Jamaica Health Insurance

Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, to the south of Cuba. The island has a total land mass of 10,990 square kilometers and a population of approximately 2.8 million people. Jamaica achieved full independence from Britain in 1962, having been a British colony since 1655, although it has remained within the Commonwealth of Nations with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate which supports the growth of a wide range of plants and animals. The island is dominated by mountains, particularly the Blue Mountains from where the world famous coffee of the same name is produced. Tourists visit Jamaica in large numbers each year and the island has many natural attractions including pristine beaches, tropical forests, mountains and numerous waterfalls. Tourism comprises almost half of the country’s GDP while agriculture, mining, manufacturing and financial services all play a prominent role in the economy. Jamaica’s economy has struggled in recent years and in 2010 it sought financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a financial agreement which has left the country significantly in debt.

Jamaica Health Care and Insurance

Health care in Jamaica is basic and limited in the treatments and services it is capable of providing. A higher standard of care is available in large urban areas such as the capital city Kingston and in Montego Bay while health services in rural areas are generally described as being poor. Public and private health care services are available throughout Jamaica and all Jamaican citizens and legalized residents are entitled to seek medical assistance free of charge at public health facilities. Expatriates and foreign nationals, including tourists, are required to pay fees for any treatment received at either public or private health facilities; purchasing an international Jamaica health insurance policy is therefore strongly recommended.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of health facilities can be found in Kingston and public health facilities there are comprised of health clinics, centers and hospitals. Clinics and centers offer primary health care services while the national network of hospitals offers secondary, tertiary and some specialist services. In total, there are 35 hospitals in Jamaica and each parish, of which there are 14, will have at least one medium sized public hospital. Parishes with small populations have hospitals similar in size to large clinics but all are capable of providing similar services and treatments. The University Hospital West Indies in Kingston is the country’s largest public health facility and it offers a wide range of health services while the Bustamante Hospital for Children, also in Kingston, is the country’s largest pediatric facility.

Private health facilities in Jamaica consist of a number of clinics and hospitals and similar to their public counterparts, the majority of facilities can be found in Kingston. Private health facilities provide a more comfortable and relaxed stay and possess modern and up to date medical technology. Given the high cost associated with the use of private health facilities, large numbers of Jamaican citizens cannot afford the out of pocket expense. Many expatriates and tourists prefer to use private facilities should they require medical assistance. Holders of international Jamaica private health insurance are ensured swift access to some of the country’s best health professionals by using private health facilities.

As the Jamaican economy struggles to generate growth, major improvements in the national health care system are not expected in the coming years. The country’s large debt problem is more likely to reduce rather than increase the total annual spending the government allocates each year to health services. Health care funding is generated through local taxation and there is little scope to widen or increase this tax base. Many observers agree that reforms are urgently required as the current situation in which the government totally funds the public health care system is unsustainable.

Jamaica Travel Concerns

As with many public health systems around the world that provide its citizens with free health care, the Jamaican public health system has a number of issues that require attention. Mismanagement at all levels has led to low morale amongst many of the country’s health professionals. As health services are free of charge to the public, many citizens visit physicians and hospitals for routine everyday ailments, thus creating long waiting times for general consultations. Primary health facilities refuse to make appointments and this inflexibility has meant that some patients require long waiting times at many facilities. Private health facilities are run to a standard many expatriates and foreign travelers will have become accustomed to and should be used where possible. Holding an international Jamaica health insurance policy will help reduce exposure to expensive private medical costs.

Crime levels throughout Jamaica are extremely high and incidents of armed robbery, murder, assault and rape are common daily occurrences. Expatriates and tourists are advised to remain vigilant and to take standard security precautions. Petty street crime and theft is the primary cause of concern for foreign nationals and valuables such as jewelry and travel documents should be safely secured at all times. Large sums of cash should not be handled in public view. The use of illegal drugs is widespread, particularly in tourist areas. Emergency services can be contacted by dialing 119 but it is worth noting that policing levels are inadequate and emergency response times are poor.

Jamaica Expat Health Insurance

Health care services in Jamaica are limited in the range of treatments they are capable of providing. Specialist or complicated surgeries would require air evacuation to a country with state of the art medical facilities, usually to Mexico or the United States. Emergency air evacuation costs are extremely expensive and expatriates and travelers visiting Jamaica are advised to include such a provision in their comprehensive Jamaica health insurance policy. Expat Medical Insurance can assist you determine which products and policies suit your individual needs. Policies can be tailored to include specific provisions such as emergency air evacuation. For more information on international Jamaica health insurance, global health insurance or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.