Saint Lucia Health Insurance

Saint Lucia is a beautiful island country in the heart of the Caribbean Sea and part of the Lesser Antilles. This small 617-square kilometer island relies primarily on tourism to support its economy. Bordering Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique, the island’s mountainous terrain, formed from volcanoes, is one of many of its more notable charms. While offering breathtaking and picturesque scenery, the population is very small and hovers at about 170,000. Saint Lucia’s population is primarily made up of Africans or mixed European-Africans with a small proportion, about 3 percent, of Indo-Caribbean. About half the population lives in urban areas. Even though the country has a high emigration rate, the population rate is still growing at about 1.2 percent annually. Its tropical climate makes it a pleasant, dry vacation spot from about November until the end of May, while the weather from June through October is defined by heavy rains.

Saint Lucia’s healthcare system and Health Insurance

In the time since the island’s independence in 1979 from Great Britain and while still a Commonwealth realm, the country has developed politically, economically and made great strides towards the improvement of local healthcare services. Starting in the 1980s the country made vast, quick and marked improvements to its healthcare programs with help and assistance from the World Health Organization and World Trade Organization. The Ministry of Health of Saint Lucia oversees the healthcare system and has even put special measures in place to make sure that women and children receive proper medical protection.

Globally and even regionally in the Caribbean, Saint Lucians are a generally healthy people. The170,000 residents have higher-than-global-average life expectancy rates, with males averaging 71 years of life and 78 for women. Less than 30 percent of men and only about 12 percent of women are smokers. The infant mortality rate is just less than 13 deaths per 1,000 live births. Per capita expenditures on healthcare have slowly increased to reach about US $775 as of 2009, representing about 8.1 percent of GDP. The country’s sanitation and improved drinking water rates are also high.

Saint Lucia’s Healthcare facilities and Medical Insurance

Despite the island’s small size, it boasts decent healthcare facilities, most of which are near to urban areas, more specifically Castries, the nation’s capital. While the island has two major hospitals - one private and one public – there other smaller hospitals and clinics scattered across Saint Lucia. Victoria Hospital is the country’s main public hospital and is touted for offering excellent care. The hospital offers about 150 beds and other facilities found at adequate hospitals, including emergency and labor and delivery rooms and special labs.

Tapion Hospital is a 15-year old private hospital that follows the Canadian International Accreditation program of standards. There are about 30 hospital beds - private, double or multiple – and state-of-the-art operating and labor and delivery rooms. The pharmacy is open late and is stocked with a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Taipon accepts local and international health insurance, but its best to check with your international health insurance provider prior to traveling to the island and seeking medical attention at Tapion. As high quality care for Saint Lucia’s residents and tourists is a top priority, the hospital signed an agreement with the Baptist Health Systems of South Florida, which is made up of six hospitals and medical facilities, so the hospital has access to even more specialties.

Saint Lucia Travel Insurance Concerns

The island’s convenient location, tropical climate and stunning scenery make it a top choice for many travelers. It’s important to keep certain things in mind when traveling, or maybe even moving, to Saint Lucia. While the island and its people are healthy, be sure to see a doctor or travel medicine specialist before your visit. It’s also advisable to have up-to-date vaccinations and immunizations prior to traveling. During your stay, be sure to use plenty of sun block to prevent sunburn, as the sun can be intense in the region.

Dengue fever (or breakbone fever), while not prevalent on Saint Lucia, is a common problem in the Caribbean. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, so be sure to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites, like using repellents, wearing hats pants or long sleeves and avoiding using perfumes, which attract bugs. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and a measles-like rash. There is currently no vaccine and treatment usually involves rehydration for mild cases, while more severe cases may require blood transfusions. Malaria and Leptospirosis are other insect-borne diseases common in the region.

Check with your health insurance provider before traveling or moving to Saint Lucia to make sure you are covered to receive medical care in Saint Lucia. While many of the medical facilities on the island are up-do-date, out-of-pocket expenses for medical attention can be cost prohibitive if you’re not insured, especially since in some circumstances patients must be evacuated to another island or to the United States. Many resorts also offer on-call doctors for more mild injuries or illnesses and visits usually only cost about US$ 15.

Saint Lucia Health Insurance and International Health Insurance

With so many choices on today’s market for international health insurance, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to make the best decision for you and your family regarding health and medical insurance. Let Expat Medical Insurance and our team of dedicated professionals help you navigate the intricacies of shopping for international insurance. We provide assistance to individuals, families, groups, teachers and travelers and offer a variety of medical and health insurance plans that can be catered to meet specific needs. Our representatives are available around the clock to assist you with your St. Lucia health insurance needs so contact us for more information and to get started creating the best plan to fit your needs.