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Moving to New Caledonia means choosing to live in a paradise-like setting, thousands of kilometers from mainland France. However, like anywhere else, healthcare is a crucial consideration for expatriates. Whether it's for routine care or medical emergencies, having adequate health coverage is essential.
New Caledonia has a relatively well-structured healthcare system, but it can differ from what expats may be familiar with in Europe or other regions. As a resident, local social security will not automatically cover all your medical expenses, especially for costly treatments. Additionally, the island's remote location and the high cost of medical evacuations to mainland France or Australia are factors to consider when choosing your insurance plan.
New Caledonia has its own health insurance system, which is largely inspired by that of mainland France. Residents contribute to the Caisse de Protection Sociale de Nouvelle-Calédonie (CPS), which covers part of medical expenses, but coverage can vary depending on the situation and individual needs. For example, visits to general practitioners or specialists are partially reimbursed, but certain specialized treatments or surgeries may result in additional costs.
Good to know: Medication can be more expensive than in mainland France due to import taxes, which could impact your healthcare budget if you don’t have comprehensive coverage.
The choice between local and international insurance depends on your expectations and the length of your stay. If you're staying in New Caledonia for an extended period and have access to the CPS, it may be wise to supplement this coverage with international health insurance. This will ensure optimal coverage when traveling outside the territory or for treatments not covered locally, such as medical evacuations.
An international insurance plan can also offer more extensive benefits, such as reimbursement for medical care in neighboring countries (Australia, New Zealand) where the quality of care may be superior for certain treatments.
Good to know: Medical evacuations to Australia or mainland France can be very costly, especially if they require air ambulance services. It is strongly recommended to choose health insurance that includes this type of coverage.
Healthcare services in New Caledonia are mostly concentrated in Nouméa, the capital, which has several public and private hospitals. The quality of care is generally good, but specialists may be scarce, and in some cases, evacuation to mainland France or Australia is necessary for more complex treatments.
Public hospitals, such as the Territorial Hospital Center (CHT) in Nouméa, offer a wide range of medical services, but waiting times for specialist consultations can be long. For expats, private clinics like the Anse Vata Polyclinic may be more appealing, offering faster access to specialized care.
Good to know: New Caledonia lacks intensive care services for certain heavy treatments, making international health insurance with evacuation coverage even more critical.
Dumbéa Sur Mer
Médipôle de Koutio - Hospital Center Territorial Gaston-Bourret
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