Caribbean Healthcare System – Everything You Need to Know!

Caribbean healthcare is excellent, offering advanced medical facilities and services. Every island, from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico and to Cuba, and the Bahamas, has distinct access to healthcare. Places like the Bahamas and Cuba have excellent public health care systems as well as private hospitals, whereas Puerto Rico offers VA Caribbean health care.

This article provides comprehensive information about the Caribbean’s healthcare system, including medical centers available, health insurance for expats, and other services. We’ll also provide information on the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, providing health care services for American veterans living in specific Caribbean countries.

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 some hospitals and clinics may ask you for payments first. Therefore, before you buy your insurance coverage, make sure you consider all these factors when moving to one of the countries with the best healthcare for expats.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda citizens and residents have access to a healthcare system that competes with most developed nations. The country’s largest medical facility is St John’s Medical Center, a 185-bed multi-use medical facility with a teaching hospital. 

While the standard of Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare across its hospitals varies, a driving force behind the country’s renowned healthcare system is linked to its healthcare professionals. According to the World Bank’s Latin America and the Caribbean health study in 2023, Antigua and Barbuda ranked highly among Caribbean nations in a medical professionals comparison. Pivotal statistics included: 

• Most nurses per 1,000 population (2022) 
• Third most doctors per 1,000 population (2022) 
• Most psychologists per 100,000 population (2020) 
• Second most community health workers per 1,000 population (2019) 

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a major tourist hub for international travelers and home to many expats looking to enjoy their retirement in the sun. It makes sense, then, that the nation has a reputation for offering the best healthcare in the Caribbean. In 2021, the World Health Organization found that the country’s health expenditure was seven percent of its GDP.

Everyone can access the facilities in three main public hospitals in Nassau and Freeport, including a range of care from maternity to surgery. There are also two private hospitals. There is a network of clinics across the other islands, however services may not be available seven days a week. However, emergency response teams (staffed by volunteers) are in operation.

There is no public health scheme foreign nationals living in the Caribbean island nation can contribute to, but health insurance is available to cover emergency treatment. It is still advisable to have sufficient cash with you, as the hospital may require payment upfront. You might also want to ensure your policy covers evacuation or repatriation, as certain conditions may require treatment elsewhere.

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis’s combination of modern healthcare facilities, access to advanced and specialized medical treatment, and well-qualified medical professionals have shaped its image as a leader within the Caribbean healthcare system. Well-equipped hospitals and clinics, such as the Joseph N. France General Hospital and Meridian Medical Centre, provide general and emergency services, advanced diagnostics, and maternal and neonatal care.

St Kitts and Nevis launched the Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project in collaboration with Taiwan (Republic of China) and has established healthcare initiatives with international institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO). These factors prove the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in St Kitts and Nevis. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report (HDR) for 2024 ranked St Kitts and Nevis number one among CARICOM nations, with a fundamental contributor being the population’s health and life expectancy.

Cuba

Cuba has a thriving medical tourism industry and excellent facilities for private patients. The capital city, Havana, has some of the best hospitals in the Caribbean, while standards in less urban areas tend to vary. Having a comprehensive insurance plan and also ensuring you have enough cash to cover treatment or evacuation is worthwhile, as upfront payment may be necessary.

The standard of facilities and availability of healthcare services can be inconsistent across the country. However, according to data released by the World Health Organization, Cuba tops Caribbean healthcare rankings when evaluating the number of physicians per 10,000 population. It is advised to bring any medication you need with you (accompanied by a prescription and letter from your doctor explaining your need for them) as many medicines aren’t freely available.

Jamaica

The standards in private and public medical facilities in Jamaica can vary. Some of the best hospitals in Caribbean countries are located in tourist areas like Montego Bay and the capital, Kingston, and cater adequately for most ailments and types of emergency treatment.

Primary health care is delivered through a network of clinics and regional centers, and the country houses the University Hospital of the West Indies, 24 public hospitals, and ten private facilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) published data showing that Jamaica also had a health expenditure of seven percent of its GDP in 2021. Similar to visiting other Caribbean islands, expats may benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan and cash on hand to pay for treatment if necessary.

Dominican Republic

Private medical facilities in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, offer a level of treatment and care similar to those in developed countries. Standards in other cities may vary, however. In some cases, treatment may need to be paid for upfront.

Though the Dominican Republic provides some of the best medical care in the Caribbean, expats are advised to buy comprehensive health care insurance that covers repatriation or evacuation for certain conditions.

More on healthcare in the Caribbean

There are many different cultures, governments, political histories, and populations in the Caribbean. As such, the standards of medical facilities, investment in healthcare systems, and access for citizens and expats vary from island to island. Many expats living in the Caribbean have access to good quality healthcare in Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and many other Caribbean countries.

VA Caribbean Healthcare System for Americans

The VA Caribbean Healthcare System provides healthcare services to American veterans at 11 locations. VA healthcare is available to veterans, their families, and caregivers. The VA Caribbean Healthcare System offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans in Puerto Rico, Saint Thomas, and Saint Croix, including primary care, mental health care, specialty care, and social programs and services.

