Brunei – Health Insurance

Is health insurance mandatory for expats in Brunei?

Yes — and this represents a substantial and recent change. The Brunei government is rolling out a requirement for all foreign nationals to maintain a minimum level of private health coverage while in the country, with employers responsible for funding this for their overseas workers. The rollout follows a two-phase schedule, making it one of the most consequential developments for anyone planning to relocate to Brunei.

Phase One is already operative and applies to holders of Domestic Service Work Passes, Social Visit Visa holders, Professional and Business Visit Pass holders, and foreign nationals who hold Permanent Residency. Phase Two, which commences on January 1, 2026, will extend the requirement to private sector foreign workers, dependents (including spouses and children not enrolled in school), and foreign students.

Insurance must remain valid throughout the entire duration of the immigration pass and must satisfy the government’s minimum thresholds — BND 100,000 for Work Pass holders and long-term business or professional visitors, and BND 10,000 for Social Visit and Dependent Pass holders. Cover may be sourced from locally licensed insurers or international providers whose policies include Brunei within their worldwide scope.

Foreign nationals entering or already residing in Brunei must produce proof of valid insurance, or their entry pass or permit will be restricted to two weeks. In practical terms, this makes health insurance an essential prerequisite for anyone intending to live or work in Brunei for any extended period. Expats should always verify the most current requirements directly with the Brunei Department of Immigration and National Registration and the Ministry of Health Brunei, given that the phased rollout means conditions may have expanded since the time of writing.

The new requirement was introduced partly in response to dramatic increases in overall public healthcare spending. The system previously extended free coverage to permanent residents and foreign spouses of Brunei citizens, and the health ministry’s annual budget surged by 66% — rising from $391 million in FY 2022/23 to over $652 million in FY 2025/26.

How does the public health system in Brunei work?

Brunei Darussalam operates a single-payer healthcare model financed and administered entirely by the state. In contrast to social insurance frameworks — such as those used in France or Germany, where both employees and employers make ongoing contributions to a national health fund — Brunei’s system draws its funding directly from general government revenues, principally derived from oil and gas production. There are no payroll deductions or compulsory social security contributions directed toward healthcare.

Healthcare services fall under the authority of the Ministry of Health and are financed through the General Treasury. Universal coverage means that Brunei citizens receive free healthcare backed by a broad benefits package, delivered through a public network of hospitals, health centres, and primary care clinics.

The country’s healthcare services are organised under two major directorates. The Directorate of Medical Services encompasses nursing care, hospital services, laboratory functions, dental treatment, renal services, and pharmaceutical provision. The Directorate of Health Services oversees environmental health, community health programmes, and the regulation of scientific devices.

Brunei has four government hospitals, one in each of its districts. The largest and most prominent is Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS), situated in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which functions as the country’s principal referral centre. Supporting the hospital network are 16 health centres and 10 health clinics distributed across the country.

Mobile health clinics and the Flying Medical Services programme extend healthcare access to individuals in rural and remote communities, addressing the uneven geographical distribution of facilities across Brunei’s four districts — some residents in outlying areas must travel considerable distances to reach care.

For expats, the public system remains accessible but is no longer free of charge. Foreign nationals working in Brunei may use public facilities at a subsidised cost. Following the July 2025 policy revision, foreign permanent residents and the overseas spouses of Brunei citizens are now required to fund their own medical treatment.

How do expats register for public health coverage in Brunei?

As a legal resident in Brunei, you may access the public healthcare system once you have registered with the Ministry of Health and received a medical card. The steps involved are fairly straightforward, though you should always verify the latest requirements directly with the Ministry of Health Brunei, as documentation rules and procedures may be subject to change.

1. Obtain your immigration pass or residency permit. Before registering for public health services, you must hold a valid immigration pass — such as an Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, or comparable long-stay permit. Foreign nationals staying longer than three months are required to obtain either a Green Identity Card or a Smart Identity Card.
2. Apply for your Identity Card (IC). Registering in Brunei’s national electronic identity system costs BND 204 (approximately USD 150) and is a legal requirement for all foreign residents, including workers, students, and dependents. The IC is an essential document for accessing public services, healthcare included.
3. Go to your nearest government health centre or hospital. To obtain a medical card and gain access to the public healthcare system, visit the registration desk at your closest public facility and present your Identity Card together with your immigration pass documents.
4. Complete enrolment and collect your medical card. You will be entered into Brunei’s electronic health records platform — known as Bru-HIMS — which synchronises patient records in real time across all public and private health facilities in the country. Your medical card is linked to this system.
5. Have your private insurance certificate available. Under the 2025 mandate, you must also hold valid private health insurance alongside your public registration. The Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA) advises all affected individuals and employers to consult with licensed insurers and takaful operators in Brunei to identify suitable plans that fulfil the new requirements.
6. Verify documentation requirements through official channels. The Ministry of Health requests that those attending government-run facilities bring their identity card or passport when seeking treatment. Always refer to the Ministry of Health Brunei website for the most up-to-date registration guidance, as requirements may have been revised.

