Dominica Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Dominica

International health insurance is the top choice for expats in Dominica to help cover medical costs and ensure high-quality care. The country offers public healthcare, but private healthcare grants access to better treatment, flexibility, and worldwide medical care.

Are you an expat searching for the best healthcare options before moving to Dominica? Or maybe you’re a traveler preparing for a tropical getaway who wants the peace of mind that possible mishaps are covered.

This article will outline the benefits of international insurance in Dominica, explain the country’s healthcare system, help compare top insurance plans, give travel safety advice for the area, and more.

Whether you’re preparing for a long-term move to this Caribbean island or just planning a quick vacation, Pacific Prime can help you find the ideal plan for your needs and budget. Click below to get a free quote or keep reading to find out more about health insurance in Dominica.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Dominica

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna's trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

Plan Details Get a Quote

Allianz Care Health Insurance

• World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
• Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
• Quick and Efficient Claims Process
• Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000

Plan Details Get a Quote

The Healthcare System in Dominica

Dominica offers free public primary care to its citizens. This public healthcare is funded primarily through government taxes and social security contributions. Citizens can access this care across seven health districts, each with its own public clinic. Private clinics require upfront cash payment.

Dominica has often had the best primary care in the Caribbean, offering rapid, inexpensive care; but, constant hurricane damage and economic struggles put their limited secondary and tertiary care below Western standards.

Because of the far-from-comprehensive care available on the island, expats and even many citizens choose to access private healthcare or go abroad for treatment, making private health insurance, such as international health insurance with medical evacuation, a priority.

According to the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization, the country continues to make efforts to improve its hospital systems and find resiliency across care. Still, the country often faces a shortage of staff as many leave the country for medical training.

Public Hospitals in Dominica

The two public hospitals in Dominica are Dominica China Friendship Hospital and Marigot Hospital, though there are “cottage hospitals” around the island, which provide basic services.

Dominica China Friendship Hospital, previously known as Princess Margaret Hospital, is the island’s main hospital, and it is located in Roseau, Dominica’s capital. This hospital offers public services in medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, neonatal, pediatric, surgical, and psychiatric care.

The People’s Republic of China funds the hospital, but its management still falls under Dominica’s Ministry of Health. The hospital features an ambulatory day-care unit, a blood bank, a five-room theater, an emergency center, a lab facility, and imaging and diagnostic departments.

To find the hospital, go to 8J48+G37, Roseau, Dominica, or call +1 767-448-2231.

Marigot Hospital opened its doors in October 2023, providing much-needed care to the northern region of the island. The hospital provides a variety of services, from urgent care and X-rays to ECGs and diagnostics. As of July 2024, the hospital also offers dental services.

The Dominica Hospitals Authority (DHA), which helps to manage the hospital, intends to extend the hospital’s services.

To find the hospital, go to GPR8+8RW, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Hwy, Marigot, Dominica, or call +1(767) 266-2800.

Private Hospitals in Dominica

Dominica’s top private hospital is Justin Fadipe Medical Centre.

Justine Fadipe Medical Centre is located in Mero and provides general medicine care, elective and emergency surgical services, comprehensive care for expecting mothers and children, and specialized care across several clinics, including cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics.

To find the hospital, go to CHF9+WF4, Cuba Rd, Mero, Dominica, or call +1 767-449-6711.

Health Insurance Options in Dominica for Expats

Expats should purchase expat insurance before heading to Dominica. The country offers free primary healthcare to its citizens, but expats may not qualify. International health insurance guarantees expats care worldwide, even if they must be medically evacuated to another country.

Public Insurance in Dominica

Dominica offers free public primary care to its citizens. While this accessible treatment may appeal to expats on a budget, international residents will likely have to pay for services in the public sector, unlike permanent residents.

Free care does not extend to all areas of Dominica’s healthcare system, even for citizens, as treatments like stitches or X-rays require payment—and can be very expensive.

Private Insurance in Dominica

Expats will likely prefer the options available through private health insurance, particularly international health insurance. Shorter wait times, personalized treatment, more reliable and high-quality care, and customization make international health insurance an appealing choice for expats.

Some of the benefits often included with international health insurance include:

• Worldwide coverage
• Inpatient and day patient care
• Cancer care
• Mental health care
• Emergency ambulatory services and ER care
• Palliative care
• Home nursing
• Lab work and testing
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental care
• Rehabilitation

International health insurance offers portable care across borders, giving expats access to top-tier facilities worldwide. Portability is important for expats in Dominica since medical evacuation is otherwise very expensive, and many treatments are not available on the island.

Individuals who choose an international insurance plan also have the luxury of picking which benefits they need, with options to renew their policies. Expats may also consider add-on benefits for vision, dental, maternity, and preventative care.

