WILLEMSTAD – The number of patients referred abroad for specialized medical treatment remained virtually unchanged during 2025, but the overall cost of the program increased by 16 percent, according to the Social Insurance Bank's latest annual report.
SVB authorized 881 medical referrals during the year, compared with 884 in 2024.
Despite the stable number of referrals, the institution reports that expenses rose significantly because patients required more complex treatments and healthcare providers charged higher prices.
Of the total referrals, 758 involved regular overseas medical treatment, while the remaining 123 cases consisted of emergency medical care abroad and so-called reverse referrals, in which highly specialized physicians travel to Curaçao to perform procedures locally.
SVB continues to follow its regional referral policy, sending patients to neighboring countries whenever appropriate. Referrals to the Netherlands are generally reserved for highly specialized care, including transplant procedures and treatments unavailable elsewhere in the region.
Although the number of referrals to the Netherlands has continued to decline in recent years, the associated costs have remained relatively stable due to the complexity of the treatments involved.
The institution says overseas referrals remain an essential component of Curaçao's healthcare system for patients whose medical needs cannot be met locally.