What costs are involved in the public health system in Brunei?

Brunei’s public healthcare model differs from systems such as the United Kingdom’s NHS — which is free at the point of use — or Australia’s Medicare, which relies on income-based levies. Rather than collecting premiums or payroll contributions into a national health fund, Brunei finances its system entirely from government oil revenues, with nominal fees applied at the point of care.

For Brunei citizens, the cost of a consultation at a public facility is B$1, and children under 12 receive care at no charge. For foreign nationals, fees are higher but remain substantially subsidised in comparison to private care. Even following the policy changes requiring expats to meet more of their own medical costs, official guidance describes public medical fees as “heavily subsidised” and notes that they do not reflect the true expense of delivering the services.

Costs at private hospitals are considerably steeper. Specialist consultations at private facilities range from BND 80–150 (approximately USD 60–110), a standard inpatient stay runs approximately BND 300–500 (approximately USD 220–370) per day, and surgical procedures can reach several thousand dollars. These figures reflect 2025 pricing and are subject to revision — confirm current rates directly with individual facilities.

It is worth noting that all medical services in Brunei are provided to foreign nationals on a paid basis, and treatment at a government hospital will result in a bill being issued after care has been delivered. Expats should be prepared to settle outstanding amounts before or at the time of discharge. Always check the current fee schedule for foreign nationals with the Ministry of Health Brunei, as charges are periodically reviewed.

What does public health cover in Brunei include and exclude?

Brunei’s public healthcare system delivers a wide spectrum of services, encompassing primary care, specialist treatment, hospital services, and preventive health programmes. Citizens enjoy comprehensive, heavily subsidised coverage. Expats accessing the public system pay for the same range of services, though the breadth of available cover depends on registration status and the prevailing fee schedule.

Services that are generally available within the public system include:

• GP and primary care consultations at health centres
• Inpatient hospital care at government hospitals
• Specialist referrals through the public system (subject to availability)
• Emergency treatment
• Maternity and maternal health services — universal maternal healthcare is provided across the country
• Dental services through the public dental directorate (with limited availability for expats)
• Pharmaceutical services at subsidised rates within public facilities
• Preventive and environmental health monitoring

Services that may be restricted, excluded, or costly for expats include:

• Highly specialised or experimental treatments not yet available in Brunei — while the government funds overseas medical travel for citizens requiring treatments not offered locally, this arrangement does not extend to foreign nationals
• Optical care — not routinely covered within the public system for expats
• Mental health services — specialist provision within the public system is limited
• Private room or premium ward facilities
• Medical evacuation to Singapore or Thailand for complex cases — an out-of-pocket expense unless covered by a private insurance policy

Public hospitals in Brunei are generally more affordable than their private counterparts, but they also tend to be busier, with longer waiting times. Expats requiring timely specialist consultations or elective procedures often find private alternatives more responsive. Medication prices at local pharmacies can be high, since much of the drug supply is imported. If you rely on regular prescription medicines, confirm their availability in Brunei and check that they are not classified as restricted substances before you travel.

What are the advantages of international private health insurance for expats in Brunei?

Even where public healthcare is accessible, a substantial number of expats in Brunei choose to supplement or replace it with private cover. With the mandatory insurance rules now in force, this is increasingly less a matter of personal choice — but there are compelling reasons to go beyond the bare minimum the rules require.

Brunei’s private healthcare sector has grown in recent years to serve the needs of the expatriate community. Gleneagles JPMC, affiliated with the Parkway Pantai group, is the country’s leading private facility, offering high-quality care in well-appointed surroundings with physicians trained to international standards. Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre is a further well-regarded private hospital providing a broad range of medical services.

