🇬🇺 Guam Healthcare — Hospitals, Insurance & Medical Guide

Healthcare in Guam is a mixed system that combines public and private providers, offering a range of services to the island's residents and visitors, with a generally good quality of care and relatively easy access to medical facilities.

Healthcare Overview

The healthcare system in Guam is a mix of public and private providers, with the Guam Memorial Hospital serving as the primary public hospital. The hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty clinics. Private hospitals and clinics, such as the Guam Regional Medical City, also offer high-quality care and specialized services. The quality of care in Guam is generally good, with many healthcare professionals trained in the United States. However, some specialized services may require medical evacuation to the US mainland or other countries. Urban areas, such as Hagatna and Tamuning, have relatively easy access to medical facilities, while rural areas may have more limited access.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services is responsible for overseeing the healthcare system in Guam, including regulating healthcare providers, managing public health programs, and providing healthcare services to the community. The department also works to improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural areas. Despite these efforts, there are still some challenges in the healthcare system, including a shortage of certain specialized healthcare professionals and limited access to some medical services.

Overall, the healthcare system in Guam is well-developed and provides a range of services to the island's residents and visitors. However, it is still important for individuals to have health insurance to cover the cost of medical care, particularly for specialized services or medical evacuations. [CALLOUT] It is recommended that visitors and residents have health insurance that covers them in Guam, as medical costs can be high. [/CALLOUT]

Hospitals & Clinics

Health Insurance

• Private health insurance is available from several providers, including FHP Health Center and NetCare Life and Health Insurance Company
• Medicaid is available for low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities
• Medicare is available for individuals 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities
• TRICARE is available for military personnel and their families
• Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Guam, as it can provide coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations
• Local insurance options are available, including group health plans for employers and individual plans for residents

Pharmacies & Medications

• Prescription medications are widely available at pharmacies, including those at hospitals and clinics
• Over-the-counter medications are also widely available, including pain relievers, antihistamines, and cold medications
• Common brand names are often available, including Tylenol, Advil, and Benadryl
• Prescription requirements vary depending on the medication, but many pharmacies require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider
• Costs for medications can vary, but many pharmacies offer competitive pricing and discounts for bulk purchases

Vaccinations & Health Risks

• Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all travelers to Guam
• Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travelers who will be eating or drinking outside of major restaurants and hotels
• Rabies vaccination is recommended for travelers who will be spending time around animals
• Insect-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus, are present in Guam, and travelers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites
• Water safety is generally good, but travelers should still take precautions to avoid drinking untreated water
• Food safety is generally good, but travelers should still take precautions to avoid eating undercooked or raw foods

Medical Tourism

• Popular procedures include cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, and orthopedic surgery
• Accredited hospitals include the Guam Regional Medical City and the Naval Hospital Guam
• Cost savings can be significant, particularly for procedures that are not covered by insurance
• Travel arrangements can be made through medical tourism companies or travel agencies

Emergency Procedures

• 911 is the emergency number in Guam, and callers can expect a prompt response from emergency services
• Ambulance reliability is generally good, but travelers should still take precautions to avoid emergencies
• Nearest hospitals can be found in the table above, and travelers should take note of the location and contact information for these facilities
• Insurance claims can be filed with the traveler's insurance provider, and travelers should keep receipts and documentation for medical expenses
• Medical evacuation may be necessary in some cases, and travelers should have a plan in place for emergency medical transportation