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

What is the quality of healthcare in Vanuatu?

• Healthcare in Vanuatu is one of the country’s major challenges. Not everyone has access to healthcare, due to infrastructure and poverty.
• There are also many medical shortages, both in facilities and staff.
• Expats in Vanuatu have limited healthcare options and it is generally not of great quality. This island nation of around 80 islands offers basic healthcare, particularly in Port Vila, but more serious treatments require healthcare abroad.
• There are both public and private healthcare facilities.
• Very occasionally, specialists from Australia and New Caledonia come to the islands to treat patients.
• You often have to pay Vanuatu vatu cash for a visit to the doctor.

How does the public healthcare system work in Vanuatu?

• Healthcare is organised by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with NGOs. Healthcare is not free, but is heavily subsidized.
• There are four public hospitals and several clinics. You can go to the clinics for GP care, vaccinations and maternity care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Vanuatu?

• There are a number of private practices, two pharmacies and the Vanuatu Private Hospital.
• Private healthcare is also provided by non-profits such as Medical Santo.

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

• There is no fixed GP system in Vanuatu. People generally just go to the nearest healthcare facility.
• At the private facilities you might be able to find a GP. 

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Vanuatu?

• Unfortunately, there are also shortages in dental care.
• Private dental care is available to expats in Luganville and Port Vila.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Vanuatu?

• There are significant shortages of healthcare workers. This applies in particular to specialist healthcare workers such as midwives. 
• Because pregnancy care is so limited, pregnancy and childbirth in Vanuatu come with quite a few risks. Medical evacuation may also be necessary.

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

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

• There is little crime. In Vanuatu, you will mainly experience danger from natural disasters.
• For example, the country is sensitive to earthquakes, which can also lead to landslides and tsunamis, and cyclones can occur at any time.
• There are several active volcanoes in Vanuatu, including volcanoes underwater.
• Shark are in the house, and shark attacks sometimes occur.

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

• Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria occur. Make sure you protect yourself well by wearing covering clothing and using mosquito spray.
• In Port Vila and Luganville, you can usually drink the tap water. In other places, you cannot.
• Be careful and hydrated with the heat and the sun.

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

• Due to the many earthquakes, the infrastructure is often damaged.
• The roads are therefore often in poor condition, which can make driving dangerous.
• Only Port Vila and Luganville have paved roads. Here you are allowed to drive a maximum of 50 km/h.

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

• Is the trip to Vanuatu 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 Vanuatu
• Insurance for studying in Vanuatu
• Insurance for internships in Vanuatu
• Insurance for volunteering in Vanuatu
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Vanuatu

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

• Due to the state of healthcare and the risk of natural disasters, international health insurance is essential for a stay in Vanuatu.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries.
• International health insurance for Vanuatu
• International travel insurance for Vanuatu
• International life insurance for Vanuatu
• International income protection insurance for Vanuatu