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International Health Insurance for Expats in St. Vincent & Grenadines
Known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-blue waters, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have all the offerings of a tropical getaway destination. Expats are recommended to have insurance to ensure access to healthcare services and financial protection in case of medical emergencies.
This guide by Pacific Prime will take you through all the key points on St. Vincent’s and the Genadine’s healthcare system that expats need to know, such as private hospitals, essential vaccinations, and health insurance.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in St Vincent
The Healthcare System in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
The healthcare system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines comprises both public and private sectors. Primary level treatments are available at any of the 39 healthcare facilities, while secondary care such as general surgery and internal medicine is only available at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
Since facilities are limited, serious medical issues and emergencies require evacuation to another island (such as Barbados or Trinidad) or the US. You’ll be expected to pay full costs for healthcare services, making health insurance with emergency evacuation a must.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ Public Hospitals
The largest hospital in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, which is also known as the Kingstown General Hospital. There are public hospitals and clinics throughout the islands as well.
- Milton Cato Memorial Hospital: Also known as the Kingstown General Hospital, Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is located in Kingstown and is the main hospital in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, providing a range of medical services to the public.
- Georgetown Hospital: Located in Georgetown, this hospital serves the healthcare needs of residents in the northern part of St. Vincent.
- Bequia Hospital: Located on the island of Bequia, this hospital serves the healthcare needs of residents and visitors on the island.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Private Hospitals
Private hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines play a crucial role in supplementing the healthcare services provided by the public sector. They offer a higher level of personalized care, quicker access to medical services, and often have specialized departments for various medical needs.
- Modern Medical and Diagnostic Center: Located in Kingstown, this private medical facility offers a range of healthcare services including consultations, diagnostic tests, and specialized medical care.
- Arnos Vale Medical Center: Situated in Arnos Vale, this private clinic provides medical services such as consultations, minor procedures, and diagnostic tests.
- Milton Cato Memorial Private Hospital: This private hospital operates alongside the public Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, offering private healthcare services to patients.
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Health Insurance Options in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expats are required to contribute 8% of their insurable earnings to the National Insurance Services. Expats also have a diverse selection of private insurance options, from local providers to global health insurance plans.
Public Insurance in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Expats working in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are required to make contributions to the National Insurance Services. The total rate of contribution is equal to 8% of insurable earnings: employees are required to pay 3.5% while the employer covers the remaining 4.5%.
Contributors will receive benefits such as contributors such as sickness, maternity, invalidity, employment injury, funeral and survivors benefits.
Private Insurance in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
When it comes to private insurance options, expats in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have multiple options available, from local insurance providers to international health insurance plans from global providers.
Expats are generally recommended to opt for international health insurance plans to stay insured wherever they go.
Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The best private insurance providers for expats in St. Vincent and the Grenadines include Allianz, AXA, Bupa, Cigna, and VUMI. These insurers are known to provide expats in St. Vincent and the Grenadine with comprehensive coverage and quality services.
Allianz Care
Expats and visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines will find comprehensive coverage in the insurance plans Allianz Care offers. Their international health insurance plans cover inpatient and outpatient treatments, dental care, and medical evacuations.
AXA International
AXA International offers five main international health insurance plans for expats and travelers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. These different plans offer varying benefit limits and coverage to cater to different needs.
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a prominent health insurance company known for their global presence and their extensive range of health insurance products and services. Expats in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can access their trusted network of hospitals and doctors when choosing a plan from Cigna.
VUMI
VUMI offers a variety of health insurance plans crafted to meet the needs of expatriates living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Known for offering international health insurance plans with great flexibility, Expats in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines will find VUMI’s plans highly customizable to their needs.
Facts to Consider when Picking Insurance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
When picking an insurance plan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there are a few things you should consider, the first being your needs and requirements. Once you have determined what you need covered, you will be able to look for a plan that suits your needs and requirements the most.
Important factors to consider when picking health insurance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines include premiums and payment options, plan customizations, and exclusions.
Premiums and Payment Options
Premiums are an important factor you need to consider when picking the right insurance plan. Choosing a plan with flexible payment options such as deductibles and copayments will allow you to adjust your plan to have the most coverage whilst still staying within budget.
Plan Customizations
Customizability is another key factor to consider when picking insurance. The ability to add or drop benefits from a plan will allow you to customize your benefits and create a plan that covers you the way you need it to.
Exclusions
The coverage and benefits of a plan are important; but, it is equally important that you look at a plan’s exclusions when picking an insurance plan that’s right for you in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Those with chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions should pay particular attention to this factor.
Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is generally considered safe for expats and travelers, but normal safety precautions should still be taken. Petty crime can be frequent in populated hubs such as Kingstown, so travelers should be wary of flaunting personal belongings in crowded places.
Drink Only Clean Water
Tap water on St. Vincent comes from a reservoir and is considered safe to drink. Tap water on the other islands comes from sources such as rain, wells, and desalination plants, resulting in varying quality and taste.
Maintain Up-to-Date Vaccinations
St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a risk of Zika virus transmission as well as mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya virus. Travelers are at risk and should take appropriate measures to prevent insect bites, such as by wearing trousers and long-sleeve shirts and applying effective insect repellent.
Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes recommended, though it’s advisable to seek medical advice before traveling. All short-term visitors and tourists should ensure previous vaccinations are up-to-date and are advised to carry a basic medical kit.
Bring All Necessary Prescriptions
Travelers who are taking regular medications should bring sufficient quantities to last for the duration of their trip, and ensure that they are correctly labeled; they should not expect to obtain prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to live in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as an expat?
The cost of living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is about USD $1,024 a month for a single person without rent.
What languages are commonly used in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
English is the official language of St. Vincent and the Grenadines but most locals also speak Vincentian Creole.
Can expats buy property in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Expats can buy property in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since there are no restrictions on the purchase of real estate, but non-nationals are required to apply for an Alien Land Holding License.
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a tropical paradise that attracts many expats and travelers every year. Before you get swept away by the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is important to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage to ensure peace of mind during your stay.
Individuals, families, and groups visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should ensure they are sufficiently covered for all medical circumstances, including those where air ambulance or medical evacuation may be required. Purchasing comprehensive travel and medical cover is strongly advised.
For more information about the products and services Pacific Prime can offer, or to receive a free health insurance quote, contact us today!
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