The principal advantages of private or international health insurance include:

• Shorter waits for specialist care. Private hospitals offer considerably more flexible scheduling and reduced waiting times compared to the public system.
• Direct access to private facilities. Holding a comprehensive health insurance policy allows expats to seek treatment at any of Brunei’s private hospitals, the majority of which are concentrated in major urban centres.
• Medical evacuation cover. It is important to hold international medical insurance that includes emergency medical transport from rural areas, where road access in Brunei can be challenging. If complications arise or local facilities lack the necessary equipment, evacuation to Singapore or even Thailand may be required.
• Treatment abroad. International policies typically cover care in your home country or a third country — a benefit the Brunei public system does not extend to foreign nationals.
• Repatriation cover. Many policies include provision for returning you or your family home in the event of serious illness or injury.
• English-language support. Most healthcare professionals in Brunei are able to communicate in English, which helps across both public and private settings. That said, international insurers often provide round-the-clock multilingual helplines and dedicated case managers for their global clientele.
• Portable coverage. An international plan remains in force if you travel or relocate, whereas a locally issued policy may be valid only within Brunei.

Although the public system covers the majority of medical needs, many expats choose private medical insurance for the additional benefits it offers, as well as for access to private hospital facilities. For those working in the energy sector or stationed in remote locations, comprehensive international cover including evacuation is especially valuable.

How do international private health insurance plans work in Brunei?

Expats in Brunei can obtain private insurance through one of two main channels: an international health insurance provider or a locally based insurer. Both options are valid under the 2025 mandatory insurance rules, provided the chosen plan meets the government’s minimum coverage thresholds.

Local providers, including Takaful Brunei Am and National Insurance Company Berhad, are introducing new or expanded packages designed specifically for expatriates and foreign permanent residents. These locally authorised products are a practical option, particularly for employer-funded arrangements, and are structured to meet the minimum BND 100,000 coverage level specified under the phased implementation that began on 1 July 2025.

International providers such as Allianz Care, AXA, Bupa, Cigna Global, and IMG Global also offer plans that are widely used by the expat community in Brunei. These policies typically include inpatient and outpatient treatment, dental care, and medical evacuation. When evaluating plans, expats should weigh the following factors:

Research by WTW found that nearly all employers in Brunei surveyed (93%) provide supplementary health benefits — predominantly private medical insurance covering employees and their dependents for hospitalisation and surgery, with outpatient cover less consistently included. If you are employed, review your employer’s plan before buying additional cover, to avoid duplication and identify any gaps — such as outpatient treatment or dental care — that may need to be addressed separately.

Most private healthcare providers in Brunei accept major credit cards or cash, and some may accommodate local bank transfers. Not every private hospital operates direct billing arrangements with all insurers, so it is worth confirming this before you attend for non-emergency care. Always check the official website of the Brunei Ministry of Finance and the Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA) to verify that any insurer you select is authorised to operate locally.

What should expats watch out for with health insurance in Brunei?

Given how rapidly Brunei’s healthcare policy landscape has shifted, there are several important pitfalls and misconceptions that expats should be alert to, both before and after arriving in the country.

The window between arrival and active coverage. Visitors who carry valid insurance will receive entry passes corresponding to their approved visa duration. Those who arrive without it will be issued only a two-week pass, with the option to extend once they present a valid insurance certificate to the Immigration and National Registration Department. Make sure your policy is active before you board your flight, not after you land.

Exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Takaful Brunei intends to extend medical coverage to individuals up to 95 years old, but applicants with existing health conditions will face higher premiums. Both local and international insurers frequently impose waiting periods or outright exclusions for conditions already diagnosed before the policy commences. Read policy terms thoroughly and, where possible, opt for moratorium underwriting or full medical underwriting with all pre-existing conditions disclosed at the outset.

Conflating travel insurance with health insurance. Standard travel insurance — the type purchased for a short holiday — is not equivalent to a long-stay health insurance plan and will not satisfy Brunei’s mandatory insurance rules. Travel policies typically limit cover to a short initial window and are not designed to provide ongoing healthcare access over an extended period.

Medication restrictions. If you use prescription medication regularly, check with immigration authorities which medicines are permitted in Brunei, as certain drugs or formulations may be prohibited. Pharmacy prices can be steep given that most medications are imported. Ensure your insurance covers the ongoing cost of any prescription drugs, especially for chronic conditions.

