Brunei’s healthcare system is unique in Southeast Asia, offering free public healthcare to citizens and optional private insurance for expatriates and wealthy residents. Unlike other nations, Brunei doesn’t have mandatory public health insurance but ensures universal access through state funding. Private insurance complements this, especially as compulsory coverage for some non-citizens starts in 2025.
Key Differences
- Structure and Coverage
- Brunei’s government funds public healthcare, offering free or low-cost services to all citizens. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary care, dental services, diagnostics, surgeries, and medications. These services are primarily provided by government hospitals like RIPAS Hospital and Suri Seri Begawan Hospital.
- Private health insurance is for expats, permanent residents, and locals wanting private or international healthcare. These plans typically offer direct access to private hospitals, dental and vision care, international evacuation, and overseas treatment in places like Singapore or Thailand.
- Brunei’s government funds public healthcare, offering free or low-cost services to all citizens. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary care, dental services, diagnostics, surgeries, and medications. These services are primarily provided by government hospitals like RIPAS Hospital and Suri Seri Begawan Hospital.
- Eligibility and Access
- Public healthcare is free for citizens, but expats must pay or use private insurance. Starting in 2025, foreign workers and long-term residents must have private medical insurance.
- Private insurance allows direct access to top facilities like Gleneagles JPMC and Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, bypassing the need for public system referrals, unlike Brunei’s public coverage rules.
- Public healthcare is free for citizens, but expats must pay or use private insurance. Starting in 2025, foreign workers and long-term residents must have private medical insurance.
- Cost and Financial Features
- In the public system, personal expenses are low, making up just over 5% of total healthcare spending.
- Private insurance premiums differ by age, plan type, and provider, such as Allianz Care, AXA, and AIA Brunei. High-income earners receive rebates of 30–45% to boost enrollment. Plans include co-pays or deductibles based on specifics.
- In the public system, personal expenses are low, making up just over 5% of total healthcare spending.
Key Similarities
- High Standard of Care
Brunei boasts top-notch healthcare in both public and private sectors, particularly in cities. The country has a robust medical infrastructure, emphasizing preventive care, regular checkups, and chronic disease management. - Focus on Equity and Efficiency
The public sector strives for universal access, while the private sector faces more regulations to relieve government facilities. Recent reforms require coverage for certain groups, aligning both systems for balanced health financing.
Top Public Health Insurance and Public Healthcare in Brunei: Cost, Coverage, Accessibility, and Consumer Insights
Brunei’s healthcare system is unique in Southeast Asia, offering free or low-cost medical care to all citizens without a formal public insurance scheme. The government funds healthcare directly through the Ministry of Health, ensuring everyone has access to quality services. This approach means there is no formal public health insurance, but the system effectively provides universal coverage for Bruneian nationals.
Brunei’s public healthcare system offers affordable services, ensuring citizens receive necessary care. Eligibility is primarily for residents, with costs largely covered by the government, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. The system is structured to provide comprehensive services, ranging from preventive to specialized care. Consumer satisfaction is generally high, reflecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare provided.
1. Government-Funded Public Healthcare System
- Cost:
Healthcare in Brunei is free or very affordable for citizens at public hospitals and clinics. The government fully funds this system through taxes and national budgets. Citizens pay minimal out-of-pocket costs, about 5.18% of total health expenses, showing strong financial protection. - Available Services/Coverage Features:
The system covers a comprehensive range of health services, including:
- Primary care, outpatient consultations, inpatient hospitalization
- Emergency care and ambulance services
- Dental and oral health services
- Tertiary hospital care, surgeries, and specialist treatments at major facilities like Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and Suri Seri Begawan Hospital
- Mobile health clinics and flying medical teams ensure outreach to remote areas
- Preventive health programs and chronic disease management
- Primary care, outpatient consultations, inpatient hospitalization
- Open for All or Limited:
Brunei’s public healthcare is free for citizens only. Foreigners and expatriates must pay subsidized fees or have private insurance. From July 2025, permanent residents and immigration pass holders must have mandatory medical insurance. - Core Financial Features:
Public healthcare is entirely funded by the government, with patients facing few direct costs. To ease the burden on public services, the government promotes private insurance by providing rebates of 30-45% on premiums and imposing levies on certain income groups without private insurance. - Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Brunei citizens largely trust and are satisfied with public healthcare, with an 85% approval rate due to free access and quality care. Yet, some face challenges with wait times and accessing specialized treatments, especially for complex cases needing overseas referrals.
Top 5 Private Health Insurance Providers in Brunei: Cost, Coverage, Accessibility, and Consumer Satisfaction
Brunei’s private health insurance sector, though small, plays a crucial role for expatriates, permanent residents, and wealthier locals who prefer private hospitals and global healthcare. Public healthcare is free for citizens, but private insurance provides wider coverage, quicker access, and extra perks. The leading private insurers in Brunei offer details on costs, services, eligibility, financial structure, and customer satisfaction.
1. Allianz Care(Official Website: https://www.allianzcare.com/en.html)
- Cost: Premiums vary widely based on coverage levels, generally starting from BND 1,200/year (~$900) for basic plans to over BND 6,000/year for comprehensive global coverage.
- Available Services/Coverage: Inpatient and outpatient care, dental, optical, maternity, medical evacuation, travel insurance, and chronic illness management.
- Open for: Expats, travelers, permanent residents, and locals seeking premium plans.
- Core Financial Features: Flexible deductibles, direct billing with private hospitals including Gleneagles JPMC, 24/7 global assistance.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 88% – Highly rated for international network, fast claims, and customer service.
2. AXA Brunei (Official Website: https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/)
- Cost: Plans range from BND 800 to BND 5,000/year, depending on coverage and options chosen.
- Available Services/Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, outpatient, inpatient, wellness programs, and emergency evacuation.
- Open for: Residents, expats, and corporate clients.
- Core Financial Features: Customizable plans, option for cashless treatment, premium discounts for healthy living initiatives.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 85% – Noted for flexible plans and strong local presence.
3. Cigna Global(Official Website:https://www.cignaglobal.com)
- Cost: Generally starts around BND 1,500/year, rising with coverage and age.
- Available Services/Coverage: Worldwide inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, dental, mental health, and medical evacuation.
- Open for: Expats, families, and individuals requiring international healthcare access.
- Core Financial Features: Tailored plans, multilingual support, global direct billing network.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 90% – Praised for extensive global coverage and excellent customer support.
4. IMG Global(Official Website: https://www.imglobal.com/)
- Cost: Plans begin at approximately BND 1,000/year with premium options reaching above BND 5,500/year.
- Available Services/Coverage: Medical and travel insurance including emergency evacuation, inpatient/outpatient, and wellness benefits.
- Open for: Expats, international travelers, and local individuals seeking global coverage.
- Core Financial Features: Flexible policy durations, worldwide network, fast claims process.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 83% – Valued for travel-related coverage and responsiveness.
5. AIA Brunei(Official Website: https://www.aia.com.bn/)
- Cost: Premiums range from BND 700 to BND 4,000/year depending on plan and age.
- Available Services/Coverage: Health insurance, critical illness, hospital cash, outpatient, dental, and wellness programs.
- Open for: Locals, expats, and corporate groups.
- Core Financial Features: Integrated health and life insurance solutions, health screening benefits, rebates for healthy living.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 82% – Recognized for local market knowledge and comprehensive benefits.
READ MORE: Private and public health insurance of Qatar (Make informed choices)
