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Insider’s Guide to the Health System in Antigua & Barbuda

Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Antigua & Barbuda and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.
|-Insider’s Guide to the Health System in Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda has both a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre and is funded by the government. It is open to all citizens and permanent residents of Antigua & Barbuda, as well as foreigners. However, foreigners are not allowed to use the public healthcare system for free and must pay for their medical care. The public healthcare system is used by both locals and foreigners, but it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Antigua & Barbuda are generally clean and well-equipped, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private hospitals.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Private Healthcare System

Antigua & Barbuda also has a private healthcare system, which is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals in Antigua & Barbuda are generally more modern and offer higher quality care than public hospitals. Private medical care is more expensive than public medical care, but it is recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. The most popular private health insurers in Antigua & Barbuda are Sagicor, Guardian Life, and APUA Health Insurance.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Top Hospitals

The top hospitals in Antigua & Barbuda are:

  • Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Hospital (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Eye Care Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Cancer Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Cardiac Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Orthopaedic Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Women’s Health Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Children’s Hospital (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Mental Health Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Dental Centre (public hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Medical Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Surgical Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Cardiac Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Orthopaedic Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Women’s Health Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Children’s Hospital (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Mental Health Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)
  • Antigua & Barbuda Dental Centre (private hospital, located in St. John’s)

Health Insurance Companies in Antigua & Barbuda

The most popular private health insurers in Antigua & Barbuda are Sagicor, Guardian Life, and APUA Health Insurance. These companies provide health insurance coverage for both locals and expats. Expats typically use these companies, but there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.

Insider Tips from Expats in Antigua & Barbuda: How to Navigate the Health System

“Antigua & Barbuda has a well-developed healthcare system, with a range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a number of clinics and health centers. The public hospitals provide a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialist care. Private hospitals offer a range of services, including general medical care, specialist care, and cosmetic surgery. The country also has a number of pharmacies, which provide a range of over-the-counter medications. Additionally, there are a number of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists, who provide medical services to the population,” commented one member living in Antigua & Barbuda.

“Healthcare services in Antigua & Barbuda are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a range of services available including primary care, hospital 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 Antigua & Barbuda can use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Private healthcare is also available, and many expats choose to use private healthcare providers for more specialized services,” commented one member living in Antigua & Barbuda.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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