The Solomon Islands has a government-funded public healthcare system and a small but expanding private health insurance sector. The public system aims to provide basic healthcare to all citizens. In contrast, private and international insurance cater to specific needs, often serving expatriates, businesses, and those needing specialized or overseas medical care.
Similarities
- Goal of Improving Access to Healthcare:
Public healthcare provides affordable, extensive medical services for everyone, while private insurance offers faster, higher-quality care with more options. - Presence Across Urban and Rural Areas:
Both systems function in cities like Honiara and provincial hubs, but face challenges delivering services to remote islands due to logistical and resource limitations. - Regulatory Oversight:
Insurance is regulated by both public and private entities. The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) manages private insurance under the Insurance Act, while the Ministry of Health and Medical Services supervises the public sector.
Differences
| Feature | Public Healthcare System | Private Health Insurance |
| Structure & Funding | Fully funded by government revenue and donor aid; no premiums | Premium-based; funded by individual or employer payments |
| Access & Eligibility | Open and free to all citizens and legal residents | Often limited to higher-income individuals, expatriates, and businesses |
| Services Provided | Basic outpatient and inpatient services, preventive care, maternal and child health, immunization | Comprehensive coverage: specialist care, international evacuation, mental health, dental/vision (optional) |
| Cost to Patients | Free or minimal out-of-pocket costs for basic care | Monthly/annual premiums; high-end plans can be costly |
| Infrastructure & Quality | Often under-resourced; lacks modern equipment and staff, especially in rural areas | Access to higher-quality care, private clinics, and overseas treatment |
| Medical Evacuation | Not included; patients must arrange it independently or through private coverage | Included in most plans, especially international ones like Allianz, MSH, Cigna |
| Customization & Flexibility | No customization – one system for all | Highly customizable; clients can choose benefits, coverage limits, and service providers |
Top Public Health Insurance System in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands lacks a traditional public health insurance system. Instead, healthcare is government-funded via the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, offering free or affordable care to citizens and legal residents. The National Public Healthcare System is the sole public health safety net.
1. National Public Healthcare System(Official website: https://www.health.gov.sb)
Cost to Citizens
Healthcare in the Solomon Islands is largely free or very affordable. Public hospitals, clinics, and health posts provide most services without charge. However, for some procedures, tests, or medications not stocked publicly, patients might have to pay.
Available Services / Coverage Features
- Primary Healthcare: Includes outpatient care, immunization, antenatal/postnatal services, malaria and tuberculosis treatment, and family planning.
- Inpatient Services: Basic hospitalization, general surgery, childbirth services, and wound care.
- Preventive Programs: Nutrition, hygiene, maternal and child health education, communicable disease prevention.
- Public Health Outreach: Mobile clinics and rural health posts extend services to remote and island communities.
- National Referral Hospital (Honiara): Provides more specialized care and acts as the country’s tertiary care center.
- Provincial Hospitals: Located in Gizo, Auki, Lata, and other areas, they offer intermediate-level care.
- Rural Clinics and Health Posts: The backbone of community-level healthcare in isolated islands.
Open for All or Limited Access
All Solomon Islands citizens and legal residents can access the system, irrespective of income. No enrollment, membership, or premium is needed, ensuring universal access.
Core Financial Features
- Government-Funded: Healthcare is primarily funded by government revenues, with additional support from international donors like WHO, AusAID, and other development partners.
- No Premiums or Membership Fees: Services are delivered directly by the government without the need for insurance contributions.
- Donor Support: The sector benefits significantly from foreign aid, which supports infrastructure development, training, essential drugs, and technical assistance.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: While basic care is free, patients often have to pay for specialist consultations, unavailable drugs, or referrals abroad.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
Although there’s no formal national satisfaction rating, assessments by public health experts and community feedback suggest mixed reviews:
- Urban Satisfaction: Moderate to good, particularly near the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
- Rural Satisfaction: Low, due to limited staff, equipment shortages, long travel distances, and sporadic drug availability.