Limited access in rural areas. Reaching a healthcare facility from remote areas of Brunei can be difficult due to infrastructure constraints. In such situations, the Flying Medical Services division transports patients to the nearest appropriate facility by helicopter — however, this government service is primarily available to citizens. Expats in outlying locations should ensure their private insurance explicitly covers emergency air transport and medical evacuation.

Gaps ahead of Phase Two. Phase Two of the mandatory insurance rollout, beginning January 1, 2026, will bring private sector foreign workers, dependents (including spouses and children not in school), and foreign students within the requirement. If you or family members fall into these groups and have not yet arranged cover, act without delay. Monitor official updates from the Ministry of Health Brunei for the latest guidance.

Employer plans may leave gaps. Many workplace-provided policies focus on hospitalisation and surgical cover while omitting outpatient consultations, dental, optical, and mental health treatment. Review your employer’s plan carefully and arrange supplementary cover where shortfalls exist.

Frequently asked questions: health insurance for expats in Brunei

Do I need health insurance to live and work in Brunei?

Yes, as of 2025. To ease pressure on Brunei’s public healthcare system, employers are now required to provide minimum private health insurance for their foreign workers under a mandate being introduced in two stages. Most holders of immigration passes — including work pass holders, domestic workers, social visit visa holders, and professional or business visitors — must hold valid medical cover. Phase Two, which brings in private sector workers, dependents, and students, begins January 1, 2026. Always confirm the current position with the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

Can I use my home country’s health insurance in Brunei?

This depends on the terms of your existing policy. Some international health insurance plans issued in your home country provide worldwide or regional coverage that extends to Brunei. By contrast, national public health programmes that apply only within their own borders will not cover you overseas. Review your policy documents carefully and, if your home plan does include Brunei, confirm with the relevant Brunei authorities that it meets the minimum BND 100,000 coverage threshold for work pass holders (as of 2025).

Are expats entitled to free public healthcare in Brunei?

No. Following a major policy change by the Ministry of Health that took effect on July 1, 2025, foreign permanent residents and the overseas spouses of Brunei citizens are now required to fund their own medical treatment. This change ended free healthcare access for thousands of people who had previously benefited from government-subsidised care. Standard expat workers and visitors have always been charged subsidised fees for public healthcare.

What happens if I arrive in Brunei without health insurance?

Without valid insurance, you will receive an entry pass restricted to two weeks. Extensions beyond this period are available only on presentation of a valid insurance certificate to the Immigration and National Registration Department. The absence of cover at the point of entry therefore significantly limits your legal right to remain in Brunei. Ensure your policy is in place and your certificate is readily accessible before you travel.

What is the minimum health insurance coverage required in Brunei?

As of 2025, professional visit pass and business visit pass holders require a minimum of BND 10,000 for stays under 90 days, rising to BND 100,000 for longer stays. Permanent resident permit holders who are foreign nationals — including those recognised as contributors to the economy or professionals — also require BND 100,000. Verify current thresholds with the Department of Immigration and National Registration or BITA, as these figures are subject to revision.

Is employer-provided health insurance common in Brunei?

Research indicates that 93% of employers in Brunei surveyed provide supplementary health benefits, primarily private medical insurance covering employees and their dependents for surgery and hospitalisation, with outpatient treatment less consistently included. The scope of employer-provided plans varies considerably, so examine your policy carefully and consider purchasing additional cover for dental, optical, outpatient, or overseas treatment if these are not included.

Can I access private hospitals in Brunei without private insurance?

In principle, yes — private hospitals such as Gleneagles JPMC and Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre will accept self-paying patients. However, specialist consultations at private facilities cost between BND 80–150, standard inpatient care runs approximately BND 300–500 per day, and surgical procedures can amount to several thousand dollars. Without insurance, you bear these costs in full. Private insurance that includes direct billing arrangements with your hospital makes the entire process considerably more straightforward.

Is mental health treatment covered by health insurance in Brunei?

Specialist mental health provision within Brunei’s public system is limited when compared with the more developed psychiatric services available in neighbouring countries such as Singapore. Most comprehensive international expat health insurance plans include some degree of mental health cover — typically inpatient psychiatric care and, with increasing frequency, outpatient therapy. Coverage levels vary markedly between providers, so read the policy terms carefully. If mental health support is a priority, choose a plan that explicitly extends to outpatient sessions with psychologists and psychiatrists.