We recommend speaking to our expert insurance advisors today to find a personalized plan before you begin your adventure in Dominica.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Dominica

Among the best private health insurance providers for expats in Dominica are Allianz, AXA, Cigna, NOW Health, and VUMI. Read more about each provider below, head to the link for their page, or get a free quote right away.

Allianz

Allianz is one of the largest international health insurance providers across the globe. They offer expats coverage through three plans: Allianz Care, Allianz Care Plus, and Allianz Care Pro. All three plans cover inpatient and day-care services, oncology treatment, and medical evacuation.

The annual limit per plan is:

• Care plan: USD $2,500,000
• Care Plus plan: USD $4,000,000
• Care Pro plan: USD $5,00,000

Expats seeking the most comprehensive care should consider the Care Pro plan, with more budget-friendly options found in the Care Plus or Care plans.

Beyond the core benefits offered in each plan, expats may purchase add-on riders for further coverage, with offerings for an outpatient plan, a dental plan, a repatriation plan, and a maternity plan.

• Inpatient costs
• Diagnostics and laboratory tests
• Surgeries
• Ambulances transport
• Cancer treatment

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AXA

AXA boasts five core international plans: their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. Expats love that these plans include valuable services such as 24/7 personal support, claims repayment within 48 hours, second medical opinions, and virtual doctor visits.

The plans all offer coverage for:

• Hospital charges and surgery
• Virtual doctor service
• Mind health service
• Emergency coverage
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Wide range of cancer treatment
• Ambulance transport
• CT, PET and MRI scans

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For those needing extra coverage, the Prestige and Prestige Plus plans also cover routine pregnancy care and annual health checks.

The annual limit of each plan is:

• Foundation plan: USD $160,000
• Standard plan: USD $1,600,000
• Comprehensive plan: USD $2,400,000
• Prestige plan: USD $3,200,000
• Prestige Plus plan: USD $8,00,000

Cigna

Cigna is known worldwide for offering superior health insurance plans. They provide excellent coverage for expats seeking both inpatient and outpatient services through their Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans as well as their Close Care plan. The core benefits included in these plans are:

• Hospitalization
• Inpatient and daypatient treatments
• Cancer treatments
• Physiotherapy
• Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation

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Expats have the option to customize their plan for their health and lifestyle needs, with some popular add-on benefits including:

• Dental and vision benefits
• Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
• Outpatient services
• Health and wellbeing services

The Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan all offer international coverage, while the Close Care plan only offers coverage in Dominica and the expat’s home country as a cost-effective option.

• The annual limits for each plan are:
• USD $1,000,000 for the Silver plan
• USD $2,000,000 for the Gold plan
• An unlimited annual maximum for the Platinum plan
• USD $500,000 for the Close Care plan

NOW Health

NOW Health offers two types of plans with different tiers of coverage across both plans. Through their WorldCare plan, expats can choose from four tiers of coverage, and through the SimpleCare plan, expats can elect from three tiers of coverage.

• In-patient and day-patient care
• Organ transplant
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Cancer treatment
• Rehabilitation

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The SimpleCare plan was designed to allow expats to save on their premium costs. Note that expats cannot receive elective coverage in the United States under the SimpleCare plan. Under the SimpleCare plan, annual limits are:

• USD $1,000,000 for the SimpleCare Core tier
• USD $1,500,000 for the SimpleCare 100 tier
• USD $1,500,000 for the SimpleCare 250 tier

The WorldCare plans from NOW Health were designed with comprehensive care in mind, though the copay options help expats lower their monthly premiums. Under the WorldCare plan, annual limits are:

• USD $3,000,000 for the Essential tier
• USD $3,500,000 for the Advance tier
• USD $4,000,000 for the Excel tier
• USD $4,500,000 for the Apex tier

VUMI

VUMI’s five exceptional international health insurance plans include their Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total plans. VUMI offers access to a vast network of healthcare providers, coverage for prescribed medications, and extensive support for chronic conditions.

The shared benefits across these plans include:

• Comprehensive inpatient care
• Comprehensive outpatient care
• Zero-deductible options for emergency transportation.