Health Insurance in the Caribbean for Expats

Expats in the Caribbean should ideally opt for Global Insurance Coverage. The best healthcare in Caribbean countries is available at private hospitals, and various insurance companies provide international health care plans that cover care at public and private health clinics.

Before moving to the Caribbean, you should go through several healthcare plans and choose the one that best suits you. American veterans have access to free general and mental health care through the VA Caribbean healthcare system.

Access to healthcare in Caribbean countries

Here is a comparison of healthcare systems across the Caribbean.

Emergency Contacts in the Caribbean

This section provides some helpful emergency contact details in the Caribbean.

Accessing the Caribbean Healthcare System

To determine the best Caribbean healthcare solutions and the process of accessing the health services you require, it is essential that you do thorough research. While the St Lucia healthcare includes private options, Cuba’s healthcare system is entirely government run, with not access to private healthcare.

Below is a checklist of considerations that will determine healthcare accessibility and the quality of care in the Caribbean:

1. Search the number of hospitals in the area and how they compare to hospitals in other Caribbean countries.
2. Explore the country’s options for universal healthcare plans for expats.
3. Find out which healthcare facilities are available and what services they offer.
4. Determine the access to a general practitioner at private clinics as well as through the number of doctors per 1,000 population studies.
5. Evaluate the options for inpatient and outpatient care.
6. Assess the availability of specialized treatments and emergency care.
7. If you’re an American veteran, consider the access to VA Caribbean medical centers.
8. Measure evacuation or repatriation options if treatment is not available locally or to a satisfactory standard.

Caribbean Citizenship and Healthcare

If you plan on relocating to the Caribbean, you may be interested in obtaining Caribbean citizenship by investment to fully enjoy the benefits of healthcare in the Caribbean. Although every country has its own system, certain countries like Dominica and Grenada have national health insurance schemes, allowing tax-paying citizens to access free healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caribbean Healthcare

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. The US Virgin Islands could be the Caribbean island with best medical facilities due to modern hospitals, well-equipped clinics, and access to advanced medical technologies as a US territory. There is also the VA Caribbean Healthcare System that offers comprehensive health care for veterans through VA facilities located in San Juan and the US Virgin Islands.

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. 

How can foreigners access healthcare services in the Caribbean?

Both public and private medical facilities are available in the Caribbean and offer different types of healthcare. Primary health care is delivered through regional clinics and centers. Expats will benefit greatly from having Global Insurance Coverage that allows them to access private hospitals.

What are the vaccination requirements for traveling to the Caribbean?

Requirements may vary depending on the island you intend to visit. Generally speaking, organizations like TravelHealthPro recommend the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, polio, and influenza.

Visitors should secure travel insurance policies that cover evacuation for practical issues related to the Caribbean health care system, such as a lack of facilities for emergency and specialized treatment.

What is the availability of specialist medical services in the Caribbean?

Health care in the Caribbean is provided through various medical facilities that range from basic clinics to larger, more advanced hospitals with specialized treatments and procedures. Each island has a different level of expertise in medical care, which can mean evacuation to another island with more advanced medical facilities. Some consider Barbados as the best Caribbean island for healthcare due to its well-developed medical infrastructure, high-quality facilities, and skilled healthcare professionals in minor health issues and chronic diseases.

It is essential to research whether the type of facility you need access to (such as a community living center, general practice, VA Caribbean facility, or fully equipped hospital) is available on the island you are visiting.

Is health care free in the Caribbean?

The cost of Caribbean healthcare systems varies from country to country. While some hospitals and Caribbean health clinics offer free or subsidized healthcare to citizens in certain countries like Barbados and Cuba, it is not universal across the region. Other parts of the Caribbean, like the US Virgin Islands, provide a combination of public and private facilities and healthcare providers, depending on citizenship status.

What Caribbean islands have VA hospitals?

The Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) administers healthcare services for retired war veterans, their dependent family members, and caregivers through VA hospitals located in three Caribbean islands, including long-term care units in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St Croix and St Thomas of the US Virgin Islands. VA benefits ensure eligible individuals receive the necessary medical care and support tailored to their specific needs.

Caribbean VA health centers include the Arecibo VA Clinic in Arecibo, Puerto Rica; Comerio VA Clinic in Comerio, Puerto Rico; Saint Croix VA Clinic in St Croix; and Saint Thomas VA Clinic in St Thomas.

What country has the worst hospitals in the Caribbean?

Although Haiti is one of the Caribbean countries with free healthcare, decades of political instability, economic hardship, and natural disasters have severely strained Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure, leading to the country having the worst hospitals in the Caribbean.

Are there language barriers in accessing healthcare services in the Caribbean?

Language barriers in accessing Caribbean healthcare services vary depending on the country and the primary language spoken. Most Caribbean nations have English as their official language, making it easy for expats to seek treatment. Non-English-speaking islands like the Dominican Republic and Haiti may pose language barriers for English-speaking foreign nationals; however, most facilities have English-speaking medical professionals on staff to assist patients.