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Suriname International Health Insurance / Healthcare System
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 The Republic
of Suriname in South America is a former Dutch colony facing the
North Atlantic Ocean, and is bordered by Guyana, French Guiana and
Brazil. The country has a hot, tropical climate with two wet and
two dry seasons. Its inland rainforest has been named a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Suriname achieved independence from the
Netherlands in 1975. The tiny country’s economy is dominated by
bauxite mining, and the population of less than one half million
enjoys GDP per capita of USD5,675, making it a middle-income
country. Although Dutch remains the official language, Suriname is
known as the most multilingual country in the world.
Suriname’s health care is about average for a middle-income
country, though it lags behind its wealthier neighbours in the
Americas region. Life expectancy for the Surinamese is 65 years
for males and 71 for females, again close to the regional norm.
There are four main hospitals in Suriname, although there are an
increasing number of rural clinics, some of which attempt to marry
western medicine with principles of ancient indigenous health
care. Total annual health care spending in Suriname is USD361 per
capita, which represents 7.4 percent of GDP; the sum is only a
small fraction of the Americas regional average of USD3,000.
Government spending makes up close to half of total health
expenditure, with private contributions making up the remainder.
Private Suriname health insurance makes up a small, but growing
proportion of private health spending, increasing from 1.3 percent
in 1995 to 15.8 percent in 2009.
The United Nations, in cooperation with the Surinamese Ministry of
Public Health, has outlined a series of public policy goals as
part of the UN’s ‘Agenda 21’. The Surinamese government had
pledged to provide universal health care to rural inhabitants from
the late 1970s, but recent economic hardships have constrained the
government’s ability to meet these goals. Drug shortages,
infrastructure deficiencies and lack of qualified personnel have
proved to be a challenge.
Suriname suffers from high levels of infectious disease,
proportionally above regional and global norms. For example, HIV
infection rates are three times the global average, with 8 of
every 1,000 adults affected. As in many poor countries
tuberculosis infection is rampant within the population and
affects 270 per 100,000 inhabitants of Suriname, which is more
than ten times the regional average.
Investment in public health has been beneficial to the country.
Most Surinamese have access to improved drinking water, although
only about 80 percent of rural inhabitants are able to use potable
water sources. However this figure represents a ten percentage
point improvement since 1995, and may be a contributor to an
increase in overall health quality within the country. Close to 90
percent of Surinamese have access to improved sanitation
facilities, although this figure drops to about 60 percent in
rural areas.
With only 4.5 doctors and 16.2 nurses and midwives per 10,000
people, Surinamese medical facilities are seriously understaffed.
This can be attributed partly to the “brain drain” which affects
so much of the developing world, as educated professionals seek
better opportunities in wealthier countries.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have drafted a
series of guidelines for travellers planning to visit Suriname.
Immunisations for vaccine preventable diseases should be updated;
specific medical advice from a travel medicine specialist four to
six weeks before departure is recommended.
As in many tropical regions, Malaria is prevalent in certain parts
of Suriname. Taking prescription antimalarial drugs is
recommended, along with wearing long-sleeved clothing, using
insect repellent and sleeping with a mosquito net. Note that not
all anti-malarial drugs are suitable for use in Suriname. It is
strongly advised to purchase pills before departure to Suriname
due to availability concerns within the country.
In addition to Malaria, a number of other tropical insect-borne
diseases and parasitic infections are fairly common to Suriname,
including dengue fever and schistosomiasis. As with travel in any
destination, some of the leading health problems stem from
gastrointestinal issues. Only drink bottled water, avoid raw or
undercooked foods and take over the counter anti-diarrhoeal pills
for acute cases. Auto accidents are also a leading cause of travel
injury. Practice defensive driving and always wear a seat belt.
Note that Surinamese drive on the left side of the road.
Travellers not used to the tropical climate may also be prone to
various skin irritations and rashes common to regions close to the
equator. These may be treated with over the counter topical creams
and lotions.
Dental care is Suriname is only available in the capital city of
Paramaribo. Hence prophylactic care including regular brushing and
flossing are recommended in order to minimise the risk of
cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues while in the
country. Travellers with vision problems are urged to wear glasses
in lieu of contacts, which increase the risk of eye infection;
ophthalmologic care in Suriname is very limited.
Given Suriname’s tropical environment and limited health care
resources, extra precautions should be made before making a trip.
Although local private health insurance is becoming increasingly
sophisticated, it is still in its nascent stages and
infrastructure and billing arrangements for foreign visitors
remain uncertain. It is strongly suggested that special
arrangements be made before visiting. Emergency evacuation may be
required in cases requiring serious medical attention. This may
involve travel to the mainland United States, which has the
world’s highest health care costs. Hence, international health
insurance and other emergency contingencies should be planned in
advance.
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Suriname International Health Insurance |
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If you are planning to visit South America and Suriname, Globalsurance
can assist with your international health insurance needs. Our
experienced teams provide advice online or on the phone 24 hours a
day, with policies to suit individual travellers, families and
tour groups. Globalsurance’s range of policies cover all types of
medical services; please contact a Globalsurance adviser today for
further global health insurance details.
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