Brunei – Doctors

How does the healthcare system in Brunei work, and does it cover expats?

Brunei’s health services operate on a dual-track model encompassing both public and private provision. The public side is administered by the Ministry of Health and is provided free of charge to Brunei citizens and permanent residents — a structure that draws broad comparisons with state-funded systems such as the NHS in the United Kingdom, though unlike the NHS it does not extend universal entitlement to foreigners. Funding for the public health system comes from the General Treasury.

The Ministry of Health Brunei oversees four government hospitals and some 60 health centres and clinics distributed across the country. Health services are broadly organised under two directorates: the Directorate of Medical Services, which encompasses nursing, hospital care, laboratory services, dentistry, renal treatment, and pharmacy; and the Directorate of Health Services, which handles environmental health, community health programmes, and scientific devices.

Foreign nationals may make use of the public healthcare network in Brunei, though they are not entitled to free treatment. While the public system is accessible to expatriates, it is generally considered less suitable for complex surgical procedures or serious emergencies. Government hospitals are reasonably equipped and professionally staffed, but the standard of facilities and service delivery at private hospitals tends to be higher, albeit at greater expense.

A significant policy change took effect from 1 July 2025, under which foreign permanent residents and the foreign spouses of Bruneian citizens became liable for their own medical costs — ending an arrangement that had previously extended free healthcare to thousands of people. Under the new rules, these individuals are required to obtain personal health insurance to cover expenses that were formerly absorbed by the government. Notably, stateless permanent residents are exempt from this change and will continue to receive free healthcare on the same terms as Brunei citizens.

For communities in remote areas that are difficult to reach by road or water, a Flying Medical Services programme extends healthcare coverage. Expats should verify current eligibility rules and up-to-date facility listings directly through the official Ministry of Health Brunei website.

How do you find and register with a doctor in Brunei?

Legally resident expatriates in Brunei are permitted to use the public healthcare system provided they first register with the Ministry of Health and obtain a medical card. This process is broadly comparable to signing up with a general practice in other publicly funded healthcare environments, though eligibility here is tied to residency or work permit status rather than any defined catchment area.

To gain entry to public health facilities, expats will normally need to show their residency permit or work pass alongside a valid identity document such as a passport. Many expatriates supplement this access by taking out private health insurance, giving them the option of using private facilities when they prefer faster or more specialised care.

Primary Healthcare (PHC) services — comprising health centres and clinics — are designed to ensure the whole population can access basic medical care. Because at least one hospital is situated in each of Brunei’s administrative districts, expatriates living anywhere in the country are never far from medical assistance. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, has the most comprehensive coverage.

On the private side, Gleneagles JPMC (Jerudong Park Medical Centre) in Jerudong is one of the most recognised private hospitals, delivering a broad range of specialist services. Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre is another well-regarded private option. Private clinics generally do not require advance registration — patients can usually walk in or book directly by phone or online.

For the most current directory of government health centres, their locations, and the registration process for foreign residents, visit the Ministry of Health Brunei website.

Steps to access primary care at a government facility

1. Obtain your work permit or residency pass through the relevant immigration authority.
2. Register with the Ministry of Health and apply for a medical card, presenting your residency document and passport.
3. Locate your nearest government health centre or clinic — there is at least one in each of Brunei’s four districts.
4. Attend your appointment; bring your medical card and identification each time you visit.
5. For specialist referrals, you will normally be referred by the primary care clinic to a specialist at a government hospital such as RIPAS.

How do you pay for a doctor’s appointment in Brunei?

Government health facilities charge Brunei citizens just BND $1 per consultation, and children under the age of 12 receive treatment at no cost. This nominal fee applies to citizens; foreign nationals attending public facilities are charged at a higher rate, though costs remain substantially subsidised when compared with many other countries. For the most current fee schedule applicable to non-citizens, expats should check directly with the Ministry of Health, as rates have been under review in line with the 2025 policy changes.

Although public medical care is not offered free of charge to expatriates, government hospitals have historically extended treatment without demanding upfront payment guarantees. The 2025 policy shift, however, means that foreign nationals are now expected to hold insurance to cover their expenses rather than relying on government subsidy.

The Ministry of Health has emphasised that despite these changes, fees charged to patients remain “heavily subsidised” and fall well below the true cost of delivering care. Patients who are genuinely unable to meet medical expenses will be directed to medical social workers for an individual needs assessment.

Public hospitals are generally more affordable than private alternatives, though they can experience higher patient volumes and longer waiting times. Private facilities offer more immediate access and a more personalised experience, but costs are correspondingly higher. Private clinic and specialist fees vary considerably and must be paid out of pocket or reclaimed through an insurance policy — always confirm coverage with your insurer before attending a private appointment.

