Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Fiji
- Health insurance with evacuation is essential—Suva has basic hospitals, but serious cases need Australia or New Zealand.
- Fiji's Digital Nomad Visa requires FJD 100,000/year income (~$45,000 USD) and health insurance proof.
- Suva Private Hospital and Colonial War Memorial are the main facilities; outer islands have only basic health centers.
- Diving injuries are common—Suva has a decompression chamber, but ensure your policy covers diving accidents.
- Cyclone season (November-April) can disrupt healthcare access and evacuation options.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Fiji?
Fiji does not require health insurance for most visas, but the Digital Nomad Visa strongly recommends comprehensive coverage. Regardless of visa type, international insurance with Australia/New Zealand evacuation is essential. Fiji has limited medical facilities—Suva handles routine care and stabilization, but cardiac surgery, oncology, major trauma, and complex procedures require evacuation to Sydney (3-hour flight), Auckland, or Brisbane.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone—Fiji's healthcare cannot handle serious conditions; evacuation to Australia/NZ is standard
- Digital nomads—recommended for visa application and essential for remote island living
- Divers and water sports enthusiasts—diving injuries, decompression sickness, and marine injuries are common
- Outer island residents—healthcare is extremely limited; inter-island evacuation to Suva, then potentially overseas
- Retirees—limited cardiac, oncology, and specialist care available locally
Public vs Private Healthcare in Fiji
Public Healthcare
Ministry of Health and Medical Services
- Access: Fijian citizens and residents; foreigners can access with fees
- Cost: FJD 5-20 ($2-9) per visit for basic public care
Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva is the main public referral hospital—handles emergencies and basic surgeries but equipment is dated. Lautoka Hospital serves the western Viti Levu. Outer islands have health centers staffed by nurses with limited capabilities. Public healthcare is affordable but basic—long waits and limited specialist availability.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $70-150/month (international plans with evacuation)
Suva Private Hospital is the main private facility—modern by Fiji standards with reasonable emergency and surgical capabilities. Oceania Hospitals has facilities in Suva and Lautoka. Several private GP clinics in Suva and Nadi serve expats. English is widely spoken in medical settings. For anything complex—cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, neurosurgery—evacuation to Australia (Sydney, Brisbane) or New Zealand (Auckland) is standard practice.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Fiji. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Fiji
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Fiji
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Fiji
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Outer island healthcare is extremely basic. If living on islands other than Viti Levu (main island), evacuation to Suva for anything beyond first aid is necessary. Inter-island flights may be needed.
- Diving coverage is critical. Fiji is a world-class diving destination, and decompression sickness, barotrauma, and marine injuries occur regularly. Suva has a hyperbaric chamber, but verify your policy covers diving to your planned depths.
- Cyclone season (November-April) can ground flights and disrupt evacuation. Maritime provinces may be cut off. Plan for potential delays in emergency evacuation.
- Medical evacuation to Australia costs $20,000-50,000 by air ambulance. Commercial flight evacuation is cheaper but only for stable patients. Ensure coverage limits are adequate.
- Tropical diseases: Dengue fever is endemic; typhoid and leptospirosis occur. Ensure coverage for tropical illnesses and have a plan for prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Fiji's Digital Nomad Visa work?
Fiji's Digital Nomad Fiji (DNF) visa allows remote workers to stay up to 2 years. Requirements: Proof of income of FJD 100,000/year (~$45,000 USD) from non-Fijian sources, valid passport, clean criminal record, and health insurance is strongly recommended. The visa allows you to live and work remotely but not take local employment. Apply through Immigration Fiji—processing takes 2-4 weeks.
What healthcare is available on Fiji's outer islands?
Outer islands (Yasawas, Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Kadavu, etc.) have government health centers staffed by nurses with basic supplies. No surgery, limited diagnostics, and often no doctor. Serious issues require evacuation to Suva—by boat, inter-island flight, or helicopter depending on location and urgency. If living on outer islands, comprehensive insurance with inter-island and international evacuation is essential.
Does my insurance need to cover diving in Fiji?
If you plan to dive, yes. Many standard travel and health policies exclude diving or limit coverage to shallow recreational depths (10-18m). Fiji offers advanced diving opportunities—verify your policy covers diving to planned depths and includes hyperbaric treatment. Divers Alert Network (DAN) insurance is a popular supplemental option specifically for diving injuries.
How much does private healthcare cost in Fiji?
Suva Private Hospital costs: GP consultation FJD 80-150 ($35-65), specialist FJD 150-300 ($65-130), emergency room FJD 200-500 ($90-220), private room FJD 400-800/day ($175-350), basic surgery FJD 5,000-15,000 ($2,200-6,500). These costs are moderate—affordable for routine care, but significant procedures add up. Insurance is valuable for emergencies and essential for evacuation.
What are the retirement visa options for Fiji?
Fiji offers a Retirement Permit for those over 45 with guaranteed income of FJD 40,000/year (~$18,000). Investor Permit requires FJD 125,000 investment in an approved business. There's no formal pensionado program like some Latin American countries, but Fiji is relatively welcoming to retirees. Healthcare limitations should be a key consideration—ensure you have comprehensive coverage with easy evacuation to Australia/NZ.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.