- Challenges Noted by Consumers: Lack of consistent supply of essential drugs, long wait times, and insufficient emergency care or specialist services.
Estimated overall informal satisfaction score based on local surveys and WHO assessments: 3.2 out of 5.
Top Private Health Insurance Providers in the Solomon Islands
Private health insurance in the Solomon Islands is vital to support the limited public healthcare system. Though the market is small, both local and international insurers serve expatriates, businesses, and affluent locals. These insurers provide extensive medical coverage, offering services beyond public healthcare, like emergency evacuation, overseas treatment, mental health care, and specialist services. Here are the top five private health insurance providers in the Solomon Islands, detailing their services, costs, financial accessibility, and customer satisfaction.
1. Capital Insurance Solomon Islands Ltd(Official website: https://capgrp.com/location/solomon-islands/)
Cost:
Plans start at approximately SBD 500–1,200/month depending on age, coverage, and optional add-ons.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- General inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Day-to-day doctor visits and diagnostics
- Local and overseas medical evacuation
- Hospitalization benefits and chronic disease management
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals, families, and companies operating within the Solomon Islands.
Core Financial Features:
- Locally underwritten plans
- Optional riders for life insurance and disability cover
- Affordable monthly payments with annual discounts for upfront payment
- Group coverage discounts available for companies
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated 4.0/5, with users praising local expertise and quick response times. Some reports of limited overseas partner clinics.
2. MSH International(Official website: https://www.msh-intl.com)
Cost:
Premiums vary depending on global region and coverage level; plans typically start at around USD $150–$400/month.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Worldwide inpatient and outpatient services
- 24/7 teleconsultation and digital claims
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Mental health, dental, and vision (optional)
Open for All or Limited:
Available to expatriates and international business travelers, including those based in the Solomon Islands.
Core Financial Features:
- Customizable plans with tiered deductibles
- Currency flexibility (USD, EUR, etc.)
- Digital-first interface with real-time tracking and reimbursements
- Global provider network access
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated 4.4/5. Strong global service reputation; customers appreciate paperless processes and customer service responsiveness.
3. April International(Official website: https://www.april-international.com)
Cost:
Plans typically range from USD $100–$350/month, depending on region and benefit levels.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Modular health plans with inpatient/outpatient coverage
- Emergency evacuation and specialist services
- Preventive care and second medical opinion
- No upfront payments in approved facilities
Open for All or Limited:
Open to expatriates and international workers; limited individual plans for Solomon Islands citizens.
Core Financial Features:
- Transparent pricing and online quote tools
- Family and student coverage options
- Multiple premium tiers to suit varied budgets
- Claims processed in multiple languages and currencies
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated 4.3/5. Known for reliability, flexible coverage, and ease of managing claims online.
4. Cigna Global(Official website: https://www.cignaglobal.com)
Cost:
Comprehensive plans start around USD $200/month for individuals, increasing based on age and plan depth.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Cancer, mental health, and maternity services
- Custom benefits and optional add-ons
Open for All or Limited:
Primarily for expatriates, NGOs, and international contractors residing in or traveling to the Solomon Islands.
Core Financial Features:
- Fully customizable benefits and deductibles
- Direct billing at global hospitals
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
- Extensive global provider network
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated 4.5/5. Clients praise their strong global service, comprehensive benefits, and ease of direct billing.
5. Allianz Care(Official website: https://www.allianzcare.com)
Cost:
Premiums start at USD $250/month and can exceed USD $800/month for top-tier plans.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Inpatient/outpatient, maternity, chronic disease, mental health
- Worldwide evacuation and repatriation
- Oncology care, home nursing, rehabilitation
- Preventive care and routine check-ups
Open for All or Limited:
Open to expatriates and international employees, with limited availability for local citizens.
Core Financial Features:
- High coverage limits (up to $5 million USD)
- Tiered plan options (Essential, Classic, Premier)
- Premium international hospital access
- Strong financial stability and global reach
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated 4.6/5. Customers highlight excellent emergency care support and high-quality international service standards.
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