Saint Kitts and Nevis Medical Insurance
This short guide provides information about healthcare and health insurance in Saint Kitts and Nevis for those planning to move or travel to that small, island country. Read on to learn more, or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.
About Saint Kitts and Nevis
The two islands constitute one country named Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ west coasts are bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the east coasts are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are among the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Saint Kitts is located at a distance of 2,100 kilometers southeast of Miami, Florida, while Nevis is located about 250 kilometers east-southeast of Puerto Rico, and 80 kilometers west of Antigua.
The population of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is estimated at 50,314 people, most of whom are African descendants. The capital and the largest port in the country is Basseterre, located on Saint Kitts. Basseterre is the port where cruise ships dock. The mainstay of the Federation’s economy is tourism, replacing the sugar monoculture that had operated in the country for hundreds of years.
Saint Kitts and Nevis healthcare system
The Ministry of Health is responsible for the organization and management of health services and the generation of medical policies. The Ministry is divided into two departments, medical/clinical and administrative. There are two separate Ministries of Health, with similar organizational structures, operating on each island. The Ministry of Health in Saint Kitts collaborates with the Ministry of Health in Nevis in terms of policy development, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare financing.
There is no national health insurance in Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, in the case of citizens of the country, children under the age of 18 years and persons over the age of 62 years are exempt from all medical charges. There is a government lead initiative to provide incentives for the purchase of private Saint Kitts and Nevis medical insurance. However, these reforms have not been passed into law. Employed persons in the country, including resident expatriates, are required to contribute to the national Social Security Fund which only covers sickness and retirement benefits.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Primary healthcare services in the country can be accessed at 11 health centers in Saint Kitts and 6 in Nevis. Services offered, free of charge at the point of delivery for local citizens, including maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and general medical care services. Expatriates staying or visiting the country should, therefore, obtain private Saint Kitts and Nevis health insurance to cover the medical costs.
There are only 4 hospitals in total on Saint Kitts and Nevis. There are two main referral hospitals, Joseph N. France General Hospital on the island of Saint Kitts, and Alexandra Hospital on Nevis. There other two district hospitals in St. Kitts; Mary Charles, and Pogson. However, these two district hospitals only offer limited and basic inpatient services. There are currently no private hospitals in operation on either island, but there are a number of private doctors’ clinics.
Saint Kitts and Nevis travel and health insurance advice
For those arriving in Saint Kitts and Nevis for a diving adventure, it's worth noting that there is no hyperbaric chamber service on either island and to gain access to a hyperbaric chamber, divers suffering from decompression illness have to be transported to Saba, in the Netherlands Antilles. To avoid any unnecessary expenses, travelers should ensure purchasing a comprehensive international medical insurance policy that covers the cost of medical transportation and evacuation. Expatriates and travelers should also be aware that doctors and hospitals will expect immediate cash payment in exchange for services rendered.
Certification of inoculation of yellow fever is a requirement to enter the country for all travelers over the age of one year old; however, there is no risk of contracting the disease. Routine vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, etc should be up-to-date. There is, however, a threat of contracting rabies while in Saint Kitts and Nevis. If you are bitten by an animal, especially a bite from a dog, you should seek immediate medical attention so PEP treatment can be administered.
There is a risk of contracting Malaria and Dengue Fever during your stay in Saint Kitts and Nevis, in which both diseases are transmitted through mosquito bites. There are no medications or vaccinations available to prevent the infection of dengue fever. Commonsense methods of prevention, such as wearing insect repellent, long-sleeves, and using bed nets are recommended. For comprehensive information on health risks and preventative care, you should consult a medical care professional before your trip, preferably one specialized in travel medical care.
Contact Pacific Prime for health insurance advice
Prime Pacific can provide professional assistance for you, or your groups’ healthcare needs if you decide to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Our tailor-made international policies can cover a wide range of services, including hospitalization, medical repartitions, dental, and many more, all from the best international insurance companies.
Contact our team of worldwide representatives today to discuss, free of charge, the health insurance options available to you.
