Fiji (FJ)

A tropical South Pacific hub with English-language administration, strong tourism and NGO sectors, rich iTaukei and Indo-Fijian cultures, and a relaxed but paperwork-heavy expat lifestyle.

Capital: Suva

Region: Oceania

Language: English

Currency: FJD ($)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 48)

Emergency: 911

Healthcare in Fiji

Fiji has a public and private healthcare system. Public care is useful for routine needs but under-resourcing, medicine shortages and outer-island access make private care and evacuation insurance essential for many expats.

Urban private care in Suva/Nadi is stronger than rural/outer-island care; serious cases may require evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or India.

Public healthcare: Ministry of Health and Medical Services public system

Public hospitals, health centres and nursing stations

Eligibility:Fiji citizens access subsidised public care. Expats should expect eligibility and charges to depend on status and facility; carry private insurance.

Monthly cost:Tax-funded for citizens; expats should budget for private insurance and out-of-pocket payments.

What's included:

Emergency stabilisation
General outpatient care
Public hospitals
Maternal and child health services
Basic public pharmacy services when stocked

Not included (or co-pay required):

Guaranteed fast specialist access
Complex tertiary treatment
Medical evacuation
Private rooms
Many imported medicines or private diagnostics

Co-payments:Public charges for non-citizens vary; private fees are paid directly or through insurance.

How to enrol:There is no universal expat enrolment comparable to European statutory insurance. Register with a local GP/clinic and keep insurance documents ready.

Waiting period:No single waiting-period rule; access depends on facility, urgency, stock, staff and status.

Private healthcare: Private clinics and hospitals

Who can use it:Anyone who can pay or has accepted insurance, subject to facility capacity.

When it makes sense:Expats, families, retirees, pregnancy planning, chronic conditions, dental, specialist access and any outer-island resident needing evacuation cover.

Monthly cost:International health insurance can range from USD 100 to 500+ per adult/month depending on age, exclusions and evacuation cover.

Major providers:

Oceania HospitalsPrivate GP clinics in Suva/Nadi/LautokaPacific Specialist HealthcareMIOT Pacific Hospitals where availableInternational insurers such as Cigna, Allianz, Bupa, April

Accessing care

GP system

Many expats use a private GP or clinic as first point of contact and keep a public hospital plan for emergencies.

Specialist referral

Private specialists can often be accessed directly or by GP referral, but some specialties are limited locally.

Emergency care

Dial 911 for ambulance. In serious cases, go to the nearest hospital for stabilisation and activate insurance assistance early.

Out of hours

Private clinic after-hours coverage is limited; hotels/resorts may have nurse/doctor arrangements. Public emergency departments handle urgent cases.

Prescriptions

Pharmacy stock can be inconsistent. Bring legal supplies of chronic medication with prescription and check import rules.

Dental

Private dental is common in urban centres; complex work may be cheaper than Australia/NZ but verify standards.

Mental health

Public mental-health capacity is limited. Private counselling, teletherapy and international EAP services are important.

Maternity

Private maternity care is available in urban centres; high-risk pregnancy should be assessed for evacuation or birth abroad planning.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Choose a private GP/clinic near home
Buy insurance with medical evacuation
Map nearest hospital and ambulance route
Carry medication copies
Prepare cyclone-season medicine reserve

Finding English-speaking doctors:English is widely used in healthcare, especially in urban private care.

International insurance:Evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or India should be explicit, not assumed.

Emergency card info:Keep passport, permit, blood type, allergies, insurer assistance number, local emergency contacts and chronic-medication list in wallet/phone.

EHIC notes:European EHIC/GHIC cards do not provide Fiji public healthcare rights.

Pharmacies (Pharmacy / Chemist)

Hours:Urban pharmacies generally open business hours and Saturdays; after-hours access is limited.

After-hours / emergency:Ask your GP/hospital which pharmacy is open; resorts may hold basic supplies.

Prescription rules:Bring prescriptions and generic names. Some medicines available overseas may be restricted or unavailable.

Available over-the-counter:

Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Oral rehydration salts
Antihistamines
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Antiseptic

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	Often reimbursed subject to policy
GP visit (private pay)	FJD 50-150 private
Specialist visit	FJD 150-350+
Emergency visit	Public/private and severity dependent; evacuation can cost tens of thousands USD
MRI scan	Limited availability; costs vary widely
Prescription average	FJD 10-100+ depending on medication
Dental check-up	FJD 80-200
Baby delivery	Private delivery costs vary; high-risk/evacuation cover is critical

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