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Honduras Expat Health Insurance

The second largest country in Central America, the Republic of Honduras shares borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, and has Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean coastlines. With an estimated population of 8.1 million (2011) and encompassing a land area of 112,090 square kilometers, Honduras has a predominately mountainous interior, and is marked by valleys, fertile plateau, tropical jungle, mangrove swamps and narrow coastal plains. Diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters are draw-cards for its emerging tourism market, as are its natural and historic treasures, its white-sand beaches, national parks and Mayan ruins. Spanish is the official language, with several indigenous dialects widely spoken, with some English used on the Caribbean Bay Islands and along the northern coast. The capital, Tegucigalpa, commonly referred to as Tegus, is the country’s largest and most populous city. Despite its fertile plains, agricultural development, extensive mineral, marine and forestry resources and expanding tourist economy, Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America with approximately 65 percent of the population (2010) living below the poverty line. Bananas and coffee historically made up the majority of exports however the country has diversified to include such products as wire harnesses, cigars, gold, palm oil, apparel, lumber, shrimp and lobster.

The climate varies depending on elevation, being temperate in mountainous areas and subtropical in the lowlands. Temperatures do not change drastically from one season to another; varying only by about 5 degrees Celsius throughout the year. In general, the rainy season extends from May to November in its interior, and from around September to January along the north coast and in the Bay Islands. Honduras is also susceptible to hurricanes, generally occurring from August to November, with direct hits being uncommon but destructive when they do occur. Hurricane Mitch in 1998 was one of the country’s most devastating, killing approximately 5,600 people and causing millions of dollars in damage. When given, evacuation orders should be taken seriously by travelers.

Honduras has a maturing political environment. A multi-party system is in place and elections are held every four years. The last government was sworn-in late January 2010, and while civil unrest has settled since the most recent elections, the potential exists for the political and security situation to change with little warning. Travel advisories for Honduras share common themes, advising there is “some risk” to personal safety due to the potential for civil unrest and that protests, political demonstrations and rallies should be avoided. Expats are urged to keep informed regarding safety risks through closely monitoring local events and maintaining an appropriate level of vigilance with regard to personal security. Advisories also note there are high levels of violent crime, including kidnapping, armed robbery and murder. Reports of bus and car-jackings, including on main highways, and armed robbery have affected tourists, therefore a high degree of security awareness is advised. Travelling or walking alone, especially at night should be avoided. Because of unmarked minefields, staying exclusively to well-used roads and paths is advised when travelling near the Honduras-Nicaragua border, and especially in the Rio Coco region and the Choluteca and El Paraiso provinces.

The Honduras government declared a national emergency in 2010 due to an outbreak of Dengue Fever with reportedly 66,000 cases and 83 deaths between June and December that year. Transmitted person-to-person by infected mosquitoes, the virus was in both the classic dengue and hemorrhagic dengue forms, of which the latter has a higher rate of mortality. The Government reported that approximately 85 percent of the hemorrhagic dengue cases in 2010 occurred in the capital city and undertook a public education campaign and significant fumigation effort; however, the pressure on health facilities was significant and overcrowding in hospitals evident. While the World Health Organization notes that vaccines for protection against the virus are being developed, these are in the early stages of development and therefore no viable vaccine is currently available. Precautionary measures are therefore strongly advised and are especially important when mosquitoes are most active in order to decrease the risk of bites. Preventions include applying insect repellent regularly, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito-nets when sleeping. The risk of contracting Malaria in Honduras is considered low however the disease is present throughout the country at altitudes less than 1,000 meters and in Roatan and other Bay Islands. Precautionary measures, the same for avoiding Dengue Fever are advised.

Honduras Healthcare System

The majority of health care in Honduras is delivered by the Government through the Ministry of Health. Primary care is provided through rural health centers, in addition to medical and dental centers located throughout the country. Hospitals are classified into three categories, cardiology, national and regional hospitals. As of 2009, there were 30 hospitals operating in the public sector with 5,975 beds available, and 60 hospitals in the private sector with a total of 916 beds available. While the number of Hondurans without access to health services has reportedly decreased, efforts to integrate the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care have been unsuccessful. There is high demand for basic services at the national and regional level hospitals, where appropriate referrals to alternative levels of care are not guaranteed. Little coordination among providers results in a fragmented health system and duplication of responsibilities, hindering the response to the essential health needs of the population.

Along with having the highest prevalence rate of adult HIV/AIDS in the region, other public health concerns include access to clean water and basic sanitation – which are contributing factors to the relatively low life expectancy of an estimated 68.9 years for men, and 72.3 years for women (2011). A number of external organizations provide aid to Honduras and play an important role in improving the basic health of the population, assisting the Government in its efforts toward health care reform and increased geographical coverage for the urban and rural poor who have traditionally lacked access to basic services.

Private healthcare facilities offer inpatient services including emergency care, although facilities for advanced surgical procedures are unavailable and shortages of medical equipment still occur. Variances in quality and availability of care are often experienced. In the event of an emergency or complex medical situation, medical evacuation is likely to be required, and as such expats resident in or travelling to Honduras should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance which includes a provision for medical evacuation by air.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that seeking medical advice before travelling to Honduras is recommended to ensure routine immunizations are up to date. Vaccinations may be required for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Rabies, depending on individuals’ planned activities, health status and immunization history, but seeing a health-care provider ideally 4-6 weeks before departure is suggested in order to allow effectiveness of vaccines and any prescribed medications. Exposure occurring through food or water, Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases contracted while travelling. Likewise, Typhoid is contracted through contaminated food or water also therefore strict personal hygiene should be practiced, even if vaccinated. Approximately 2-7 percent of the population are carriers of the Hepatitis B virus, which is transmitted through infected blood or body fluids. Travelers can be exposed through medical or dental treatment, via direct contact of open sores or engaging in risky behavior such as unprotected sexual contact or needle-sharing.

The main carriers of Rabies are dogs however monkeys, cats and other animals can also transmit the virus via saliva, most often through a bite or lick to an open wound. Prevention of animal bites and scratches through avoidance is recommended. Rabies is a preventable disease, and while it is reportedly rare in travelers, the risk increases with the likelihood of animal contact, type of activity or extended travel. Children are at greater risk due to being more likely to have contact with animals, and less likely to report a bite or lick. In these instances, and where travelers spend considerable time outdoors, especially in rural areas the pre-exposure vaccine is recommended.

Honduras Expat Health Insurance

Given the limitations for dealing with serious injury or illness within the health system in Honduras, expat health insurance is recommended. Global health Insurance provides professional advice at no cost, and has various worldwide medical insurance plans available which give you the flexibility to use hospitals or doctors of your choice. Expat health insurance policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals, families or tour groups travelling to Honduras. Policies are transferable globally, and include emergency evacuation, inpatient services, specialist and alternative care, transportation, maternity, dental coverage, and many more. For further Honduras health insurance details, please contact one of our insurance advisors.