Dominican Republic Health Insurance for Expats

If you're planning to visit the Dominican Republic, a private health insurance plan will be essential to cover your medical costs. Private healthcare in DR is generally better than the public one, with more modern facilities and bilingual staff. However, it can be costly in tourist places.

At Pacific Prime, we can offer you the best plan for your needs, and at a great price too! Click below for a free quote, or read on to find out about health insurance in the Dominican Republic.

International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in the Dominican Republic

Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance

• Extensive Network of Providers
• Direct Billing Options
• 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
• Lifetime Renewal Options
• Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300

Plan Details Get a Quote

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

Healthcare in The Dominican Republic

The quality of healthcare in DR can vary greatly between public and private institutions and in different parts of the country. Private hospitals in major cities can offer high-quality care, with modern equipment and bilingual staff; while public ones can be under-equipped and understaffed.

Visitors should have adequate health insurance to cover their medical expenses, as healthcare can be costly in tourist areas such as the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, and Sosúa. Most hospitals also generally require cash payment upfront before any medical services are provided.

Visitors should also note that general practitioners are quite rare in the Dominican Republic, so many will visit an internist for basic health care services and for referrals to specialists if needed.

The Dominican Republic Healthcare Financing System

The Dominican Republic operates on a three-tiered healthcare financing system: 1) contributive, 2) subsidized, and 3) contributive subsidized. These tiers involve different financing methods, as explained below:

1. The contributive tier involves healthcare funding financed by workers and their employers.
2. The subsidized tier receives funding from the Dominican state. This tier provides healthcare funding for the poor, disabled, and unemployed. It’s important to note here that most people still pay out-of-pocket for healthcare, as only 1 percent of GDP goes toward health expenditure.
3. The contributive subsidized tier is financed by professionals, technical workers, and self-employed persons with wages higher than the national average. This regime is subsidized by the state.

Foreign expat nationals in the Dominican Republic will likely be part of the contributive subsidized tier, but it's worth double-checking with your employer. To avoid excessive gaps in coverage, a local or international private health insurance plan is therefore necessary.

Difference Between Public and Private Healthcare System in the Dominican Republic

Private hospitals in DR generally boast better service and equipment, not far behind developed countries. They are more likely to have English-speaking staff to cater to expats. On the other hand, public hospitals are usually free and accessible but may have limited resources and staff.

Continue reading below for a more comprehensive comparison:

Public Healthcare System in the Dominican Republic

You can find public hospitals in most major towns across the Dominican Republic, and their service is generally free and accessible. However, most of the staff in the public healthcare system will likely speak only Spanish, and there might be limited access to certain equipment and medication.

Certain medications and procedures could also be costly in public hospitals such as x-rays and stitches.

Patients are expected to bring their own amenities such as toiletries, sheets, pillows, and food if they are admitted to the hospital. Family members are usually the ones who provide round-the-clock care for patients such as bathing and feeding them.

Some recommended public hospitals in the Dominican Republic are such as:

• CECANOT (Santo Domingo)
• Hospital Jose Maria Cabral y Baez (Santiago de los Caballeros)
• Hospital Doctor Marcelino Velez (Santo Domingo)
• Hospital Ricardo Limardo (Puerto Plata)

Private Healthcare System in the Dominican Republic

The private healthcare system in the Dominican Republic can match the standards of many developed countries, especially in major cities. You can find world-class hospitals with bilingual staff and facilities equipped for major treatment such as organ transplants or heart surgeries.

Expats can expect shorter waiting times in private hospitals as well as more extensive teams of medical staff and medical equipment, allowing for specialized service including major operations and intensive care units.

Certain medications and additional wellness services are also more available in private healthcare institutions. Some private hospitals may also be able to connect you with a global network of medical providers for more comprehensive services.

Some recommended private hospitals in the Dominican Republic:

• Centro de Medicina Avanzada Doctor Abel Gonzalez (Santo Domingo)
• Hospital General Plaza de la Salud (Santo Domingo)
• Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (Santiago de los Caballeros)
• Hospiten Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo)

Dominican Republic Health-Related Travel Issues

There are certain things you may want to keep in mind for your health and safety in the Dominican Republic, including the risk of violent crime, tropical diseases, and road safety. Most tourists usually don’t experience any trouble at all, but we want to be safer than sorry!

Violent Crime

Violent crime such as armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault is still a concern throughout the country. Tourists should therefore be vigilant, especially after dark, and can dial 911 for police assistance.

Swimming and Watersports

If you're planning to swim or take part in watersports in the Dominican Republic, be sure that you have exercised the necessary precautions and make sure that you're insured, as many swimming pools and beaches lack lifeguards and proper rescue equipment.

Driving

Driving standards are generally quite poor in the Dominican Republic, e.g. drivers usually don't make it a habit to signal. Unlit vehicles are also common. Try to avoid driving outside the major cities, especially during busy holiday periods and at night.

Malaria

Malaria is common throughout the country, so it's important to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, as well as have antimalarial drugs on hand. If you're traveling to smaller towns and rural regions, you should also consider typhoid and rabies vaccinations.

Cholera

There are small confirmed cases of Cholera, but it's generally confined to rural areas. Travelers are recommended to avoid unsafe food and drink and regularly wash their hands to prevent Cholera.

Bug Bites

There are also cases of Dengue fever, Leishmaniasis, Chikungunya, and Zika virus, so be sure to take the precautions necessary to avoid mosquito and bug bites.

Vaccination

Travelers should keep up-to-date with all routine vaccines before going to the Dominican Republic, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, Shingles, flu shot, and the polio vaccine. The Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B,Typhoid, and Covid-19 vaccines are also recommended.

Medical Insurance Options for Expats in The Dominican Republic

Expats in the Dominican Republic can consider international health insurance, local health insurance, and travel insurance for their stay in DR. Each comes with different coverage and perks. What works best will depend on your needs, such as the length of your stay and where you intend to stay.

International Health Insurance

International health insurance is highly recommended for expats and frequent travelers. ou can enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage virtually across the world, as well as avail unique features such as emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits.

Local Health Insurance

You can also choose a local Dominican Republic health insurance plan, but your coverage will be limited to the DR only. If you're planning on spending most of your time in the DR and will rarely travel overseas, then this may be the best option for you.

Travel Insurance

If you're only traveling to the Dominican Republic for a short trip, travel insurance may be the best option. You can enjoy coverage for emergency medical treatment and repatriation costs, as well as travel-related mishaps including flight delays and cancellations.

Please note that this plan is best suited for those traveling to the DR for a short period of time.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in the Dominican Republic

Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance

• Extensive Network of Providers
• Direct Billing Options
• 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
• Lifetime Renewal Options
• Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300

Plan Details Get a Quote

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

What Is The Cost of International Health Insurance in The Dominican Republic?

The average cost of international health insurance for all plans and demographics in the DR is USD $8,057 according to the Cost of International Health Insurance Report 2023. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, coverage requirements, and your current health.

The average cost of health insurance for the different types of international plans is as follows:

• International health insurance plans cost an average of USD $4,213.
• The average cost of international health insurance for families is USD $11,900.

Looking to find out more about your health insurance options in the Dominican Republic? Click the button below to get a free personalized quote.