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Expat Exchange - Understanding the Health System in Fiji
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Drawaqa Island in Fiji


Understanding the Health System in Fiji

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Learn about the health system in Fiji: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Fiji.

Fiji's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and is free for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Fiji, however, it is not widely used by them. Public hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, however, the quality of care may vary.

Fiji's Public Healthcare System

Fiji's public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and is free for citizens and permanent residents. The public healthcare system includes a network of hospitals, health centers, and clinics located throughout the country. The public healthcare system is well-equipped and provides a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care.

Fiji's Private Healthcare System

Fiji's private healthcare system is composed of a network of private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, however, it is generally of a higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals for medical care, as they are more likely to have access to the latest treatments and technologies. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are more likely to have the necessary resources and expertise.

Fiji's Top Hospitals

Fiji's top hospitals include:

  • CWM Hospital (public, Suva)
  • Lautoka Hospital (public, Lautoka)
  • St Giles Hospital (private, Suva)
  • Pacific International Hospital (private, Suva)
  • Lautoka Private Hospital (private, Lautoka)
  • Navua Hospital (public, Navua)

Health Insurance Companies in Fiji

The most popular private health insurers in Fiji are BSP Life, Fijian Holdings, and Pacific Insurance. These companies provide health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Fiji: How to Navigate the Health System

"Fiji offers a range of medical services, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency services. Primary care is provided by general practitioners, while specialist care is provided by specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Emergency services are available at hospitals and clinics throughout the country. In addition, there are a number of private medical facilities that offer a range of services. The quality of medical care in Fiji is generally good, and the country has a well-developed healthcare system," commented one member living in Fiji.

"It is better to go to a private hospital or private clinic rather than waiting in along queue waiting to be addressed by a few rude nurses," commented one expat living in Suva, Fiji.

"Fiji offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare in Fiji is generally good, with a range of modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay for some services. Expats in Fiji can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are available in Fiji," mentioned one expat living in Fiji.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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Drawaqa Island in Fiji

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