Grenada Health Insurance

Grenada is an island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea, to the northeast of Venezuela and to the northwest of Trinidad and Tobago and it consists of the main island, Grenada and six smaller islands.

Grenada achieved full independence from the United Kingdom in 1974 although it has remained within the Commonwealth of Nations with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. Post independence, political instability resulted in successive governments being overthrown and when a Marxist-Communist government came to power in 1983, the United States briefly invaded. Today, the country is governed as a parliamentary democracy. As one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of mace, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and cloves, Grenada is often referred to as the ‘Spice Island’. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated the country causing damage to 90 percent of its agricultural land and infrastructure. Reconstruction efforts were largely funded from international loans which in turn have left the country in significant debt. Tourism is now the dominant sector within the domestic economy and the construction and development of tourist facilities has contributed to recent strong economic growth.

Grenada Health Care and Insurance

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Grenada is responsible for the provision of health care services in the country and it aims to provide equal access to health care services for all citizens through the effective delivery of preventative and primary health care. A sufficient number of public and private health sector facilities cater to the country’s approximate population of 110,000 people. All Grenadian citizens are required, by law, to participate in the national health insurance scheme. Those in employment make regular contributions from salary while disadvantaged members of society, old age pensioners and children under 16 years of age are entitled to medical services free of charge. Expatriates, travelers and other non-nationals in Grenada who seek medical attention are required to pay in cash at the time treatment is sought. Purchasing an international Grenada health insurance policy is therefore strongly recommended.

Public health facilities consist of medical stations and health centers which form the MOH’s Community Health Service (CHS) program. CHS facilities tend to be small and are generally located outside the main urban areas. They are staffed by teams of doctors and nurses who provide general primary and public health services. The General Hospital in the capital city of St. George’s is the country’s largest public health facility. It has a capacity of 240 beds and offers a wide range of treatments and services which include in-patient, out-patient, surgery, emergency services and some specialist treatments. The Princess Royal and Princess Alice, with 40 and 56 beds respectively, are two smaller hospitals offering similar services to those at the General hospital.

There are a number of private health facilities in Grenada, most of which are located in St. George’s or in the surrounding area. Private clinics are staffed by a single physician and a team of assistants who provide basic general practitioner (GP) services. The Saint Augustine’s Medical Services (SAMS) facility has an 18 bed capacity and can offer medical services which include maternity, surgical and treatment of emergency cases. The Marryshow’s Hospital in Grenada and the CHS-Carriacou Health Services clinic on the island of Carriacou also offer a wide range of treatments. Private health facilities are popular with expatriates and tourists although it should be noted that medical costs are more expensive when compared to public facilities. Purchasing an international Grenada health insurance policy can protect against high medical expenses.

Grenada Travel Insurance Concerns

Large numbers of tourists visit the islands of Grenada each year and the government is actively increasing tourism facilities across the islands. Tourists and expatriates visiting Grenada and the Caribbean region for the first time should consult with a travel health specialist at least four weeks prior to arrival in the country. Diseases and illnesses such as Hepatitis A and B, Rabies and Typhoid are found in the region and vaccinations against each are advised. Outbreaks of Dengue fever are common and precautions to reduce the risk of insect bites should be adopted. Water sport enthusiasts should be aware that the disease leptospirosis is commonly found in fresh water areas. Mains tap water is treated and is generally safe for consumption although to avoid stomach illnesses the use of bottled water for consumption is advised.

The health care system in Grenada is widely regarded as being one of the best in the Caribbean region. There are an ample number of health facilities, both public and private, which adequately meet the primary health needs of all citizens and residents. These facilities are capable of providing a good quality of care although it should be noted that some specialist, prolonged or complicated treatments are not available. Should an expatriate or tourist require complex treatment or surgery, evacuation to a country with the full range of modern equipment and expertise, usually the United States, would be required. Emergency air evacuation is extremely expensive; hence investing in an international Grenada health insurance policy is strongly advised.

Grenada’s location just north of the equator ensures hot and humid weather conditions throughout the year. The country experiences two distinct wet and dry seasons with the wet season typically from June to November. This period also coincides with the hurricane season and these weather phenomenons have caused considerable structural damage to Grenada in the past. Expatriates and tourists should monitor weather forecasts on a daily basis and adhere to local government weather announcements. Crime rates overall are low although incidents of petty street crime do occur. Tourists and expatriates should exercise caution when visiting markets and other areas popular with overseas visitors.

Grenada Expat Health Insurance

Health facilities in Grenada are capable of treating most illnesses. Complicated surgery and serious medical cases will require emergency evacuation overseas; therefore it is important to ensure you are adequately protected against all possible medical situations. Expat Medical Insurance can offer advice on our various products or policies that best suit your particular needs. For more information on Grenada health insurance, global health insurance or for a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.