BruneiUnderstanding the Health System in Brunei
Summary: Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Brunei and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.
The healthcare system in Brunei is a combination of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is free for Brunei citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Brunei, but they are not eligible for free healthcare. The public healthcare system is used by foreigners, but it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Brunei are generally well-equipped and staffed, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private hospitals.
Brunei's Private Healthcare System
Brunei's private healthcare system is more expensive than the public system, but it is generally of a higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Brunei are well-equipped and staffed, and they offer a wide range of services.
Brunei's Top Hospitals
The most well-known hospitals in Brunei include:
- Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan (public)
- Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) in Jerudong (private)
- Gleneagles JPMC in Jerudong (private)
- Suri Seri Begawan Hospital (SSB) in Kuala Belait (public)
- Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) in Jerudong (private)
Health Insurance Companies in Brunei
The most popular private health insurers in Brunei are Baiduri Bank, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, and AIA. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Brunei: How to Navigate the Health System
"Brunei offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including both public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is free for citizens and permanent residents, and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Private healthcare is also available, and is generally of a high standard. Brunei also has a number of specialist medical centers, such as the Brunei Cardiac Centre and the Brunei Eye Centre, which provide advanced medical care. In addition, Brunei has a number of international hospitals, such as the Jerudong Park Medical Centre, which offer a range of medical services," commented one member living in Brunei.
"Healthcare services in Brunei are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and is funded by the government. It provides a range of services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive health services. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Brunei can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Health and obtaining a medical card. They may also be able to access private healthcare services, depending on their insurance coverage," commented one member living in Brunei.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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