Bahamas Expat Insurance Coverage

The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 beautiful islands and islets that attracts visitors and expatriates from around the world. The country offers a great climate, crystal clear water and fine beaches. Once a British colony, it is part of the Commonwealth and has become an offshore finance and shipping centre.

While the country enjoys a high standard of living, there is widespread poverty and crime has become a major concern for tourists and resident expats in the Bahamas. This has been caused in part by illegal immigration and drugs. Still, it is a great place to live and visit.

Healthcare in the Bahamas for Expats

The health delivery standards have improved over the past decade, particularly in the capital city of Nassau. Both Nassau and Grand Bahama have new healthcare facilities and hospitals that can provide a high quality of care for visitors and expatriates. The government has taken steps to reduce communicable diseases and improve the overall health of the population in the Bahamas. Bahamas Expat Insurance

While there are a few public hospitals in Nassau, there are two small private hospitals: Lyford Cay and Doctor’s Hospital. While the country doesn’t have universal healthcare for expats, so you should ensure that you obtain adequate international health insurance that will not only cover you in the Bahamas but also for treatment in the USA.

Most expats who require serious medical treatment for illnesses or injuries will seek medical treatment in the United States, so emergency medical evacuation coverage is essential. While there are plans available in the country, it is highly advisable that expats secure a more comprehensive plan from an international health insurance broker such as Expat Financial, which is a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. To know about healthcare system in Bahamas check out our healthcare region page.

Living in Bahamas as an Expat

From the expats in the Bahamas that we have talked to or had as clients, we have found that they have loved living there. Like any country, it does come with advantages and challenges. Here are some important points to consider when living in Bahamas as a foreigner:

Cost of Living – For expats in Bahamas, especially in Nassau, you should expect a high cost of living especially since many services are in US Dollars. All of this depends on your lifestyle, housing, food and other expenses, but you should budget accordingly.
Residency and Visa/Work Permits – If you plan to live in the Bahamas as a global nomad or expat, you need to obtain the necessary residency and work permits. The process can take some time and it will depend on your nationality and employment status along with period of stay. Talking to a lawyer or immigration consultant can help
Education for Expat Kids – expect that you will probably want to enroll your expat children in a private school and this can be quite costly.
Quality of Life – It is well known that the Bahamas is an amazingly place to live with beautiful beaches and warm weather. You will have access to a high quality of life, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the islands.
Safety – in the outer islands expat should expect to be safe, but unfortunately you should be very cautious in Nassau and Freeport, especially after dark. The most common crimes in Nassau can include armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults. Many governments will update the safety situation in Bahamas so check often and take standard safety procedures to heart.

Insurance for Expat in the Bahamas

Expat Financial has been assisting global clients with employees in Bahamas for many years, but also individual expats as well. We have extensive experience in sourcing international insurance plans for individual expatriates in the Bahamas. Bahamas expat healthcare plans are available via our firm from a variety of international insurance companies.

Here is a list of different types of insurance coverage you will want if you are planning to become an expatriate in the Bahamas:

For global citizens who require a quote for Bahamas expat insurance, contact Expat Financial today for a quote. Please send along any relevant risk information that may be available. We look forward to being of service if you plan to move to the Bahamas or you are already there.