Health Care in Viti Levu
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Viti Levu: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Viti Levu.
The healthcare system in Viti Levu, consists of both public and private facilities. While the public healthcare system is accessible to foreigners, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Fiji's Healthcare System
Fiji's public healthcare system, known as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, provides free or low-cost medical services to both locals and foreigners. However, public hospitals in Viti Levu may not be recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries due to limited resources and long waiting times. Public hospitals in Viti Levu are often crowded, and the quality of care may not be up to the standards expected by expats and digital nomads. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Fiji, but many expats primarily use private hospitals for better quality care. Private hospitals in Viti Levu are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer a higher standard of care and more advanced facilities.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Viti Levu
Some recommended clinics and hospitals in Viti Levu include:
- Colonial War Memorial Hospital (public) - located in Suva, this is the largest hospital in Fiji and offers a range of medical services.
- MIOT Pacific Hospitals (private) - located in Suva, this hospital specializes in orthopedics, cardiology, and neurology.
- MediCity Medical Centre (private) - located in Nadi, this clinic offers general medical services and emergency care.
- Lautoka Hospital (public) - located in Lautoka, this hospital provides general medical services and emergency care.
Emergency Services in Viti Levu
There are ambulance services in Viti Levu, which can be called by dialing 911. However, response times may vary depending on the location and availability of ambulances. In some cases, there may be delays in receiving emergency assistance.
Health Insurance Companies in Viti Levu
Some popular private health insurers in Viti Levu include FijiCare Insurance Limited and BSP Life Fiji. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans for locals and expats. However, many expats and digital nomads may prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers for more comprehensive coverage and international support. It is important to research and compare different health insurance options to find the best plan for your needs while living in Viti Levu.
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.