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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Hawaii | Expat Exchange
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11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Hawaii

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 22, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Hawaii is generally considered to be on par with the rest of the United States. Hawaii has a wide range of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers. Emergency services are available throughout the state, and ambulances can be called by dialing 911.

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How are healthcare services Hawaii?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Hawaii, they replied:

"Hawaii offers a wide range of healthcare services, including preventive care, primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. The state is home to a number of hospitals and medical facilities, including the Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, the Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku, and the Kona Community Hospital in Kailua-Kona. These hospitals provide comprehensive care, including inpatient and outpatient services, as well as specialty care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. In addition, Hawaii has a number of community health centers that provide primary care services to underserved populations. These centers offer a range of services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health services," mentioned one expat in Hawaii.

What are medical services in Hawaii like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Hawaii, they replied:

"Hawaii has a wide range of medical services available to its residents. The state is home to a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency care. Hawaii also has a number of community health centers that provide free or low-cost health care services to those in need. Additionally, Hawaii has a number of mental health and substance abuse treatment centers, as well as a variety of home health care services," remarked one expat in Hawaii.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Hawaii?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Hawaii can be expensive. The cost of healthcare in Hawaii is higher than the national average, and health insurance premiums are also higher than the national average. Additionally, Hawaii has some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for healthcare in the nation. These costs can be a burden for many residents, especially those who are low-income or uninsured," said an expat in Hawaii.

What are emergency services like in Hawaii?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Hawaii wrote:

"Emergency services in Hawaii are provided by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location. The ambulance will be staffed with trained medical personnel who can provide medical assistance and transport you to the nearest hospital," said an expat in Hawaii.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Hawaii has many cities and areas with a wide selection of medical specialists. On the island of Oahu, Honolulu is known for its world-class medical facilities and is home to top-notch medical specialists, ranging from primary care providers to specialists in various medical fields. The area of Waikiki is also home to many medical specialists, including dermatologists, pediatricians, and OB/GYNs. On the Island of Maui, the city of Kahului is known for its excellent selection of medical specialists, including cardiologists, surgeons, and neurologists. On the Big Island, Hilo is home to a wide range of medical specialists, including dentists, plastic surgeons, and ENTs. In addition, Kona and Waimea have a good selection of medical experts. There are also many smaller towns and communities across Hawaii that offer access to quality medical care and specialized medical specialists," commented one expat who moved to Hawaii.

Are common prescription medications available in Hawaii?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Hawaii. Most pharmacies in the state carry a wide variety of medications, including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Many pharmacies also offer online ordering and delivery services, making it easy to get the medications you need. Additionally, many health insurance plans cover prescription medications, making them more affordable," commented one expat living in Hawaii.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Hawaii?

"Hawaii offers excellent quality medical care to its residents thanks to high standards in medical facilities and services. Hawaii's health care system includes 136 non-profit hospitals, health centers and many other medical centers. Health care professionals are highly qualified and dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care to all of Hawaii's citizens. In addition, the state of Hawaii has implemented numerous health initiatives such as the Hawaii State Department of Health and Hawaii Health Connector, to ensure quality health care for all its citizens," mentioned one expat in Hawaii.

As a foreigner living in Hawaii, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Hawaii, you will have access to public healthcare. Hawaii has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides access to medical care for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The system is funded by the state and federal government, and includes a variety of services such as primary care, preventive care, mental health services, and specialty care. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost of care is usually lower than in the private sector," said one expat.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Hawaii if they have access to public healthcare in Hawaii. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Hawaii. Many healthcare providers have had to adjust their services to accommodate the increased demand for care, while also ensuring the safety of their patients and staff. Telehealth services have become increasingly popular, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their own homes. In addition, many healthcare providers have implemented additional safety protocols, such as temperature checks and mask requirements, to protect their patients and staff. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the healthcare system in Hawaii has remained resilient and continues to provide quality care to its patients," commented one expat living in Hawaii.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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