ARUBA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Aruba has a well-structured and accessible healthcare system that provides medical services to both citizens and residents. The system is a mix of public and private healthcare, and is known for its high standards, universal coverage, and government oversight.
Key Features of Aruba’s Health Care System
1. Universal Health Care Coverage (AZV)
- AZV (Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering) is the general health insurance scheme.
- Mandatory for all residents and funded through income taxes, employer contributions, and government subsidies.
- Covers:
- General medical consultations
- Specialist treatments
- Hospital care
- Prescription medication
- Dental care (limited)
- Maternity care
2. Main Health Institutions
- Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital (HOH)
- Located in Oranjestad.
- Aruba’s main hospital, providing general and specialized care.
- Has emergency services, ICU, surgery, maternity, and pediatrics.
- ImSan (Instituto Medico San Nicolas)
- A modern medical facility in San Nicolas.
- Offers outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, dialysis, and day surgeries.
3. Specialist and Referral Care
- For complex or specialized medical treatments not available on the island, patients may be referred to hospitals in Colombia, the Netherlands, or Curaçao.
- These referrals are arranged and covered under the AZV insurance.
4. Primary Health Care
- General practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact for patients.
- Patients must usually receive a referral from a GP to access a specialist.
5. Private Health Care
- Some private clinics and services are available.
- Patients who want faster service or services outside AZV coverage can pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance.
6. Pharmacies
- Widely available across Aruba.
- Many operate on a rotating 24-hour emergency schedule.
- Medications are often covered under AZV with a small co-pay.
7. Emergency Services
- Emergency medical services (ambulance, ER) are provided mainly by HOH.
- The number for medical emergencies in Aruba is 911.
Health Workforce
- Aruba has well-trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists.
- Some specialists come from the Netherlands or Latin America on temporary contracts.
Public Health and Disease Prevention
- Managed by the Department of Public Health Aruba (DVG).
- Responsible for vaccination programs, health inspections, chronic disease prevention, and environmental health.
Challenges
- Limited access to very high-tech treatments locally.
- Dependence on medical travel for complex procedures.
- Health workforce shortages in certain specialties.
