Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bahamas

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:

"The healthcare services in the Bahamas are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in the Bahamas can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," said an expat in Bahamas.

"Regardless of coverage, ensure you have the ability to travel to US for any major care needs. There are many private practitioners but only two hospitals. One is for people without insurance (Princess Margaret) and the other is for people with insurance (Doctors Hospital). Ask around in your community for reliable local providers, especially for kids. We found some incredible providers this way for our children," commented one expat living in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

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What are medical services in Bahamas like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahamas, they replied:

"For any major healthcare needs I would travel back home or to Florida and not risk a major surgery here," said one expat living in Nassau.

"I have lived in more countries than I haven't, always with a main base in The Bahamas. I elected to have my children here. Overwhelmingly I have received a better level of care here across all of my medical needs, than I have in UK Ireland USA and other countries. The majority of doctors here hit well above their weight on the international stage in terms of training. Do your homework for sure and ask around for word of mouth recommendations. Issues here might sometimes be availability of resources, capacity and equipment resources as compared with larger urban centres, and also insurance costs and scope, and resultant medical and prescription billing. There are certain pharmacies that are more willing to reach out into international suppliers for exact prescription requirements, where local alternatives do not satisfy a need, it's usually a matter of asking around," mentioned one expat in Nassau.

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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," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Paradise Island.

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What are emergency services like in Bahamas?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Bahamas wrote:

"Both hospitals are on New Providence in the city of Nassau. They are the only two hospitals for the Bahamas. they are fairly close from Paradise Island, maybe 10 minutes. Both Princess Margaret (no insurance) and Doctors (treat people with insurance) are directly across from each other. Emergency services vary depending on your location. Hotels and resorts get a small priority. Personally, I would not rely on them, rather get to the hospital myself. Quality of care is decent at both. Wait times at PM are extremely long. Expect long delays in service and any medical attention. Doctors is fairly smooth but don't expect to be treated without insurance or a ton of cash. PM and Doctors are both public. There are many private providers on the island," remarked one expat living in Paradise Island.

"We live on the west end of the Island which is close to the Lyford Cay Hospital (Private) and the Doctor's Clinic (Private). Both the public hospital and the Doctor's Hospital are in the downtown area and not that far of a drive. I have used all three of the private clinics and hospitals without any problems and have found the care and service to be more then adequate. I have not used the public hospital. All of them are serviced by an ambulance service as well," said one expat living in Nassau.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Nearest is Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Florida. US care is generally very good and efficient," said an expat in Paradise Island.

"I have no need to leave the island for health services yet. However most people take the short trip to Florida for any services they can not receive on island," commented one expat living in Nassau, Bahamas.

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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," remarked 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. ," said one expat living in Paradise Island.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bahamas?

"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," wrote an expat living 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 an expat in Paradise Island.

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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 one expat living in Bahamas.

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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...

"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," mentioned one expat in Bahamas.

"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, Bahamas.

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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," explained one expat.

Are healthcare services good in Bahamas?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bahamas. They wrote:

"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," said one person in New Providence.

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bahamas

How are healthcare services Bahamas?

What are medical services in Bahamas like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bahamas?

What are emergency services like in Bahamas?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Bahamas?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bahamas?

As a foreigner living in Bahamas, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bahamas?

Are healthcare services good in Bahamas?

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