How does the healthcare system work in Honduras?

What is the quality of healthcare in Honduras?

• After a long period of unrest and violence, Honduras is rebuilding itself. The quality of healthcare in Honduras varies greatly. There are public and private hospitals and institutions. Both have a number of good hospitals in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
• Health insurance is mandatory for foreigners in Honduras and it is important to always have proof of health insurance with you.
• San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa have good healthcare facilities for expats.
• There is a shortage of medicines in Honduras. It is wise to take your own medicines with you as much as possible, and make sure you also have the prescription with you.
• For emergency medical assistance, you can call 195.

How does the public healthcare system work in Honduras?

• The Ministry of Health is responsible for public healthcare in Honduras. However, there is still a large part of the population that does not have access to good healthcare. This is mainly because there are hardly any healthcare institutions in the more rural areas of Honduras. Public healthcare is also available to expats. There are also few public doctors per capita.
• Public healthcare leaves much to be desired. Not only in terms of medical equipment, but also the level of education of doctors and medical care providers.
• Almost 90% of the population has no form of health insurance.

How does the private healthcare system work in Honduras?

• Most foreigners opt for private healthcare in Honduras. There are more than 1,200 facilities throughout the country. Most advanced care can only be found in the well-developed cities.
• Private healthcare is quite expensive, but of good quality. For this reason, most expats take out international health insurance.
• Most care must be paid directly at the facility. With insurance, the costs can be declared later.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Honduras?

• Many doctors are trained in the United States, so they speak English and provide good care. A visit to the general practitioner is not very expensive. For a good general practitioner, it can be useful to ask other foreigners for advice.

How is the dentist arranged in Honduras?

• In urban areas such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, there are good dental clinics that offer a range of services, from routine check-ups to more complex procedures. However, in rural areas, access to dental care is more limited.
• It can also be wise to ask other expats for advice when you are looking for a good dentist.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Honduras?

• Access to maternity care in Honduras varies greatly. In urban centres, there are hospitals and clinics that offer prenatal - and postnatal care. However, in rural areas, pregnant women may face limited access to medical facilities and a shortage of qualified staff.
• Organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Doctors Without Borders have therefore set up programmes to improve access to reproductive and sexual health care. Since Covid, teleconsultations have even been available.
• If you are planning to have a baby in Honduras, it is wise to do your research in advance to find out what medical facilities are available near your place of residence. Also discuss the experiences of other expats in advance, for example via forums or Facebook. Most foreigners choose private clinics where the care is relatively good.
• There is no real birth plan system. You can draw up and submit a birth plan yourself, but don't expect too much from it.

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

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

• Honduras has a high crime rate, especially in urban areas such as Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Violent crimes, including muggings and theft, do occur. It is advisable to be vigilant, especially at night, and to avoid busy markets and isolated streets. The country also has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
• Expats are advised to always travel with a small amount of money to avoid confrontation in the event of a mugging.
• Certain provinces, such as Santa Bárbara, Cortés, Atlántida, Yoro, Francisco Morazán (including the capital Tegucigalpa), Colón, Olancho and Gracias a Dios, have higher crime rates. The border areas with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua are also known for criminal activity, especially during transport.

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

• For Honduras it is certainly important to check in advance which vaccinations you need. There is also an increased risk of both waterborne and vector-borne diseases, including dengue, malaria, hepatitis, typhoid and bacterial diarrhea.
• It is advisable to get the recommended vaccinations and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent.
• Air pollution can also be a problem for people with respiratory problems.

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

• The infrastructure in Honduras is underdeveloped in many areas. Roads can be poorly maintained, especially outside of urban centers, which makes driving challenging.
• Traffic rules are not always strictly enforced, and driving behavior can be unpredictable. There is an increased risk of traffic accidents, especially at night and during bad weather conditions such as wet roads during the rainy season. For example, a car can suddenly enter the road, or people can drive drunk. Honduras does not have a great reputation for car theft, so always make sure you park your car in a safe parking lot.
• Public transportation, such as buses and taxis, is available, but safety and reliability can vary. It can be helpful to research a good taxi service using advice from other expats.

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

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

• In general, it is mandatory to have your own health insurance when staying in Honduras. So make sure you take out a good, international insurance in advance.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.