Curaçao Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Curaçao

Expats visiting or moving to Curaçao should secure comprehensive health insurance for their time in the Dutch Caribbean island. Private health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for all expats in Curaçao.

Are you an expat or traveler planning a trip to Curaçao and want to learn more about your health insurance options on the island? The insurance experts at Pacific Prime have prepared this comprehensive guide for all expats and foreigners in Curaçao.

We will discuss the country’s healthcare system, international health insurance providers, and more. We will also share resources for visitors in Curaçao. Read to learn more, or click here for a free health insurance quote!

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Curaçao

The Healthcare System in Curaçao

The healthcare system in Curaçao is made up of both public and private healthcare facilities. Curaçao’s healthcare is of relatively good quality, with an emphasis on primary care. General physicians provide most of the care, and specialized healthcare services can be in short supply on the island.

For more complex and specialized medical treatment, patients may be flown to South or North America.

Curaçao Public Hospitals and Clinics

Curaçao’s public hospitals offer a variety of medical services to expats and locals. Public healthcare facilities on the islands can be more crowded than private and offer fewer multilingual healthcare providers.

Curaçao Medical Center

Address: J.H.J. Hamelbergweg, Willemstad, Curaçao

Phone: +599 9 745 0000

The Curaçao Medical Center is the main hospital on the island and offers a variety of specialized healthcare services and a 24-hour emergency department. The specialties provided in the Curaçao Medical Center include:

Ear, nose, and throat
Obstetrics & gynecology
Oncology & hematology
Neurology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Radiation therapy & radiotherapy
Pulmonology
General surgery
Urology

Curaçao Private Hospitals and Clinics

Curaçao’s private hospitals and clinics are a great option for expats looking for multilingual staff and shorter waiting times. Private healthcare facilities on the island can be more expensive, so private health insurance is encouraged.

Antillean Adventist Hospital

Address: 5 Groot Davelaarweg, Willemstad, Curaçao

Phone: +599 9 737 0611

Located in the capital of Curaçao, the Antillean Adventist Hospital provides primary and specialized care to expats and locals. The specialties provided in the hospital include:

Gastroenterology
Dialysis
Ophthalmology
Laboratory services
Radiology
Nutritional care
Surgery

MedPoint Curaçao

Address: Hato International Airport

Phone: +599 9 524 2944

MedPoint is a clinic that provides primary health care to visitors and expats in Curaçao and is located conveniently in the international airport. The doctors and nurses in MedPoint are mostly English and Dutch, with Dutch BIG-registered doctors.

Some of the primary care services provided by MedPoint are:

Minor medical procedures, including suturing
ENT (ear, nose, throat) issues
Pediatrics
Dermatology
Physiotherapy
Nursing care
Lab tests and vaccinations
Obstetric care
Medical ultrasounds and nonmedical ultrasounds

Start by Comparing Insurance Plans Online

Compare Between 50,000 International Health Insurance Plan Options.

Compare Now

Health Insurance Options in Curaçao for Expats

Expats can purchase private health insurance for their time in Curaçao, or they can opt into the public health insurance if they obtain a residence visa. For most expats or travelers who are staying in the country under 180 days, their only option will be private health insurance.

Public Insurance in Curaçao for Expats

Citizens and persons with a residence permit can be covered by Curaçao’s national health insurance, Basic Health Insurance (BVZ). This health insurance is arranged by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), the bank for social security in Curaçao.

The BVZ covers the following healthcare services:

General practitioner visits
Primary psychological care
Specialist medical care
Diagnostic research
Hospital care
Paramedical care
Dental care
Pharmaceutical care
Maternity care

The BVZ premium is automatically deducted from the wages of working citizens and residents. While the BVZ offers one way for citizens and long-term expats to access care, the public healthcare system often suffers from long wait times.

Expats looking for shorter wait times and more comprehensive and customizable coverage should look into private health insurance plans.

Private Insurance in Curaçao for Expats

Private health insurance can help cover the cost of healthcare services in Curaçao and grant expats access to private hospitals and clinics. Without private health insurance, expats are left to pay for their healthcare out of pocket, which can add up quickly.

Private health insurance can cover a variety of healthcare services, such as:

Inpatient and day patient treatment
Surgical costs
Physician visits
Mental health treatment
Vaccinations
Prescription drugs
Medical evacuation and repatriation
Repatriation of remains
Dental and vision coverage
Maternity coverage

Medical evacuation coverage is of special importance for expats in Curaçao and the rest of the Caribbean, as the local medical facilities may not have the staff or resources available for certain medical emergencies or illnesses.

Medical evacuation coverage can cover the cost of transporting you to a different medical facility for treatment, whether by air ambulance or by seacraft.

Expats in Curaçao can secure a private health insurance policy through an international or local insurance provider. International insurance providers offer the benefit of globally portable coverage, so you can visit all of the Caribbean islands and stay protected.

Best International Health Insurance Providers in Curaçao

The best private insurance providers for expats in Curaçao are offered by international health insurance providers Allianz, April International, AXA, Cigna Global, and Bupa. We will share a brief overview and highlight these providers’ plans in the following sections.

If you’d like to learn even more about the top international health insurance providers, check out our article guide here!

Allianz Health Insurance in Curaçao

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans in Curaçao to fit a variety of expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to basic policies that Allianz provides. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks that expats may face abroad.

