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Jamaica Health Insurance for Expats

Secure access to quality healthcare in Jamaica. Explore private health insurance options that offer reliable medical coverage for expats in the Caribbean.

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International Health Insurance for Expats in Jamaica

nternational health insurance is recommended for expats in Jamaica as private healthcare, as well as medical evacuation, might be necessary for your healthcare needs while staying in Jamaica. Public healthcare is severely strained in Jamaica, and certain specialized treatments may not be available.

Pacific Prime can help you find the best plan for your needs and budget. Click below to get a free quote or continue reading to learn more about health insurance in Jamaica.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Jamaica

  • 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
  • Experienced Personal Support 24/7
  • Easy Online Access
  • Virtual Doctor Service
  • Mind Health Support
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit up to USD $8,000,000
Plan Details

The Healthcare System in Jamaica

When it comes to healthcare, the country lacks sophisticated medical care and hospital infrastructure. Comprehensive care is limited to major cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay. The quality of the island’s hospitals and clinics can differ greatly and may not meet Western standards.

While expats can access healthcare services at private medical facilities in Kingston, Montego Bay, and other tourist areas, prolonged sickness and complex health conditions may call for emergency evacuation to receive specialized care off-island - making international health insurance essential.

Public Healthcare in Jamaica

There are 24 hospitals and 318 clinics and health centers operated by the public healthcare system in Jamaica. Public health facilities provide free services to all users, locals and expats alike, but its affordability has made the system largely overburdened.

Expats and travelers might find limited services available in the public healthcare system, either due to the lack of staff and medical resources for usual medical services or the lack of specialized care for complex conditions.

Around 80% of Jamaicans do not have health insurance and rely on free public services for any healthcare needs. This put the system under major strain with only 1.32 primary care doctors and 1.7 hospital beds per 1,000 civilians, leaving waiting time incredibly long at public facilities.

When accessing public healthcare in Jamaica, there are three levels of care facilities: health centers, clinics, and hospitals. Where to seek care will depend on the severity of your condition. Public health centers and clinics have fixed operating hours, and treatment is free of charge.

Health centers and clinics generally provide primary care for patients with minor emergencies or injuries. Patients with chronic diseases or patients who require follow-up care can also receive dietary management and necessary follow-up at these facilities.

Hospitals generally provide specialized care and major medical procedures like surgeries. Public hospitals are free in Jamaica though hospitals that are partially funded by the government might require an initial registration fee.

For emergency services, please dial 119.

Ambulance service might be limited in rural regions and might have a long response time.

Public Hospitals in Jamaica

University Hospital of the West Indies (Kingston)
Telephone: 927-1620-9 and 927-1630-9
Website: https://uhwi.gov.jm/

Kingston Public Hospital (Kingston)
Telephone: 922-0210-9
Website: https://www.serha.gov.jm/kingston-public-hospital

Cornwall Regional Hospital (Montego Bay)
Telephone: 952-5100
Website: https://www.wrha.gov.jm/parishes/cornwall-regional-hospital/

Spanish Town Hospital (St. Catherine)
Telephone: 984-3031-5 and 984-4672
Website: https://www.serha.gov.jm/spanish-town-hospital

Linstead Hospital (St. Catherine)
Telephone: 985-2241 and 985-2359
Website: https://www.serha.gov.jm/linstead-public-hospital

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Private Healthcare in Jamaica

Private healthcare facilities in Jamaica offer quality service in a more favorable setting and with ample medical resources. They are generally preferred healthcare options for expats and locals alike. However, treatment in these places is often more expensive and requires upfront payment.

Though public hospitals provide the majority of inpatient care, the private sector is the major provider of pharmaceutical services, diagnostic services, as well as 75% of outpatient services with extensive numbers of specialists and general practitioners.

Private healthcare facilities are especially preferred for services such as diagnostic tests due to better equipment and supplies. The majority of pharmacies in Jamaica are also privately operated.

