Jamaica Forum

lala718
Joined 2011
Posts: 250

10 years ago

Health Insurance in Jamaica

10 years ago

Health insurance in Jamaica is not a necessity. People who live there makes going to the doctor sounds really expensive but this is not so from my experience. Last year I visited a doctor in Ocho Rios and the visit cost JA$2600. Medication however can add a few dollars to your pocket but mine was relatively cheap as it was under JA$2000 for 2 different medications. I was shocked to see the pills served in a little plastic bag with a Ziploc attached to the end. Sometimes pills are served in a very small envelop. There's Blue Cross Blue Shield available in Jamaica and I don't know what other insurance is offered. I did a quote just now of expat insurance from some company overseas of the sort called "GeoBlue" and to cover 4 of us the monthly cost for the insurance is US$1738 which amounts to JA$170,324. Smh, that's absolutely ridiculous because it's not gonna be used that often and paying out of your pocket to a doctor in Jamaica is far, far cheaper than paying an insurance company. Mobay Hope which is a private hospital in Montego Bay does cost a few $$ more but it was convenient for us at the time we went there. However, here's the catch that got me so pissed off- if you are visiting and don't have a local address they charge u in US$ or whatever currency your country uses but if you have a local address it's less expensive. My advise is to make up a local address if you don't have one. If you plan on going to the UWI hospital and spending a few days there then you might be in need of the insurance. Otherwise insurance so isn't worth it but it's up to you, I'm sure if you get sick while living there and you need surgery you are heading back to your country for that right?

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GeoBlue

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GeoBlue

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Contribute
Help others in Jamaica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Jamaica.