Trinidad and Tobago Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Trinidad and Tobago

International health insurance benefits, such as coverage for private medical care, medical evacuation, and repatriation coverage are highly valuable for expats in Trinidad and Tobago. They can ensure your access to necessary off-island care and transportation for long-term care back at home.

It’s always good to be prepared, so read on to learn more about the country’s healthcare system, travel tips, and how to purchase health insurance in Trinidad and Tobago. Or, you could jump straight to it and obtain a free quote below!

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Trinidad and Tobago

Healthcare System in Trinidad and Tobago

The healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago comprises both the public and private sectors. Public healthcare is free for citizens and partially free for expats. The private sector, though smaller, is better equipped for certain kinds of care including secondary care and elective procedures.

Familiarizing yourself with the local healthcare system can help you in accessing the care you need. Continue below for more details on the healthcare system of Trinidad and Tobago, how to access the healthcare system, and what you will be covered for as an expat.

Public Healthcare System in Trinidad and Tobago

The public healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago is free for all citizens and mostly free for non-nationals. However, expats should be mindful that public healthcare facilities vary greatly in terms of care capacity and may not be up to Western standards.

Public healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago is generally provided for free through public health centers or clinics scattered throughout the country as well as public hospitals.

Health centers and clinics are the main providers of primary care in Trinidad and Tobago. Most health services provided by these public facilities are free of charge for locals and expats alike.

Still, certain health services are not covered for non-nationals, and expats will have to pay out of pocket even when receiving these services from public facilities. These services include:

• Treatments and medications for chronic conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, cardiac diseases, arthritis, glaucoma, mental depression, high blood pressure, epilepsy, hypercholesterolemia, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid diseases)
• HIV/AIDS testing and medications
• Cancer care and treatment
• Prescription medications

Although the public healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago is well regarded for its affordability, many public health facilities still have limited care capacity and certain services may not be available, especially beyond the vicinity of major cities.

Most prominently, full dental services for adults are severely limited in Trinidad and Tobago, with the exception of extractions and emergency treatments. This is the same for both locals and expats.

Certain secondary or specialized healthcare services might be available at private facilities only, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or non-emergency surgical procedures, and the price can aggregate for these kinds of private medical services.

This is why expats are generally recommended to have sufficient health insurance coverage for their stay in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as coverage for medical evacuation in case of inadequate healthcare facilities and resources.

To receive care at public health centers in Trinidad and Tobago, you must bring:

• Trinidad and Tobago ID or other proof of identity from your country of origin (e.g. passport or driver’s license)
• Proof of your address in Trinidad and Tobago e.g. utility bill or a signed letter from your landlord/lady with their TT ID number

Some health centers might require a referral letter from a hospital for certain admissions such as for pregnancy, high blood pressure, etc.

It is generally recommended to make an appointment with the health center before your visit as some might see patients on appointment basis only. Certain health services also usually require appointments, including:

• Antenatal services
• Dental services
• Immunization services

These services usually require appointments as they may not be offered on a daily basis, and some facilities may not have these services available at all.

Major Public Hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago

Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (Trinidad)
Telephone: (868) 225-4673
Website: https://ncrha.co.tt/eric-williams-medical-sciences-complex/

Point Fortin Hospital (Trinidad)
Telephone: (868) 225-4325, option 1, ext. 4151
Website: https://www.swrha.co.tt/

Port of Spain General Hospital (Trinidad)
Telephone: (868) 623-2951-6
Website: https://health.gov.tt/health-facilities/port-of-spain-general-hospital

San Fernando General Hospital and San Fernando Teaching Hospital (Trinidad)
Telephone: (868) 225 4325
Website: https://www.swrha.co.tt/

Sangre Grande Hospital (Trinidad)
Telephone: (868) 668 2273
Website: http://www.erha.co.tt/

Scarborough General Hospital (Tobago)
Telephone: (868)-660-4744
Website: https://health.gov.tt/health-facilities/scarborough-general-hospital

You can visit the Health Facilities page of the Ministry of Health for the complete list of all public health facilities (hospitals and health centers) in Trinidad and Tobago

Private Healthcare System in Trinidad and Tobago

The private healthcare system is relatively small, and upfront payment is usually expected before any treatment can be received. Though most private facilities can offer better care than their public counterparts, many are still not capable of handling serious conditions and long-term care.

