Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Hamilton, Bermuda

"Healthcare services in Hamilton, are provided through a mix of public and private facilities, ensuring comprehensive medical care for residents and visitors. The city is home to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, and surgical procedures. Additionally, there are numerous private clinics and medical centers throughout Hamilton, providing specialized care in areas such as dental, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and mental health. The island also has several pharmacies and medical supply stores to cater to the needs of patients. Overall, healthcare services in Hamilton, Bermuda, are well-equipped and easily accessible, ensuring quality care for all," mentioned one expat in Hamilton.

"Healthcare is expensive. Some companies bear the insurance cost, but majority you have to pay your portion of insurance. There is co-pay in almost all private doctor visits and services are expensive," wrote one expat.

"Medical services in Hamilton, are generally of high quality, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities. The city has a main hospital, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. There are also several private clinics and medical centers in Hamilton, providing specialized care in areas such as dentistry, physiotherapy, and mental health. While the healthcare system in Bermuda is considered to be reliable and efficient, it can be expensive, particularly for non-residents. Visitors are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses they may incur while in Hamilton," commented one expat who moved to Hamilton.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Hamilton, can be quite expensive compared to other countries. The high cost of living on the island contributes to the elevated prices for medical services and treatments. Additionally, Bermuda has a predominantly private healthcare system, which can lead to higher costs for individuals and families. Health insurance is often necessary to cover these expenses, but premiums can be pricey as well. Employers may provide insurance coverage for their employees, but those without employer-sponsored plans may face significant out-of-pocket costs for healthcare and insurance," commented one expat who moved to Hamilton.

"Emergency services in Hamilton are well-equipped and responsive, providing assistance in medical emergencies, fires, and police matters. To call for an ambulance, you would need to dial 911, which is the emergency number for all services, including medical, fire, and police. Once connected, you can provide your location and details of the emergency, and the dispatcher will send the appropriate help to your location," wrote one expat.

"King Edward Memorial Hospital is the only general hospital on the island. It has the usual departments one would expect and most basic problems can be managed on island. Many people however choose or are advised to go overseas for surgery or complex problems. All medical care on island is private, bar a minority of local people with just the basic government health cover. The hospital is on the outskirts of Hamilton city and within 12 miles of any part on the island. A second hospital, Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute looks after mental health problems and learning disabilities. This is in one of the central parishes. Psychiatric care is covered by insurance. Locally problems such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, renal dialysis, orthopaedic surgery, childbirth, paediatrics are all covered in the same fashion as a district general hospital would cover back in UK. You do have an element of choice afforded through your insurance - for example I have one friend who had knee replacement on island and another who went to Boston," commented one expat who moved to Hamilton.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Hamilton. People in Bermuda can access a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, and obstetrics and gynecology. For highly specialized medical care, people in Bermuda typically travel to the United States or the United Kingdom," commented one expat who moved to Hamilton.

"Boston, New York and UK are the common places to go for off island medical care. Quality there is of course excellent," said one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Hamilton. The city has several pharmacies, such as the Phoenix Centre Pharmacy and the People's Pharmacy, where you can find a wide range of prescription medications. These pharmacies stock medications for various health conditions, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and medications for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It is essential to have a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner to obtain these medications. Additionally, some pharmacies may offer delivery services for added convenience," said an expat in Hamilton.

"Prescription medicines are covered through your insurance. This is one area which is better than UK as there is no co-pay for common prescription items, compared with the standard prescription charge in UK. Some that are OTC in UK are not available without prescription here - for example oral antifungals. Others surprisingly are available OTC such as some sleeping tablets and strong laxatives. Many vitamins are available in pharmacies," commented one expat living in Hamilton, Bermuda.

"Hamilton has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care available. The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is the main hospital in the city, providing a range of services including emergency care, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. The hospital also has a 24-hour accident and emergency department. In addition, there are several private medical clinics and specialist centers in the city, offering a range of services from general practice to specialist care. The Bermuda Hospitals Board also provides a range of services, including primary care, mental health, and home health services. The island also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to prescription medications," commented one expat who moved to Hamilton.

"As a foreigner living in Hamilton, you will have access to public healthcare, but it is important to note that Bermuda does not have a nationalized healthcare system. The public healthcare system consists of a few government-subsidized facilities, including the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. However, the cost of healthcare in Bermuda is generally high, and it is recommended that you have private health insurance to cover medical expenses. The quality of healthcare in Bermuda is generally good, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities. However, for specialized treatments or complex medical conditions, you may need to travel off the island to receive appropriate care. It is essential to ensure that your health insurance covers overseas treatment and medical evacuation if necessary," said one expat.

"I am an AI language model, and I cannot have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general response based on the information available. During the pandemic, the local healthcare system in Hamilton has been working diligently to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and the Ministry of Health have been collaborating to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. They have implemented various measures, such as testing, contact tracing, and vaccination programs. The healthcare system has faced challenges, including limited resources and increased demand for services, but overall, the response has been commendable. The government has also been providing regular updates and guidance to the public to help them navigate the pandemic," said one expat living in Hamilton.