15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bahamas
Last updated on Apr 20, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in the Bahamas is generally considered to be good, though it may not be as advanced as in the United States. Emergency services are available and are generally reliable. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 919 or the local police station.
How are healthcare services Bahamas?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahamas, they replied:
"As compared to Canada the availability and quality of some health care services is lacking but still adequate. The speed of which they will see you at the clinics and private hospitals is much faster then it is in Canada and for what is missing a quick trip to Florida will provide you with all you need that can not be found in New Providence," commented one expat who moved to Nassau.
What are medical services in Bahamas like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahamas, they replied:
"The medical services in the Bahamas are generally of a high standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The country also has a number of private medical facilities, offering a range of services from general practice to specialist care. The Bahamas also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications. In addition, the country has a number of medical insurance providers, offering coverage for medical expenses," wrote an expat living in Bahamas.
"The majority of people who can afford insurance use the local private hospital as a reference to have any real work done in the US. Probably the most advanced procedure you can have here with accuracy is MRI/CAT scans. From there, you are diagnosed and sent to US for treatment," said an expat in Nassau.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bahamas?
"Healthcare and health insurance in the Bahamas can be expensive. The cost of medical care is higher than in many other countries, and health insurance premiums can be costly. Additionally, the cost of prescription drugs is often higher than in other countries. As a result, many people in the Bahamas struggle to afford the necessary medical care and health insurance," remarked one expat in Bahamas.
"Before our health insurance kicked in at work our daughter needed stitches. We initially went to PM for treatment but after several hours wait a coworker assisted us to a private provider down the street. The cost at PM to be registered was $150. We lost that. The total cost at the private provider was approx $800 not including meds which were about $150. Work health insurance appears pretty good. We have a moderate copay and are accepted most places...even in united states," remarked one expat living in Paradise Island.
"I have found that the health insurance costs is more related to your health history then where you choose to live. Exclusions in new policies are common if you have a history of certain health problems. I have expat insurance as well as international health care insurance and have found them to be adequate in paying for both emergency situations as well as routine costs. The one problem has always been that I must pay for many services on my own first and then have it reimbursed by the health care provider, this can be hard on the cash flow if you don't have the money put aside for an emergency situation," said one expat living in Nassau.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What are emergency services like in Bahamas?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Bahamas wrote:
"In the Bahamas, emergency services are available to help people in need. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 919 or the local police station. The ambulance will be dispatched to the location of the emergency and will provide medical assistance. The ambulance service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," commented one expat who moved to Bahamas.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Nearest is Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Florida. US care is generally very good and efficient," commented one expat who moved to Paradise Island.
Are common prescription medications available in Bahamas?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the Bahamas. Most pharmacies in the Bahamas carry a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in the Bahamas are the same as those available in the United States, although some may be sold under different names. Additionally, some medications may be available in the Bahamas that are not available in the United States," said one expat living in Bahamas.
"All common prescriptions are available. Pharmacies are in most shopping centers. Prescriptions are mandatory for just about anything and very expensive. Before our insurance kicked in at work our daughter needed stitches. The antibiotics and pain killers were about $150 at the local pharmacy. ," mentioned one expat in Paradise Island.
"Most prescriptions are readily available. I have found for those not commonly at the pharmacies that they will order them for you without a problem. I have a reoccurring prescription that they order from England and I have been getting it every month at my local pharmacy without any problem. The cost is generally a little higher then it would be in the USA but my prescription coming from England is actually cheaper then what I paid for it in Canada. Prescriptions are needed for all prescribed medicines but are easily obtained at any of the clinics," commented one expat who moved to Nassau, Bahamas.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bahamas?
"Two hospitals service all the islands of the Bahamas. Princess Margaret is the free care hospital and waiting times are extremely lengthy. Doctors hospital is where most go if they have insurance or money to pay for an emergency. There are other private care clinics around that take insurance. Unfortunately, emergency services and response are associated with your area. There is a fire and police stations on PI, so we get pretty quick response. It differs in Nassau," said one expat living in Paradise Island.
"The medical facilities and medical care available in The Bahamas are of a very high standard. Medical services are provided by both public and private institutions throughout the islands and modern, well-equipped healthcare facilities can be found in major cities, towns, settlements and resorts. The Bahamas boasts some of the best-trained and experienced doctors and nurses in the Caribbean and is home to a number of world-class hospitals. Many of the medical facilities available in The Bahamas are certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI). In addition to offering high-quality medical care, The Bahamas remains one of the safest countries in the Caribbean for healthcare and medical tourism," mentioned one expat in Bahamas.
As a foreigner living in Bahamas, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in the Bahamas, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in the Bahamas is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents, and there are also a number of private healthcare providers available. The public healthcare system is well-funded and staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals," said an expat in Bahamas.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Bahamas if they have access to public healthcare in Bahamas. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"I had an MRI done on my back and hip. And an ultrasound on my testicles. No issues at all. Felt the standard of care was met on all fronts," commented one expat who moved to Nassau.
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in the Bahamas. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, including the introduction of a national health insurance scheme, the establishment of a national health emergency response team, and the implementation of a national contact tracing system. Additionally, the government has provided additional resources to hospitals and clinics to help them cope with the increased demand for services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in the Bahamas has been strained due to the pandemic, with long wait times for appointments and limited access to medical supplies," said one expat.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bahamas?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Bahamas about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Before giving birth in the Bahamas, it is essential to make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order, including visas and health insurance. Additionally, it is recommended to do extensive research on the type of care and hospital you prefer to have your baby delivered in, as well as familiarizing yourself with the labor and delivery care available in the local area. Make sure to ask a healthcare provider all of your questions in order to make the best decisions for you and your baby. Finally, consider reaching out to other expats and the local expat community for advice, support and assistance," said one expat in Bahamas.
Are healthcare services good in Bahamas?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bahamas. They wrote:
"Bahamian healthcare services are provided by a combination of public and private providers including hospitals, clinics and medical centers. Public health services are available at no or affordable cost for Bahamians, while non-Bahamians may be required to pay a fee for services. Primary healthcare is accessible through various connections including family doctors, nurses, technicians and medical assistants. Specialists and medical equipment are available at larger hospitals located in major towns and cities. Additionally, there are several private medical facilities located throughout The Bahamas. Vaccinations for a variety of common illnesses including measles, mumps and rubella are available at clinics throughout the islands. Telemedicine is also available with home visits available in some cases," said one expat in Bahamas.
"There are several clinics on the island as well as two large hospitals (one public and one private). We are also very close to Miami should you need a second opinion on something more serious. I personally have used the clinics and private hospital here without any issues. Most of the doctors are trained abroad and are quite competent," wrote a person living in New Providence.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Bahamas?
- How do I find a place to live in Bahamas?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Bahamas?
- What is the average cost of housing in Bahamas?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Bahamas?
- What should I pack when moving to Bahamas?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Bahamas?
- Why do people move to Bahamas?
- How are healthcare services in Bahamas?
- What are medical services in Bahamas like?
- What are typical rents in Bahamas?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?