Do you need private health insurance to see a doctor in Brunei?

The Bruneian government is implementing a requirement that all foreign citizens residing in Brunei maintain a minimum level of private health insurance, with employers responsible for securing this coverage for their foreign employees. This marks a substantial departure from the previous policy and applies across all categories of foreign national, irrespective of employment type or residency classification.

Temporary foreign workers were already subject to a basic hospitalisation and outpatient insurance requirement, which was ordinarily arranged by their employers. The updated mandate widens this obligation to encompass all foreign nationals, with policies required to provide a minimum of BND $100,000 in coverage. The rollout began on 1 July 2025, with further expansion scheduled for January 2026.

Insurance and takaful providers operating in Brunei — including Takaful Brunei Am and National Insurance Company Berhad — have introduced new and enhanced products tailored specifically to expatriates and foreign-citizen permanent residents. The Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA) recommends that all affected individuals and their employers consult licensed insurers and takaful operators to identify plans that meet the new requirements.

In practice, employers — particularly multinational corporations in sectors such as oil and gas or banking — often arrange health coverage on behalf of their staff, sometimes opting for international health insurance plans. If your employer does not provide cover, it is your responsibility to arrange a compliant policy before or immediately upon arriving in Brunei.

Even where the public healthcare system covers a broad range of services, many expatriates choose to hold private medical insurance to access private hospitals and secure additional benefits. For current information on visa and residency insurance requirements, consult the Department of Immigration and National Registration of Brunei.

How do you transfer your medical records to a doctor in Brunei?

Before departing your home country, ask your GP or specialist to prepare a comprehensive medical summary covering your chronic conditions, active medications, known allergies, recent investigation results, and vaccination history. If possible, obtain this in both printed and digital form, as you will need to present it when establishing care with a doctor in Brunei.

Brunei’s Ministry of Health operates the Brunei Healthcare Information Management System — known as Bru-HIMS — which serves as the national electronic patient record platform. It was introduced on 11 September 2012. The ministry also oversees the BruHealth smartphone application, a personal health record tool linked to Bru-HIMS. Originally launched in May 2020 as a national COVID-19 contact tracing tool, BruHealth was expanded in September of that year to give users access to their own medical records. Once a local health record has been created in the government system, expats can register to use the BruHealth app.

The MoH’s “one-patient, one-record” philosophy ensures that a patient’s health information is accessible to any government-sector physician across the country at any time. This integrated approach means that once your record is established within the public system, every government doctor you consult can view your complete history — a notable improvement over fragmented systems where records are restricted to individual practices.

There is no formal obligation to have overseas medical records translated into Malay before presenting them to a Bruneian doctor, since medical professionals are widely trained in English and use internationally recognised terminology. Nonetheless, a clearly structured, concise summary in English will allow your new doctor to review your background efficiently. For guidance on how to share overseas records within the public system, contact the MoH directly via moh.gov.bn.

What should expats know about language barriers and finding a doctor who consults in their language?

Malay is the official language of Brunei, but English enjoys widespread use across business, education, and professional sectors. The medical field is no exception, and this makes Brunei considerably more navigable for English-speaking expatriates than many non-anglophone destinations.

Communication difficulties are uncommon in Brunei’s healthcare settings, as the large majority of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are comfortable conversing in English. In Bandar Seri Begawan and other urban centres, locating an English-speaking doctor — whether in a public clinic or a private hospital — is generally straightforward.

A significant proportion of Brunei’s medical professionals completed their training overseas at English-medium institutions, which means they are well versed in international clinical standards and medical terminology. This international educational background shapes the overall quality of healthcare provision across Brunei’s hospitals.

In smaller district health centres or more rural settings, administrative staff may have more variable English proficiency, though clinical personnel typically maintain high language standards. For those seeking consultation in a language other than English or Malay — Mandarin, for example, which is used within part of the population — private hospitals and clinics in city areas are the most likely to offer this. Your country’s embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan can frequently supply a list of vetted doctors or clinics, and established expat community groups and online forums are another dependable source of first-hand recommendations.

What do expats need to know about prescriptions and medication in Brunei?

Brunei has a well-regulated pharmacy sector, with dispensing outlets located within hospitals and clinics as well as in standalone retail premises. Licensed pharmacists staff these outlets and are equipped to provide advice on the safe use of medications. Most pharmacies observe standard business hours, and a number offer extended opening times.

