is provided in a Caribbean-Dutch environment at a European-Dutch level.
• Most care in the field of emergency care, maternity care, short- and long-term care, diagnostics and medicine supply is arranged on Bonaire.
• There is an ongoing collaboration with Dutch hospitals for knowledge transfer and training. Mostly young specialists from abroad often work on Bonaire for 3 to 6 months.
• Due to the rapid population growth, there is a lot of development within healthcare on Bonaire, which means that more and more specialist medical care can be provided.
• Due to the increasing quality of care on Bonaire, the number of patients who have to be treated in another country is decreasing. Serious and complicated patient cases are, however, sent to Curaçao, this island is a 10-minute flight away. Evacuation to other countries also occurs.
• Bonaire has a recompression chamber with relevant specialists in this field, so that divers can be treated immediately, in case of decompression.
• The Health Insurance Office (ZVK) is the government body responsible for arranging and financing healthcare in Bonaire via the BES health insurance. 

How does the public healthcare system work in Bonaire?

• Everyone who legally resides in Bonaire and registers is obliged to be insured via the Health Insurance Office (ZVK). This also applies to expats.
• If you do not register officially, you must arrange international health insurance yourself.
• Healthcare costs are largely covered by the ZVK. A personal contribution may be required for some medicines and treatments.
• Public healthcare is well organised, but capacity is limited due to the small scale of the island.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Bonaire?

• There are only a limited number of private clinics on Bonaire and the quality of care is good.
• Medical evacuation can be necessary in case of emergencies or complicated health issues. 
• Private healthcare is mainly chosen by temporary expats or tourists who do not have access to public healthcare via the ZVK or by residents who want additional coverage.

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

• Bonaire has a number of general practitioner practices, and the general practitioner acts as the first point of contact for medical complaints.
• General practitioners usually work by appointment, but in urgent cases you can often be seen the same day.
• A referral from the general practitioner is required for specialist care or hospital care.
• General practitioners often speak Dutch, English and Papiamento, so language barriers are usually not a problem.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Bonaire?

• There are several dentists on Bonaire who provide high-quality care.
• Treatments are partly reimbursed by the ZVK, but some costs, such as orthodontics, require additional insurance or personal payment.
• Dental practices are mostly by appointment, and waiting times are usually short.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Bonaire?

• Pregnant women receive good care through the Fundashon Mariadal hospital and local midwives.
• Prenatal check-ups, ultrasounds and deliveries are largely covered by the ZVK.
• In case of complications or a high-risk pregnancy, a referral to Curaçao or another countries may be necessary.
• Breastfeeding in public is generally accepted. There is a growing awareness of breastfeeding and its benefits, with support from local healthcare providers.

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

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety on Bonaire?

• Bonaire is generally a safe island, with little serious crime. Petty crime, such as theft, does occur, but violent crime is rare.
• Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in tourist areas.
• Make sure you lock your home properly, especially if you live in a remote area.
• Avoid isolated beaches or other isolated places after dark.
• Bonaire is politically stable and has no significant safety risks for expats.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases on Bonaire?

• Bonaire has no major health risks, but be aware of mosquitoes that can transmit diseases such as dengue and zika. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season.
• Make sure you enquire about the latest vaccination advice for Bonaire.
• The tap water on Bonaire is safe to drink and of excellent quality. It is desalinated and is comparable to drinking water quality in Western countries.

What should you look out for in terms of traffic on Bonaire?

• The roads on Bonaire are generally well maintained, but some rural roads are unpaved.
• The island is small, and distances are short. You can drive from one side to the other in 30-40 minutes.
• Traffic drives on the right.
• There is no extensive public transportation system. Expats and residents usually travel by car or scooter.
• Driving after sunset is safe, but be careful on poorly lit roads or in nature reserves, where wild animals (such as donkeys) can cross the road.

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

• Is the trip to Bonaire and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities?
• It is obliged to have a valid health or travel insurance for medical expenses. The minimum coverage is ten thousands of USD. Your insurance needs to cover hospital treatment, emergency treatment and repatriation (including in case of death).
• Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Bonaire
• Insurance for studying in Bonaire
• Insurance for internships in Bonaire
• Insurance for volunteering in Bonaire
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Bonaire

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

• If you register on Bonaire, you must register with the ZVK. If you are not registered, you must arrange your own insurance. Even if you are affiliated with the ZVK, it is wise to take out international private health insurance. This way you can cover uncovered costs such as medical repatriation or evacuation.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries.
• International health insurance for Bonaire
• International travel insurance for Bonaire
• International life insurance for Bonaire
• International income protection insurance for Bonaire