Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic
Last updated on Feb 24, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is generally considered to be good, though it may not be on par with the standards of care in the United States. There are several hospitals and clinics in Santo Domingo, including the Centro Medico Docente La Trinidad, the Hospital Metropolitano, and the Hospital Universitario Dr. Robert Reid Cabral. Emergency services are available in Santo Domingo, and an ambulance can be called by dialing 911.
How are healthcare services Santo Domingo?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Santo Domingo, they replied:
"Santo Domingoublic offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities are also available, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. The country also has a number of medical universities and research centers, providing access to advanced medical care. Additionally, there are a number of international healthcare providers in the city, offering services to expatriates and tourists," wrote one expat.
"You must purchase private insurance here. Public medical care is available but it is not the same, it is seriously inferior," commented one expat who moved to Santo Domingo.
What are medical services in Santo Domingo like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Santo Domingo, they replied:
"Santo Domingoublic offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, while the private hospitals and clinics offer more specialized services and treatments. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores located throughout the city, providing access to a variety of medications and medical supplies. The Dominican Republic also has a number of medical tourism options, with many international patients seeking out the country's high-quality medical care," mentioned one expat in Santo Domingo.
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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Santo Domingo?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Santo Domingoublic can be expensive. Private healthcare is generally more expensive than public healthcare, and the cost of health insurance can vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. Private health insurance can be quite costly, and many people opt for public health insurance, which is more affordable. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Santo Domingo can be expensive, but there are options available to help make it more affordable," said one expat.
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What are emergency services like in Santo Domingo?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Santo Domingo wrote:
"In Santo Domingoublic, emergency services are provided by the Dominican Red Cross and the Dominican Fire Department. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or 112, which is the emergency number for the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Red Cross also provides emergency medical services, and you can call them at 809-567-1111," mentioned one expat in Santo Domingo.
"Private hospitals differ one from the other. Most are good and some are excellent. You can get almost all kinds of care in private hospitals and good quality care in private clinics. There are many private facilities in Santo Domingo," commented one expat who moved to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Santo Domingoublic. People go to the Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad for highly specialized medical care. This hospital is the largest and most advanced medical center in the country, offering a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. Additionally, the hospital has a specialized unit for treating cancer and a dedicated team of specialists for treating rare diseases. Other hospitals in the city also offer specialized medical care, such as the Hospital Universitario Dr. José María Cabral y Báez and the Hospital Universitario Dr. Rafael Ma. Moscoso," said one expat.
Are common prescription medications available in Santo Domingo?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Santo Domingoublic. Most pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common ailments such as colds, allergies, and headaches. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of popular brand-name medications, which can be significantly cheaper than the original. Additionally, some pharmacies offer online ordering and delivery services, making it easier for customers to get the medications they need," wrote an expat living in Santo Domingo.
"Yes and most are available without a prescription with the exception of serious pain killers," said an expat in Santo Domingo.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Santo Domingo?
"Santo Domingoublic has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care available. The public health system is well-developed and provides free or low-cost medical care to citizens. Private hospitals and clinics are also available, offering a higher standard of care. The country has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores throughout the city. Overall, medical care in Santo Domingo is of a high quality and accessible to all," wrote an expat living in Santo Domingo.
As a foreigner living in Santo Domingo, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Santo Domingo, have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in the Dominican Republic is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. However, it is important to note that the quality of care can vary significantly between different hospitals and clinics, so it is important to research the options available before making a decision. Additionally, the public healthcare system is often overcrowded and underfunded, so wait times can be long and resources may be limited," remarked one expat living in Santo Domingo.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Santo Domingo if they have access to public healthcare in Santo Domingo. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the local healthcare system in Santo Domingoublic. Many hospitals and clinics have had to reduce their services due to a lack of resources and personnel, and the government has had to implement strict measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system has been able to provide essential services to those in need, such as testing and treatment for COVID-19. Additionally, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to help those affected by the pandemic, such as providing free medical care and food assistance. Overall, the healthcare system in Santo Domingo has been able to provide adequate care to those in need during the pandemic," commented one expat who moved to Santo Domingo.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Santo Domingo?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Santo Domingo about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"1. Make sure to research the best hospitals and doctors in the area to ensure you have the best care for your baby. 2. Consider hiring a doula or midwife to provide additional support during the pregnancy and delivery. 3. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding birth certificates and other paperwork. 4. Take the time to learn about the local culture and customs related to childbirth and parenting. 5. Join a local expat group or online forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Santo Domingo. 6. Make sure to have a plan in place for postpartum care, including a support system of family and friends. 7. Consider taking a childbirth education class to prepare for the labor and delivery process. 8. Have a list of emergency contacts ready in case of any complications," said one expat in Santo Domingo.
Are healthcare services good in Santo Domingo?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Santo Domingo. They wrote:
"Santo Domingoublic offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is free and provides basic medical care, while private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, and a number of medical research centers. Additionally, there are a variety of pharmacies and health stores that offer a range of products and services," wrote a person living in Santo Domingo.
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.
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