The plans offered by Allianz include the Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro plans. While each of these plans may differ in coverage limits and benefits, they share similar benefits as listed below:

April International Health Insurance in Curaçao

April International is a leading international insurance provider that offers affordable, comprehensive coverage to expats in Curaçao.

They offer their health benefits to expats in different tiers of coverage through their Emergency Plan, Formule Basic, Essential Plan, Comfort, and Premium Plan.

April International offers a variety of benefits in its plans, including:

AXA Health Insurance in Curaçao

AXA is a leading international health insurance provider that insures expat individuals and families in Curaçao. Its health insurance plans are offered in five coverage tiers: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.

Each of these plans includes comprehensive inpatient coverage, with annual limits ranging from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000. Exact coverage benefits will vary from plan to plan.

The core benefits included in all five plans are:

Cigna Global Health Insurance in Curaçao

Cigna provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Curaçao and across the world. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any of Curaçao’s private healthcare facilities. Their plans are customizable and comprehensive.

Cigna has a Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan with different levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:

Bupa Global Health Insurance in Curaçao

Bupa Global is a top international insurance provider for expats in Curaçao looking for comprehensive and customizable coverage. Bupa Global allows its members to seek second medical opinions if needed and requires no referrals for specialist visits.

Bupa Global offers three international health insurance plans in the islands: Bupa Select, Bupa Premier, and Bupa Elite. Bupa Select offers the most basic and affordable coverage, while Bupa Elite offers the most comprehensive coverage with an annual limit of around USD $4,761,300.

Bupa Global covers the following benefits in its plans:

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Curaçao

You should consider your budget, how long your trip is, and what your coverage needs are when choosing a health insurance plan for Curaçao. Considering these factors is an important step to finding the right insurance plan for you.

Your Budget: You should understand how much you can afford in monthly or yearly premiums, but this doesn’t mean you should try to find the cheapest coverage possible. You should ensure that your health and finances will be adequately protected through the coverage limit you purchase.
The Length of Your Trip: How long your trip is will determine how long you will need to purchase coverage, and whether you will need a travel insurance plan that will last only a few months or something more comprehensive, like an international health insurance plan.
Your Coverage Needs: Do you plan on needing outpatient care for your time in Curaçao? Or preventative care? Take the time to determine where you may need additional medical support to ensure you have the right coverage for your health needs.

Health and Safety Tips for Expats and Travelers in Curaçao

Expats can stay safe while travelling to Curaçao by staying alert for petty crime, practicing water safety, and avoiding bug bites. We will discuss these tips in further detail below.

Watch Out For Petty Crime: To avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching, expats should be aware of their surroundings and secure their personal property. These crimes are common at places like beaches and cars, with car theft increasing in frequency on the island.
Practice Water Safety: Expats should practice water safety in Curaçao by watching out for harmful sea life, like the Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, sea urchins, and fire coral. You should only swim in designated swimming areas and obey lifeguards and warning flags on the beaches.
Avoid Bug Bites: Expats can avoid bug bites by using recommended mosquito repellents (containing 20% or more DEET), wearing long loose clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets. The Zika virus, dengue, and chikungunya are prevalent in Curaçao, so preventing bug bites is essential.

Start by Comparing Insurance Plans Online

Compare Between 50,000 International Health Insurance Plan Options.

Compare Now

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Private health insurance in Curaçao can offer expats peace of mind while keeping them financially protected on the island. Medical facilities are generally competent on the island, but if they have a complex medical emergency, they may be transported to North or South America.

Expats can find coverage for medical emergencies through international health insurance plans. Pacific Prime is partnered with a wide variety of international health insurance providers, and can help you find the best fit for your needs.

As a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance, Pacific Prime can offer a wealth of professional expertise and services. Our tailor-made policies suit every budget and health care need for expats and travellers across the world.

Contact Pacific Prime to discuss, free of charge, a range of Curaçao health insurance services available for you, your loved ones, or your group. To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Curaçao have high-quality healthcare?

Curaçao offers clean and quality healthcare through its main hospitals, like the Curaçao Medical Center, but their quality standards may not be at the same standard that some expats are used to. This is especially true for expats from countries like the U.S. or Canada.

Do you need health insurance to visit Curaçao?

You do not need health insurance to visit Curaçao. It is recommended due to the important coverage it offers and the peace of mind it provides to expats and travelers. Without health insurance, you will have to pay for any medical treatment you receive on your trip.

Is healthcare expensive in Curaçao?

Healthcare is generally affordable in Curaçao, with private healthcare having higher prices than public healthcare. It may seem more expensive to some expats, depending on what prices they are used to in their home countries. Expats from the U.S. or Canada will find Curaçao’s healthcare affordable.

What are the hospitals like in Curaçao?

Hospitals like the Curaçao Medical Center are clean and provide quality medical services to expats and locals on the island. The size of hospitals may be smaller than what some expats are used to, and some specialties may not be found in the hospitals.

Is the cost of living in Curaçao high?

The cost of living in Curaçao will depend on your lifestyle and where you settle on the island. A fast-paced lifestyle in Willemstad may be costlier than a simple lifestyle in a smaller city. Generally, the cost of living and rent are lower than in countries like the United States.