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Annual coverage across each plan is:

• USD $3,000,000 for the Basic plan
• USD $3,500,000 for the Standard plan
• USD $4,00,000 for the Superior plan
• USD $4,500,000 for the Ultra plan
• USD $5,000,000 for the Total plan

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Dominica

When choosing private health insurance plans, consider not just the insurer's reputation but also the size of the provider network, direct billing options, and specifics of your health and budget. We’ve listed the main factors to keep in mind below:

1. Your Budget: Your health history, desired coverage, extra benefits, and even age and gender all contribute toward the cost of your plan. When breaking down your budget for your policy, remember the following costs:
   • Premiums are the amount you pay each month for health insurance.
   • Deductibles are the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs.
   • Copays are the amount you pay for medical visits, like doctor’s visits.
   • Coinsurance is the coverage percentage you pay once you have met your deductible.
   • The out-of-pocket maximum is the total maximum amount you may pay for health care within a term.
2. Plan Limits: Each plan offers differing coverage limits, meaning the maximum amount the insurer will pay for medical expenses. International health insurance limits are usually annual. Ensure that plan limits align with your healthcare needs, especially if you expect to receive extensive care.
3. Range of Benefits: Expats should evaluate which plans provide comprehensive coverage that includes inpatient and outpatient services and preventive care. If fitting, seek plans with coverage for maternity care, mental health services, and prescription medications.
4. Exclusions: Many plans have exclusions, so review your policy carefully or seek guidance from a trained broker. Many plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, specific treatments, or alternative therapies. If you need treatment for excluded care, you will have to cover the costs out of pocket.
5. Insurer Reputation: Pacific Prime partners with top-tier insurance providers, so you can trust the reputation of those partners on our site. If you look elsewhere, look over ratings and reviews online from current policyholders.
6. Direct Billing Options: Some providers provide direct billing, which allows expats to receive treatment upfront before payment, alleviating financial stress and streamlining the medical process.
7. Adventure Support: Many individuals moving to and visiting Dominica plan outdoor excursions, so verify that your chosen policy covers your chosen activities, from hiking to rock climbing to surfing. Ensure the insurer also provides 24/7 emergency assistance for urgent medical emergencies.
8. Medical Evacuation: Confirm that the plan includes medical evacuation coverage. This is particularly important for expats and travelers in Dominica. Medical evacuation addresses the costs of transporting you to another location or country for necessary medical care.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Dominica

Dominica is generally considered a safe place to travel. In fact, it is one of the Caribbean islands with the lowest crime rate. Aside from following standard travel precautions, adhere to the guidelines below for a worry-free visit to the Nature Island of the Caribbean.

Stay Vaccinated

The Zika virus was present in Dominica in 2016, though the lack of recorded cases since then means it’s not a current concern for those in the area. With that said, it’s advisable to check the latest health updates before traveling to Dominica if you’re pregnant.

Along with routine vaccinations such as chickenpox, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), travelers to Dominica are also advised to get vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis.

Those arriving from a country with yellow fever risk are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Purchase Travel Insurance

For those who don’t plan to travel extensively in Dominica, consider travel insurance. Travel medical insurance provides coverage for some medical emergencies during your vacation, such as emergency care or repatriation. Make sure any insurance you purchase covers emergency evacuation.

Pair travel medical insurance with traditional travel insurance to receive comprehensive coverage against most travel mishaps. Travel insurance usually covers:

• Trip cancellation
• Delayed departure
• Personal belongings
• Lost luggage
• Travel documents
• Personal liability

If travel insurance fits your needs, read more about top insurers in this guide.

Drink Only Sanitary Water

Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water, which is widely available and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare free in Dominica?

The country offers free primary healthcare for its citizens and permanent residents, which is paid for through taxes and social security contributions. Individuals who receive specialized treatment or care in a private institution must still pay for their medical care.

Is Dominica a good destination for tourists?

Dominica is considered a highly desirable vacation spot in the Caribbean. Tourist-targeted crime is rare, and for those seeking beautiful outdoor excursions, the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” offers plentiful adventure-driven activities, from hikes through the rainforest to volcanic visits.

Is Dominica a good place for expats to live?

Many expats seeking to settle in the Caribbean choose Dominica for its relatively low crime rate, its hospitable residents, and its natural beauty. Expats report a high quality of life with a low cost of living.

Do you need private health insurance in Dominica?

Private insurance is highly recommended for expats and travelers in Dominica, as healthcare standards on the island have fluctuated over time. Medical evacuation is often necessary for specialized treatment, and medical evacuation without insurance coverage can be extremely expensive.

Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Private health insurance is highly recommended for any expat who wants access to high-quality treatment in Dominica. Along with providing access to care within Dominica, international health insurance ensures policyholders can access treatment regardless of where they are in the world.

Pacific Prime boasts over 20 years of experience providing quality insurance options for travelers and expats. By contacting a broker from Pacific Prime, you guarantee you get the information to find the right plan for you.

Pacific Prime offers a wide array of travel insurance policies and health insurance plans as well as benefit packages for inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and dental care. Contact our expert advisors to get a free, no-obligation quote or impartial advice, and experience the peace of mind our plans can offer.