Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bahamas

"The healthcare services in the Bahamas are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in the Bahamas can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," said one foreigner in Bahamas.

"As compared to Canada the availability and quality of some health care services is lacking but still adequate. The speed of which they will see you at the clinics and private hospitals is much faster then it is in Canada and for what is missing a quick trip to Florida will provide you with all you need that can not be found in New Providence," remarked one member in Nassau.

"Regardless of coverage, ensure you have the ability to travel to US for any major care needs. There are many private practitioners but only two hospitals. One is for people without insurance (Princess Margaret) and the other is for people with insurance (Doctors Hospital). Ask around in your community for reliable local providers, especially for kids. We found some incredible providers this way for our children," explained one expat living in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

"The medical services in the Bahamas are generally of a high standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The country also has a number of private medical facilities, offering a range of services from general practice to specialist care. The Bahamas also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications. In addition, the country has a number of medical insurance providers, offering coverage for medical expenses," explained one person living in Bahamas.

"My home country offers Public Health that is very inclusive. Access to Healthcare services there take a very long time. In my adopted country, the public Healthcare Coverage is insufficient, and Private coverage is expensive. However, services are very accessible. The quality of healthcare is adequate for basic healthcare as well as for some specialties. However, many residents will travel for healthcare to the USA for more experienced specialists if they have international healthcare coverage. This is starting to change somewhat with some medical facilities commanding a higher quality and level of service, education, and experience," wrote one digital nomad living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"I have found that the health insurance costs is more related to your health history then where you choose to live. Exclusions in new policies are common if you have a history of certain health problems. I have expat insurance as well as international health care insurance and have found them to be adequate in paying for both emergency situations as well as routine costs. The one problem has always been that I must pay for many services on my own first and then have it reimbursed by the health care provider, this can be hard on the cash flow if you don't have the money put aside for an emergency situation," explained one expat living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"Both hospitals are on New Providence in the city of Nassau. They are the only two hospitals for the Bahamas. they are fairly close from Paradise Island, maybe 10 minutes. Both Princess Margaret (no insurance) and Doctors (treat people with insurance) are directly across from each other. Emergency services vary depending on your location. Hotels and resorts get a small priority. Personally, I would not rely on them, rather get to the hospital myself. Quality of care is decent at both. Wait times at PM are extremely long. Expect long delays in service and any medical attention. Doctors is fairly smooth but don't expect to be treated without insurance or a ton of cash. PM and Doctors are both public. There are many private providers on the island," remarked one member in Paradise Island.

"In the Bahamas, emergency services are available to help people in need. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 919 or the local police station. The ambulance will be dispatched to the location of the emergency and will provide medical assistance. The ambulance service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," explained one expat living in Bahamas.

"We live on the west end of the Island which is close to the Lyford Cay Hospital (Private) and the Doctor's Clinic (Private). Both the public hospital and the Doctor's Hospital are in the downtown area and not that far of a drive. I have used all three of the private clinics and hospitals without any problems and have found the care and service to be more then adequate. I have not used the public hospital. All of them are serviced by an ambulance service as well," said one digital nomad in Nassau.

"I have no need to leave the island for health services yet. However most people take the short trip to Florida for any services they can not receive on island," explained one expat living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the Bahamas. Most pharmacies in the Bahamas carry a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in the Bahamas are the same as those available in the United States, although some may be sold under different names. Additionally, some medications may be available in the Bahamas that are not available in the United States," explained one person living in Bahamas.

"Two hospitals service all the islands of the Bahamas. Princess Margaret is the free care hospital and waiting times are extremely lengthy. Doctors hospital is where most go if they have insurance or money to pay for an emergency. There are other private care clinics around that take insurance. Unfortunately, emergency services and response are associated with your area. There is a fire and police stations on PI, so we get pretty quick response. It differs in Nassau," wrote one digital nomad living in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

"The medical facilities and medical care available in The Bahamas are of a very high standard. Medical services are provided by both public and private institutions throughout the islands and modern, well-equipped healthcare facilities can be found in major cities, towns, settlements and resorts. The Bahamas boasts some of the best-trained and experienced doctors and nurses in the Caribbean and is home to a number of world-class hospitals. Many of the medical facilities available in The Bahamas are certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI). In addition to offering high-quality medical care, The Bahamas remains one of the safest countries in the Caribbean for healthcare and medical tourism," said one foreigner in Bahamas.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in the Bahamas, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in the Bahamas is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents, and there are also a number of private healthcare providers available. The public healthcare system is well-funded and staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals," explained one expat living in Bahamas.

"All visits to healthcare facilities during the pandemic have been socially distant, with proper cleaning and care taken to maintain safe environments for patients and staff," explained one person living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in the Bahamas. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, including the introduction of a national health insurance scheme, the establishment of a national health emergency response team, and the implementation of a national contact tracing system. Additionally, the government has provided additional resources to hospitals and clinics to help them cope with the increased demand for services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in the Bahamas has been strained due to the pandemic, with long wait times for appointments and limited access to medical supplies," wrote one digital nomad living in Bahamas.