Norfolk Island has a small healthcare system with a GP clinic with 3-4 doctors and a hospital with 2 full-time and 1 part-time doctor, supplemented by visiting specialists, providing primary care, emergencies, and basic hospital services for its small population.
The Norfolk Island hospital is small with just eight hospital beds and thirteen aged care beds, but I absolutely love it. Working in a close-knit community means I'm able to build strong connections with my patients, and I really enjoy the slower, more personal approach to healthcare.
Norfolk Island has a population of 2,188 (ABS 2021), with approximately 25% identifying as having Pitcairn ancestry.
Countries with the highest physician density worldwide 2023
In 2023 the countries with the most doctors per capita was Cuba, the country with the highest physician density. There were 84 physicians per every 10,000 of Cuba's population, however, the most recent data was from 2021.
Yes, Australian Medicare now covers Norfolk Island, applying the same medical and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) arrangements as mainland Australia since July 1, 2016, for both residents and visitors, but travel insurance is still strongly recommended for unexpected events or potential medical evacuations. While Medicare covers costs, the island's health facilities are limited, and serious conditions may require expensive medivac to the mainland, so insurance provides crucial financial protection.
The island is not part of the Australian mobile network, so you will need to purchase a local SIM card to use your mobile phone.
Reflecting the Norfolk Islanders' desire for self-governance, Islanders do not pay any Federal taxes, including goods and services (GST), income, or company tax. There are, however, a range of local (indirect) taxes and imposts levied by the Norfolk Island Government which are used to fund services and infrastructure.
The best doctors in the world are often found in countries with top-ranked healthcare systems and medical education. These include the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Global view. In the US alone, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates a shortage of 91,500 physicians by 2020 and up to 130,600 by the year 2025.
There are four main pubs on Norfolk Island – the RSL, the Leagues club down the road, and the bowling club and Rumours in between.
Today, the population of Norfolk Island is around 1,800, and the most common surname in the Norfolk Island phonebook is Christian!
You can invest in a business or property or simply live on the island. It's an ocean of possibilities now for new investors, families, retirees and workers. There is no need to apply for any residency as it is regarded as moving simply from one part of Australia to another. Simple.
Norfolk's Largest Supermarket, Right in Town
Located in Norfolk Mall in the heart of Burnt Pine near the roundabout on Taylors Road, Foodland is the island's largest supermarket – stocking everything from groceries and deli items to fresh produce and household goods.
If you are retired, then then you have no worries! Living on a remote island can be a very rewarding and unique experience, especially if you are a nature lover and you enjoy a slower pace of life.
The Australian Government announced the appointment of Mr George Plant as Administrator of Norfolk Island on 11 May 2023, following a merit selection and appointment process. Mr Plant was sworn in as Administrator by the Governor General on 26 May 2023, for a three-year term commencing from 1 June 2023.
So, let us look at the top 5 most competitive specialties that conclude the debate of what is the hardest doctor to become.
According to the latest 2025 CEOWORLD Health Care Index, Taiwan once again ranks as the country with the best healthcare in the world, maintaining its top position with an overall score of 78.72. South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11) remain in second and third place, respectively.
1. Neurosurgery. Neurosurgeons earn an average of $763,908 per year, which is 219% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They perform complex surgeries on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Training includes at least a seven-year residency, making it one of the most demanding specialties.
Doctors in the following fields had the highest rates of agreeing that happiness in their specialty was possible:
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons top the list of highest-paying surgical specialties, with Physicians Thrive's “2024 Physician Compensation Report” estimating a median annual salary of $788,000 for these specialists.
No, standard Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker, Age Pension, etc.) are the same for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians with identical circumstances, but Indigenous Australians have access to specific, targeted programs and extra support, like enhanced child care subsidies and dedicated services, that can provide additional financial or service benefits.
Australian phones won't roam automatically on Norfolk Island. You can purchase a $35 Tourist Mobile SIM from Customer Care (Bicentennial Complex) or the Visitor Information Centre.
Goods and services tax GST
GST and other indirect taxes don't apply to Norfolk Island.