The private healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago consists of a handful of private facilities that are sufficient enough to treat ordinary health problems. Some will be equipped to provide secondary and specialized care such as dialysis and chemotherapy.

Non-emergency and elective surgical procedures are among the common medical services provided by private facilities.

Health insurance benefits such as medical evacuation and repatriation services can be especially helpful for your time in Trinidad and Tobago.

With medical evacuation and repatriation benefits, you can rest assured that you have access to any necessary healthcare you need, on- or off-island, and that your trip home will be covered should you need to relocate for long-term care.

Private Hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago

Community Hospital of Seventh Day Adventist
Telephone: +1868 622 1191 and +1868 622 3302
Website: https://thecommunityhospital.org/

Cross Crossing Medical Center
Telephone: +1868 652 4411-2
Website: https://www.ccmctt.com/

St. Augustine Private Hospital
Telephone: +1868 663 7274
Website: https://saphtt.com/2021

St Clair Medical Centre
Telephone: +1868 628 1451
Website: http://medcorpltd.com/web0/st-clair-medical

Westshore Medical Private Hospital
Telephone: +1868 622 9878
Website: https://westshoreprivatehospital.com/

Emergency Services in Trinidad and Tobago

In the event of a medical emergency, the number for an ambulance is 811. Patients will be taken to an Emergency Room of the nearest health facility.

Note that the government advises people to use this facility only for life-threatening emergencies. Ambulance services are exceptionally limited in both the quality of emergency care and the availability of vehicles in some parts of the country.

Private Health Insurance Options for Expats in Trinidad and Tobago

As is the case with moving to small island countries, it’s important to secure an international health insurance plan in Trinidad and Tobago. Expats should look for one that gives flexibility in seeking treatment overseas and medical evacuation should they need it.

This will give you peace of mind as you can always bank on good healthcare no matter what the local situation in the country. Don’t know where to begin in your quest for health insurance? Don’t worry as Pacific Prime is here to help.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Trinidad and Tobago

Specializing in expat health insurance plans catering to foreign nationals in Trinidad and Tobago, Pacific Prime can help you find plans with no deductibles or excesses. We can help you secure plans with a range of added benefits like dental, maternity, vision, and beyond.

Many of our plans are also globally portable and renewable for life, so you’ll always have the coverage you need. Have further questions? Contact us today for a free quote and insurance consultation!

Here is a list of some of the best international health insurance providers for Trinidad and Tobago:

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:

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:

NOW Health

NOW Health International offers expats abroad comprehensive health insurance solutions, as well as providing plans for international students. They offer online claim processes through a mobile app and provide other prompt online support.

They have several different tiers of plans, but these are the shared features across all of them:

Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advice

Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago are urged to bear in mind the following health and safety advice including possible crime, natural disasters, and mosquito-borne diseases. In case of health emergencies, while traveling, it is also a good idea to be in possession of a valid travel insurance plan.

• Crime: Gang-related violence can be a threat in some areas, so maintain security awareness at all times.
• Road safety: If driving, be careful at night on unlit roads. High-speed road accidents on the main highways often result in fatalities.
• Hurricanes: Although the country is rarely affected by hurricanes in the Caribbean, you should monitor weather updates from the National Hurricane Centre.
• Dengue Fever and Malaria: Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are common. Be sure to use mosquito repellent and cover your body to avoid infection.
• Other Common Diseases: Other notable diseases are cholera, bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A&B, and yellow fever. The HIV/AIDS presence is also much higher than in Western countries.

Please note that the information on this page is not fully comprehensive and is subject to change without prior warning. It is advisable to consult with a local Trinidad and Tobago embassy should you have any doubts before you depart on your journey.

Conclusion

Despite the affordability of the public health system, expats would want to make sure they have access to private healthcare as well as benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation while staying in Trinidad and Tobago.

The country’s healthcare system, public and private, though equipped to a certain extent for day-to-day medical needs, may not be able to handle complex conditions and long-term care.

With medical evacuation and repatriation benefits, expats can rest assured that all their evacuation and relocation are covered and they will always be able to get the medical care they need.

Contact our insurance experts now to find the best health insurance plan for you in Trinidad and Tobago.