Prescription medicines are subject to controls in Brunei, and a valid prescription issued by a licensed local medical practitioner is required before they can be dispensed. Foreign prescriptions are not routinely accepted, meaning expatriates will generally need to consult a Bruneian doctor to obtain a locally issued prescription. This requirement is in place to ensure the appropriate and safe use of controlled medicines.

Oversight of medicines in Brunei falls under the Brunei Darussalam Medicines Control Authority (BDMCA), which operates within a framework of legislative controls. If you depend on a medication that may not be available through local channels, advance planning is essential. Anyone wishing to import an unapproved medicine must first seek authorisation from the Department of Pharmaceutical Services under the Ministry of Health. The application must include a letter setting out the intent to import, the medical grounds and urgency involved, and supporting documents such as a prescription and relevant medical reports.

The cost of prescription medicines in Brunei varies according to whether they are branded or generic, and depends on where they are dispensed. Prices are generally regarded as reasonable, and some medicines may attract a subsidy for eligible residents. Government healthcare facilities typically offer lower prices for prescription medicines than private ones. Always confirm current subsidy entitlements and pricing with the pharmacist or the Ministry of Health, as these details are subject to change.

When relocating to Brunei, carry enough of any regular medication to last your first few months, together with supporting prescription documentation. This allows you adequate time to register with a local doctor and transfer your prescriptions into the Bruneian system without any break in treatment. For current information on controlled substances and the rules governing importation, refer to the Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health Brunei.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do in a medical emergency in Brunei?

If you face a medical emergency, dial 991 to request an ambulance or proceed without delay to the nearest government hospital. Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan is Brunei’s largest hospital and its principal referral centre. The country’s network of health facilities is capable of managing most emergency situations. Keep your health insurance details readily available so that billing and claims can be handled without complication.

Will my pre-existing conditions be covered by health insurance in Brunei?

Takaful Brunei, the country’s largest takaful operator, intends to extend medical coverage to individuals up to 95 years of age, though applicants with pre-existing health conditions can expect to pay higher premiums. When comparing policies, be transparent about all pre-existing conditions and verify whether the plan covers long-term management of chronic illness in addition to acute treatment. Review both local and international insurance providers before deciding on a plan.

How long does it take to register with the health system in Brunei?

Registering at a government health centre is a relatively simple process that can often be completed during your first visit, provided you already hold a valid residency document or work permit. You should bring your passport, your Employment Pass or residency permit, and any relevant medical paperwork. The time taken to receive your medical card may differ between districts — contact the Ministry of Health directly for the most current guidance on processing times.

Does my healthcare access change if I lose my job or my employment pass expires?

Access to public healthcare for expatriates is contingent on holding a valid work permit or legal residency status. If your employment pass lapses or is not renewed, your entitlement to subsidised public healthcare may cease. It is therefore important to maintain uninterrupted valid residency and to keep private health insurance in force throughout your time in Brunei, particularly during any period between jobs or employers.

Can I use a foreign prescription at a pharmacy in Brunei?

Because prescription medicines are regulated in Brunei, a valid prescription from a locally licensed medical practitioner is required for dispensing. Overseas prescriptions are generally not accepted by Bruneian pharmacies, so expatriates will typically need to visit a local doctor to obtain a prescription that is valid within the Bruneian system. Bring documentation of your existing prescriptions to your initial appointment so that your new doctor can review them and reissue them locally.

Is dental care included in the public healthcare system for expats?

Dental services form part of the public healthcare offering under the Directorate of Medical Services. Citizens receive dental treatment at subsidised rates at government facilities, but expatriates are subject to different fee structures. Many expats prefer to use private dental clinics for routine check-ups and treatment. Check the latest fee arrangements with the Ministry of Health or your private insurer, and confirm whether your policy includes dental benefits.

Are there any vaccinations I need before moving to Brunei?

You should ensure that all routine vaccinations are current before relocating to Brunei, and your doctor may advise additional immunisations based on your health history and prior travel. The World Health Organization (WHO) and your home country’s travel health advisory service are the most reliable sources for personalised vaccine guidance. It is also worth noting that the Foreign Worker Health Screening (FWHS) programme, established in 2002, requires all newly arrived foreign workers to undergo health screening. The programme’s aims include early detection of communicable diseases, reducing the risk of transmission, and confirming that workers are medically fit for employment.

What financial assistance is available if I cannot afford medical care in Brunei?

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that support mechanisms exist for patients experiencing financial hardship. Those unable to meet the cost of their treatment will be directed to medical social workers, who will carry out an individual case assessment. The ministry has encouraged anyone in financial difficulty to approach MoH medical social workers directly to discuss available assistance. If you find yourself struggling with healthcare costs, contact the social work team at the treating hospital — they can evaluate your circumstances and outline the options open to you.