Puerto Rico Health Insurance

The world’s largest producer and exporter of rum, the industrialized nation of Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, having been surrendered by Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American war. Due to its locality in the Caribbean Sea, nestled between the Dominican Republic to the east and the Virgin and British Virgin Islands in the west, its natural attributes have made the country an important island port and it now boasts the Western Hemisphere’s second largest cruise port. One of the world’s most populated islands with 3.9 million inhabitants, the populace enjoys all of the benefits derived from US citizenship, except one; those living in Puerto Rico are unable to vote in US elections. Instead, a governor is elected every four years, with the local government overseeing domestic affairs in the country. Ultimate decisions over governance however, sit with the US Congress.

Additional to its draw-card as a beach holiday destination, Puerto Rico offers visitors diverse landscapes from lush rainforests, majestic mountain ranges, volcanic rocks and caves, to idyllic beaches and transparent waters of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico experiences little variation in seasonal temperatures, enjoying a tropical marine climate; however it does suffer the effects of Mother Nature with hurricanes sweeping in from the Atlantic during the months of June to November. Daily life is a diverse and rich mix of culture influenced by Spanish, Indian, African and American architecture, food, music and people. Both Spanish and English are recognized as official languages however Spanish predominates, especially beyond the main tourist areas. Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan has often been referred to as the ‘walled city’ due to the colossal forts and walls built by the Spanish to protect the valuable port, which are today, major tourist attractions. Tourist facilities are well established in Puerto Rico and good quality medical facilities are available; however expat medical insurance is necessary to guarantee access and cover the high cost of medical treatment in the country.

Puerto Rico Medical Insurance and Healthcare

The differences and challenges of the important cultural, political and financial relationship that Puerto Rico shares with the United States are apparent in the provision of health care in the territory. Puerto Rico’s residents have an average income of approximately 34 percent of those living in the US, however the territory has one of the most expensive health care systems per capita, in the world. Numerous challenges in the delivery of health care have emerged following more than a decade of increasing healthcare costs which have outpaced economic growth and inflation. This has resulted in a consolidation of infrastructure, with more of a focus on private investment returns, a reducing medical workforce, and decreased capabilities to manage chronic illnesses, acute services and meet the healthcare needs of residents.

Approximately 40 percent of the Puerto Rican population depends on public health insurance for their medical needs. ‘Reforma de Salud’ is the territory’s publicly funded program for an estimated 1.5 million impoverished inhabitants, however due to a gap in financing and placing a particular burden on the government-based system, there is concern in Puerto Rico that a significant portion of the population could end up without insurance coverage in the long-term. Depending on income level, all residents are eligible to be covered by government funded insurance, however similar to the United States, private health insurance is vitally important and arranged by those who can afford it, to guarantee an adequate level of care and suitable response time to their medical needs. It is recommended that visitors to Puerto Rico purchase expatriate health insurance to ensure the high cost of treatment in the territory is covered. Despite the challenges of funding, the territory has a large number of well-equipped public and private hospitals and health clinics available. A front-runner in anti-smoking legislation, determining it illegal to smoke in cars and residential homes when a child is present, and all public places, including outdoor spaces when others can be affected, the country has a respectable estimated life expectancy of 75 years for males and 82 years for females.

Puerto Rico Travel Insurance Concerns

Violent crime involving tourists is rarely encountered in Puerto Rico, however petty crime is prevalent, which requires awareness and security of personal belongings. The drug trade remains a problem for the territory, with the Caribbean islands providing transit points for small private plane or boat charters carrying illegal cargo between South America and the US. Crime in Puerto Rico is reportedly driven by the trade. While police are highly visible in tourist areas, caution and common sense should still be exercised. Safety of road users can be at risk due to the aggressive driving style of locals, with traffic laws regarded as loose guidelines rather than rules to be followed. Navigating cities can be difficult due to poor signage and one-way streets often being un-marked. Road conditions can also vary from excellent to poor, contributing to hazards when driving. Puerto Rico health and travel insurance should be arranged to ensure costs for medical care or replacement of stolen belongings is covered.

Those visiting during the hurricane season should also be prepared to encounter extreme weather conditions. Natural hazards such as flooding and mudslides can result, interrupting transportation and utilities, as well as the continued supply of food, water, emergency and medical care. The prevalence of tropical diseases usually peaks during the rainy season, with Dengue Fever commonly found throughout the Caribbean and Central America. For the year up to August 2011, more than 890,000 cases of the disease were reported to the Pan American Health Organization from the Americas and the Caribbean, and is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be the most common cause of fever in visitors returning home from the territory. Avoiding mosquito bites through protective measures such as using insect repellant and covering any exposed skin can reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Depending on personal risk factors and travel itinerary, a travel medicine specialist might suggest vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Rabies which are all diseases known to occur in Puerto Rico. These pre-exposure vaccines are recommended by the CDC along with routine immunizations to be administered approximately four to six weeks prior to travel. Marine activities can expose visitors to hazards also. Jellyfish are present in the islands waters year-round, particularly during the rainy season, and can deliver dangerous stings. Children especially are at risk, as are adults launching boats, fishing or wading in shallow waters. Injuries from sea urchins and coral are also causes for seeking medical attention in Puerto Rico. As in the US, emergency services can be contacted by dialing 911. International health insurance is recommended to ensure the expenses associated with healthcare do not become a financial burden and to cover the cost of repatriation or evacuation should this be necessary.

Puerto Rico Expat Health Insurance

Medical care in Puerto Rico is readily available and of a high standard however is expensive, on par with costs in the United States. Comprehensive medical insurance is necessary to cover the high cost of treatment. An insurance policy can be arranged through Expat Medical Insurance, which can provide globally transferable policies covering you wherever and whenever you may travel, be it with family or on an individual basis. A worldwide medical insurance policy covers a range of medical needs, including emergency evacuation, maternity services, doctors’ fees, specialist consultations and medications. To guarantee access to healthcare wherever you are in the world, make contact with one of Expat Medical Insurance’s consultants to discuss a range of medical insurance plans specific to your needs.