Information about the healthcare system and insurance system of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) are special municipalities of the Netherlands and work in harmony with the Dutch healthcare and insurance system. Health System: Healthcare on the BES islands is provided within the scope of Algemene Wet Bijzondere Ziektekosten (AWBZ), the national healthcare system of the Netherlands. This system works as a social insurance system where everyone has access to basic healthcare. Health services in PPS islands are generally provided at 3 different levels: primary health care, secondary health services and tertiary health services. Primary healthcare includes basic healthcare services such as general practitioners and pharmacies, while secondary healthcare includes more specific healthcare services such as private hospitals and specialist clinics. Tertiary healthcare services are specialized centers for conditions requiring more advanced medical care. Insurance System: To benefit from health services on BES islands, every person must have health insurance. Health insurance finances a person's access to healthcare and covers the costs of using healthcare services. Health insurance on the BES islands is usually provided automatically for people who are included in the Algemene Ouderdomsverzekering (AOV) system. AOV is old-age insurance and is offered compulsorily to citizens in all BES islands. However, the coverage of this insurance only includes old age-related health services. For other health services, people must purchase separate health insurance. Health insurance premiums may vary depending on a person's income and insurance coverage. Insurance premiums are generally paid monthly or annually and are subject to premium rates set by insurance companies. The healthcare and insurance system on the BES islands operates in accordance with Dutch healthcare standards and provides citizens with access to basic healthcare services. However, it may also be important to purchase travel insurance or additional insurance policies for conditions that require specialized healthcare or advanced medical care.