Jamaica healthcare system

International Health Insurance QuoteMoving to Jamaica? Then, Jamaica Expat Insurance is the best thing you can have to secure your medical requirements. Located towards the western side of Hispaniola and the southern side of Cuba, lies Jamaica, the third-largest Caribbean island. It is home to around 2.96 million people, as of in the year 2025 (according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, 2025). Even though, Jamaica has earned fame because of its scenic beauty, reggae culture, and colorful folk, crime continues to be a challenge in some metropolitan areas, including Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay.

The U.S. Department of State and UK FCDO advise expats and travelers to exercise increased caution, especially at night and outside tourist resorts, when travelling to Jamaica, especially if venturing outside resort areas. For those planning a long stay, securing reliable Jamaica Expat Insurance is essential to ensure comprehensive health and safety coverage while living or working on the island.

Healthcare in Jamaica

While the government of Jamaica continues to work hard to address the healthcare of the general population, the hospital and medical infrastructure are not very advanced. The main focal points of extensive high-level and specialist care are the Kingston (University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston Public Hospital) and Montego Bay (Cornwall Regional Hospital). Jamaica’s public healthcare system is a combination of 23 public hospitals and more than 330 basic medical service facilities, which also include medical facilities and dispensaries (MOHW Annual Report 2024–2025). Although primary medical services are spread all across the island, the areas that do not fall within major cities face inadequate resources and lengthy delays.

Private hospitals like Medical Associates, Andrews Memorial, Heart Institute of the Caribbean, and Winchester Surgical Institute offer specialized medical services, though they are costly, and may ask for immediate payment. Advanced care, hi-tech surgical procedures, or complex tumor research are usually referred overseas, generally to the U.S. (Florida/Miami) and sometimes to Trinidad & Tobago for local expertise. To know about the healthcare system in Jamaica, check out our healthcare region page.

Jamaica Expat Insurance

Insurance for Expat in Jamaica

Not more than 15 to 18% of the Jamaicans have a private health cover and this is more in the staff working for private businesses and the government sector (PAHO Health System Review 2024; MOHW Planning Institute 2025). Most of the citizens depend on the government-driven healthcare system, enabling them to cash in on free or sponsored medical assistance. Usually, expats living in Jamaica procure International health insurance. Jamaica aims to put into play private medical facilities and provide assured coverage for overseas medical transportations.

However, if you want a comprehensive international medical plan that covers Jamaica expat insurance for medical treatment in Jamaica but also outside of the island, it is key that expatriates contact Expat Financial to discuss their needs. With the country’s proximity to the USA, it is also advisable to get a plan that covers medical treatment in the USA and Canada. Any serious medical injuries or illnesses may require medical treatment off the island, so medical evacuation coverage is extremely vital. Most expats will seek medical treatment in Miami, Florida, if services in Jamaica are unavailable, given the short flight time (1.5 hours) and direct evacuation networks.

Below is a listing of the different categories of expatriate insurance Jamaica coverage you will want if you are planning to live the life of an expatriate in Jamaica:

Here’s the easiest way to get a quote for Health Insurance for Expats in Jamaica, all you need to do is contact Expat Financial today. We also offer a range of global medical plans for local nationals. It would be great to be of service to you with trusted Jamaica Health Insurance solutions tailored to your needs.