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Nicaragua International Health Insurance / Healthcare System |
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 Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. After years of civil war and dictatorship it has been striving to rebuild its economy.
In the mid-1990’s the Nicaraguan public healthcare system suffered severe financial cuts following action imposed by the World Bank in an attempt to bring the country’s economy under better control. More recently, however, capital has been made available in an attempt to rejuvenate Nicaragua’s infrastructure and to implement improvements to the medical facilities and healthcare care of its population.
The healthcare system in Nicaragua combines public and private healthcare facilities, with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health responsible for governing the healthcare sector in the country.
Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) is run by the Nicaraguan government, providing health insurance since 2007, for workers and their dependents in Nicaragua through a voluntary program known as Seguro Facultativo de Salud. In 2007, only 18.5 percent of Nicaraguans were eligible for the government run Nicaraguan health insurance scheme. Self-employed and unemployed Nicaraguans are not entitled to apply for Seguro Facultativo de Salud. Nicaraguans enrolled in the Seguro Facultativo de Salud and their employers are required to make monthly payments of roughly US$ 15-17. If a policyholder requires medical treatment they are required to make co-payments for certain medical services received.
Public healthcare facilities in Nicaragua have traditionally been woefully inadequate, lacking medical equipment and supplies; in some cases supplies are not kept on hand, only being ordered when a patient requires them. The majority of medical services in Nicaragua’s public healthcare sector requires patients to make co-payments towards medical services.
When cuts were made in the Nicaraguan state budget in the 1990’s – following targets imposed by the World Bank – there was a decline in the quality of medical service and professionals working in the industry. However, since 2008 funding has been increased resulting in improvements to both medical facilities and the quality of medical professionals working in the healthcare industry. Healthcare facilities are being developed and preventative measures for dieases have been implemented. The healthcare of the Nicaraguan population is, therefore, slowly improving with government backing and help from international aid agencies.
Despite some improvements, a report released by the Nicaragua Health Minister in 2009 highlighted the serious state of the national health system. Key elements were identified in order to transform and improve access to medical services for Nicaraguan citizens. The findings from the study found that 58% of Nicaraguans have inadequate access to healthcare and medical treatment resulting from poverty and social exclusion. The report highlighted that in certain regions quality of life was disadvantaged, with 20% of children under five years old suffering from chronic malnutrition.
It was recognized that the healthcare system was unable to meet the needs of Nicaraguan citizens; approximately 80% of employed Nicaraguans having no health insurance and 90% of elderly Nicaraguans having no social security benefits.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency. The role of the PAHO is to improve the health and living standards of the American people. The PAHO has worked in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to implement strategies to improve access to healthcare available to Nicaraguans.
In the Nicaraguan capital of Managua, there are ten private healthcare facilities; these are a combination of hospitals and medical clinics. Generally the private healthcare facilities in Nicaragua are better equipped and provide improved medical services for their patients. However, a large proportion of wealthy Nicaraguans will seek medical treatment in neighboring countries, as the standard of private healthcare is higher.
Cash payments are usually required before medical treatment commences; a handful of private hospitals will accept credit cards for treatment. English is rarely spoken in the public health facilities; there are a few private healthcare facilities, essentially for foreign nationals, where English it is spoken.
In cases of a medical emergency, a patient will normally be taken to the nearest public hospital. This is unless the patient confirms that they can make financial payments for private healthcare.
There are major diseases endemic to Nicaragua and Latin America, which can be a drain on the healthcare system during times of outbreaks. Dengue fever and malaria are common in the country, with occasional cases of cholera and leptospirosis occurring in Nicaragua; dealing with these commonly occurring diseases places additional pressures on the healthcare system.
A programme has been developed to increase vaccinations to combat diseases in an attempt to improve control and to minimize suffering and overall costs associated with disease treatment. The introduction of medical clinics across rural and remote regions of Nicaragua, is designed to ensure vulnerable Nicaraguans are immunized against diseases, and informed about health issues.
The basic infrastructure in Nicaragua needs urgent investment and the Nicaraguan government – together with aid agencies – are taking steps to effect further improvements. In recent years action has been taken to augment public hospitals and healthcare facilities, together with the number of medical professionals and pharmacy supplies – but much still needs to be done. The private healthcare industry is also being encouraged to expand the limited range of facilities which currently exist.
When taking out Nicaraguan international health insurance, it is critical it covers you for all eventualities and activities you intend to take part in while in the country. It is strongly recommended that you ensure you have medical air ambulance evacuation cover included, as this can amount to many thousands of dollars.
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Nicaragua International Health Insurance |
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Nicaraguan international health insurance is strongly recommended for foreign nationals visiting or relocating to Nicaragua, including cover for emergency evacuation or repatriation. If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Nicaragua, international medical insurance plans will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Nicaragua. Should you require further information on Nicaragua, international health insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now.
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