Healthcare information for expatriates in the Caribbean
The Caribbean healthcare system is diverse and mirrors the region’s landscape and history. The Caribbean region is made up of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. However, only a small fraction of these islands are inhabited—most sources suggest the number of inhabited islands is significantly less than 100, meaning the vast majority remain uninhabited. The chain of islands surrounds the Caribbean Sea. Up north, the Gulf of Mexico borders the region, while the Straits of Florida and the Northern Atlantic Ocean lies to the east and northeast. On the other hand, the coastline of South America is situated down south. With over 43 million in population, the Caribbean has strong cultural and historical connections to Africa. Those planning long-term stays in the region must essentially have a Caribbean expat insurance plan, they can depend on. Here, it is also important for expats to understand the Caribbean healthcare system and insurance options for expats before they move in.
Climate Overview
The Caribbean enjoys a tropical climate. Islands in the region vary from tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, and tropical savanna. The weather of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico is mainly the tropical rainforest type, whereas Cuba and Colombia mostly have a tropical savanna climate marked by clear wet and dry seasons. Between May and November, the weather is humid, whereas the December to April slot is dry and sunny. It is important to note that the hurricane season in the Caribbean officially begins on June 1 and extends till November 30, with extremes ranging between August and October, more pronounced in September. This is the timespan when warm ocean temperatures and similar environmental conditions help form hurricanes across the length and breadth of the Caribbean islands. These climatic variations also affect the functioning of the Caribbean healthcare system, because of which medical services often get hampered by seasonal storms and hurricanes. This makes a reliable Caribbean health insurance for expats a must-have.
The region’s medical services are just like its weather; they vary with each island, which means differences in Caribbean healthcare system standards. However, the Bahamas healthcare infrastructure is of superior quality on New Providence and Grand Bahama, a factor that has been a source of attraction for expats and retirees, complemented by major hospitals and quality private care. Nevertheless, these facilities have their shortcomings in areas that are out of city limits and away from the main islands. This necessitates traveling for advanced medical care. Work is in progress to make better medical facilities available throughout the islands. Not only that, it is a hub for most tourists and Westerners. Hence, expats can rely on quality healthcare here. On the other hand, Cuba thrives as a medical tourism industry. You’re likely to find better care in the capital city of Havana.
The rural areas present a different scenario, with variations in the quality of healthcare. Jamaica and other islands make quality healthcare available through private hospitals like Medical Associates and Andrews Memorial. On the other hand, public medical facilities frequently have to contend with challenges like limited resources and extended delays. Critical or sensitive medical cases are time and again referred outside the country for specialized medical procedures because of the restricted supply of tech and equipment, and the shortage of specialists in local public hospitals. This is another reason expats are advised to assess the Caribbean healthcare system as well as insurance options for expats, including Caribbean Health Insurance for Expats, before they enter.
Country Snapshots and Quick Facts
The Bahamas – Trinidad & Tobago– Jamaica – Puerto Rico – Cuba – Dominican Republic – Barbados
Healthcare differences across these islands are evident: Private facilities are the strength of the Bahamas, whereas in Jamaica, public hospitals bear the brunt of insufficiencies. Expats can offset these imbalances when they opt for an expatriate insurance Caribbean that makes both local and overseas care available for them.
Access to Medical Services for Expats
The Caribbean healthcare system has a long way to go when it comes to an adequate healthcare system. Specific hospital recognitions, such as Jamaica Hospital Medical Center being named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2024, highlight areas of clinical excellence but do not translate into a direct global healthcare system ranking. That means there’s only one doctor for every 2000 patients. But countries like the Dominican Republic can vary. Its private medical facilities and treatments are similar to those in developed countries, which makes securing an International Health Insurance Caribbean a vital decision for expats. Practically, for a large number of professionals working regionally, Caribbean Expat Insurance is highly dependable to provide cover at private hospitals as well as overseas.
With varying degrees of medical standards, expats, digital nomads, and global citizens planning to move to the Caribbean should consider getting comprehensive healthcare insurance that also provides for expatriate insurance Caribbean, inclusive of private medical cover. It is also essential to always have cash in hand, as some hospitals and clinics may require an upfront payment for treatments. Additionally, you should also carry enough money to cover evacuation or repatriation if necessary. Of course, it can be reimbursed through your employer or insurance company. But ensure your policy covers these factors when purchasing international health insurance Caribbean.
Emergency Assistance in the Caribbean:
There is a difference of emergency numbers across islands. Nevertheless, it is important for expats to know these besides ensuring that their Caribbean healthcare system coverage includes evacuation if required.
Aruba: 911
Barbados: 115, 119 (Ambulance), 113, 119 (Fire), and 112, 119 (Police)
Belize: 911
Bermuda: 911
Cayman Islands: 911
Costa Rica: 911
Cuba: 26811
Haiti: 118 (Ambulance), 114 (Police)
St. Kitts & Nevis: 911
Caribbean Expat Insurance and International Coverage
If you are a global citizen who has decided to travel to or shift permanently to the Caribbean, then you must consider having Caribbean expat insurance with global insurance coverage. There are a number of insurance firms that provide International Health Insurance Caribbean plans that help provide coverage for availing medical facilities at private hospitals. If you are an expat in the Caribbean, you must explore Caribbean Health Insurance for Expats and global health insurance policies that work best for you and your family, and pick the one that perfectly matches your needs.
On the basis of our considerable experience, we find that majority of the expats opt for Cigna Global Medical due to its variety of plans and the services it offers. Another excellent choice for expats in the Caribbean is the Allianz global health plan, since it covers a broad spectrum of regional networks and offers robust support services, it comes across as a fine choice for those seeking expatriate insurance Caribbean. A valuable advice here would be to make it a point to procure the insurance well in advance of your travel to another country. This is the best way to prepare for safety against any unexpected or unpleasant circumstances later.
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