Consisting of more than 700 islands, the Caribbean region is home to picturesque sea beaches, high mountains, charming natural wonders, and a large expat community. In addition to this, the region offers an excellent healthcare system and education facilities. Every region from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Columbia to the Bahamas has distinct geography, climate, and access to health care systems and other infrastructure. Places like the Bahamas and Cuba have excellent public health care system as well as private hospitals, whereas Jamaica have relatively limited access to treatments and medicines. This article will give you a glimpse of the Caribbean healthcare system – medical facilities available, health insurance for expats, other services, and more.
Caribbean Healthcare System for Expats
If you are an expat planning to move to the Caribbean, you should consider getting comprehensive healthcare insurance. Additionally, you should also keep some cash in hand, as few hospitals and clinics may ask you for payments first. Therefore, before you buy your insurance coverage, make sure you consider all these factors.
Emergency Contacts in the Caribbean
In this part, we will take you through the emergency contact details in the Caribbean.
- 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
Health Insurance in the Caribbean for Expats
Expats in the Caribbean should ideally opt for Global Insurance Coverage. There are various insurance companies that provide international health care plans applicable to private hospitals. So before moving to a country in the Caribbean, you should go through several healthcare plans and choose the one that best suits you.
Access to Caribbean Healthcare System
Before you shift to the Caribbean, it is essential that you do your research thoroughly. Below are a few things that you need to search for:
- The best hospitals in the area
- Access to universal healthcare for expats
- Facilities that are available in the area
- Access to a general practitioner
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Availability of specialized treatments and emergency care
- Evacuation or repatriation option if treatment isn’t satisfactory locally
How to obtain a Caribbean passport?
Although every country has an individual set of guidelines as per their citizenship program, in general, in return for citizenship, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Make a financial investment
- Pass a detailed background check
- Be in good health condition and be of good character
- Share the necessary paperwork against the investment made
- Swear an oath of allegiance
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs
| Country | Investment cost [single applicant] | Investment cost [family of 4] | Family eligibility | Time until Citizenship | Visa-free travel countries |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $100,000 | $100,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents and siblings | 3-4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia |
| St Lucia | $100,000 | $150,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents and siblings | 3-4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong |
| Dominica | $100,000 | $175,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents | 2-3 months | Over 140 countries including EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | $350,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents | 4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia |
| Grenada | $150,000 | $200,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents and siblings | 3- 4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
To learn more about Caribbean healthcare, you can read the following articles:
Does the Caribbean have good healthcare?
The Caribbean offers excellent healthcare facilities to the expat community. Places like the Bahamas, Cuba, Barbados, and St Lucia have improved access to modern healthcare infrastructure, support, and resources.
Which Caribbean countries have the best healthcare?
The following countries in the Caribbean have the best healthcare system.
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Cayman Islands
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- St Lucia
Does Jamaica have good healthcare?
The private and public healthcare system is quite efficient in Jamaica. Although private hospitals in the country offer standard services, they are very expensive.