Vulnerable populations such as members of the LGBTQA+ community and people with HIV tend to seek care from private facilities to avoid stigma and discrimination from personnel in the public system.

However, out-of-pocket payment or private health insurance will be necessary to receive services at private facilities, and there is no regulation on the pricing of private medical practices.

Private Hospitals in Jamaica

University Hospital of the West Indies Private Wing (Tony Thwaites Wing) (Kingston)
Telephone: 977-0309, 977-2607, and 977-0317
Website: https://ttwing.com/

Andrew’s Memorial Hospital (Kingston)
Telephone: 926-7401 (24 hours access) and 618-1810
Website: https://amhosp.org/

Hospiten Montego Bay (Montego Bay)
Telephone: 618-4455 and 618-1077
Website: https://hospiten.com/en/hospitals-and-centers/hospiten-montego-bay

Baywest Wellness Hospital (Montego Bay)
Telephone: 615-8375
Website: https://baywestwellnesshospital.com/

Health Insurance Options in Jamaica

A national public health insurance scheme is still under development. In the meantime, travelers and expats can secure private health insurance plans to supplement any service gaps in the country’s free public health services. Continue below for the options available for you in Jamaica.

Public Health Insurance in Jamaica

Jamaica’s public health insurance scheme is still under development. However, since 2008, public health facilities have been providing services for all users free of charge, and the National Health Fund (NHF), launched in 2003, provides drug subsidies for 22 non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Jamaica announced the abolition of the user fee in public health facilities in 2008. This means all medical services provided by public health centers, clinics, and hospitals are free of charge for Jamaicans and expats alike.

In 2003, Jamaica launched the NHF, which provides subsidies for medications used in the treatment of 22 non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

On top of these initiatives, the Jamaican government has also announced its plan for a national public health insurance scheme in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Green Paper on National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) for Jamaica.

The NHIP is a part of the Jamaican government’s strategy to roll out universal health coverage for the country. The plan will address healthcare gaps in the Jamaican public health services. Under the NHIP, certain services provided by the private healthcare sector will be covered such as:

  • Wellness visits to private or public MDs
  • Private diagnostic tests and services (e.g. lab, imaging) referred to by public MDs
  • 2 visits for private medical services contracted by public MDs where gaps exist

Both Jamaican citizens and legal residents will be eligible for the NHIP. However, this plan is still under development. The majority of Jamaicans still receive free health services from public providers, and private providers are largely funded by out-of-pocket payments.

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Private Health Insurance in Jamaica

Expats and travelers are strongly encouraged to have sufficient private health insurance plans as medical services on the island might be limited and private healthcare, as well as medical evacuation, can result in significant bills.

Both expats and locals generally prefer private healthcare services with ample medical resources and personnel over their public counterparts in Jamaica. However, due to the lack of regulation on private healthcare pricing, private medical bills can aggregate quickly.

Although private healthcare facilities are generally better equipped for most treatment and diagnostic tests compared to public facilities, the range of specialized procedures available is still limited.

In case of complex medical conditions requiring specialized treatment, patients might need medical evacuation to receive care off-island. The cost of medical evacuation to the U.S., for example, is estimated to be around USD $30,000-50,000.

Therefore, travelers and expats are usually advised to have international health insurance or travel insurance with sufficient coverage for both private health services as well as additional benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation services.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Jamaica

Pacific Prime works with global top insurers to ensure its clients have the best selection of health insurance plans from leading health insurance providers, including in Jamaica. Continue below to learn more about some of the insurers we work with to ensure your stay is covered in Jamaica.

Need more options? Contact our insurance advisors for free, no-obligation quotes and plan comparisons, or use our online tools here.

AXA

AXA Global Health Insurance offers both short-term and long-term plans for expats and travelers, with comprehensive coverage for any medical needs.

Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:

  • Hospital charges and Surgery
  • Emergency coverage
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Cancer treatment
  • Ambulance transport
Plan Details

Cigna Global

Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any private hospitals and private clinics. Their plans are both customizable and comprehensive.

Cigna has a Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan with different levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:

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

GeoBlue

Geoblue offers an Xplorer health insurance plan that comes in essential or premier. These plans were created for expats traveling from the United States for business, leisure, or study trips. Expats can choose plans that include the United States in their coverage or not.

Both plans have several deductible options. The annual medical maximums are $1,000,000 for Xplorer Essential and unlimited for Xplorer Premier.

Some shared features across all levels of plans are:

  • Diagnostic lab work and X-rays
  • Surgery
  • Inpatient medical emergencies
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Yearly physicals
Plan Details

William Russell

William Russell offers insurance plans that are globally portable across countries, so expats can travel while protected. They also renew their contracts on an annual basis, so their members never feel like they’re locked into long-term contracts.

The basic features of all their plans are:

  • Hospitalization treatment
  • Cancer treatment and care
  • Emergency evacuations
  • Diagnostics
  • Post-hospital Physiotherapy
Plan Details

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Jamaica

Factors to remember when comparing health insurance plans are your desired coverage, additional benefits, cost, ease of access, and reputation of the company. If you are satisfied with these factors on a specific plan and provider, you will likely be happy with your choice.

Either way, you'll need comprehensive health insurance during your time in Jamaica. Contact us to make sure you get the coverage you need or to receive a free quote and plan comparison today.

Health and Safety Travel Advice for Expats in Jamaica

Travelers should exercise extra caution for crime and medical services in Jamaica. Violent crimes are still common throughout the country, and travelers should take note of limited emergency services as well as a limited supply of certain prescription medications in the country.

Violent Crime

Though tourist areas generally have lower crime rates than other parts of the country, there have been reports of sexual assaults and serious criminal incidents, even from tourists at resorts. Travelers should avoid traveling alone, keep a low profile, and be aware of their surroundings.

Limited Prescription Medications Supply

Travelers are advised to bring extra prescription medication with them as some common medications might have a limited supply on the island such as insulin. Prescription medication should always be in its original packaging with a doctor's prescription accompanying it.

Emergency Service

Ambulance services are not widely available, especially in the rural regions. There can be long response times and poor road conditions could bar access to healthcare facilities. There are also limited numbers of trained paramedics and EMTs in the country.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Travelers should carry mosquito repellents with them and sleep under mosquito nets to avoid mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya, which are prevalent in Jamaica.

Recommended Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine is required when traveling from countries with a risk for yellow fever virus transmission. Travelers are also recommended to stay up-to-date with their routine vaccines including:

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Shingles

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need health insurance to travel to Jamaica?

Health insurance is not a requirement to enter Jamaica. However, travelers are recommended to secure a sufficient health insurance plan considering the country’s limited, as well as overburdened health services.

How do you pay for healthcare in Jamaica?

Public healthcare is free of charge in Jamaica. For private healthcare, you will need to pay out of pocket or have a private insurance plan to cover you. Healthcare facilities usually require upfront payment, often in cash, before receiving any care.

How to get the NHF card in Jamaica?

To enroll in the National Health Fund (NHF) and receive an NHF card, you must present verification of your chronic illness from a registered medical practitioner, an identification card, and documents certifying your age at public health centers or NHF head and branch offices.

Conclusion

Private health insurance is highly recommended for expats and travelers due to the overburdened state of public healthcare in Jamaica. Private healthcare, though better equipped, may also have limited capacity for specialized treatment, making coverage for medical evacuation crucial.

With private health insurance plans, travelers and expats can rest assured that they can have seamless access to private healthcare as well as medical evacuation and repatriation when necessary.

By working with insurance brokers like Pacific Prime, you can compare plans and quotes from multiple leading insurers across the globe that fit your needs and budgets.

Contact us now for a free quote comparison!

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