15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bahamas

"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," said one expat living in Paradise Island.

"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," mentioned one expat 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," commented one expat who moved to Nassau, Bahamas.

"The majority of people who can afford insurance use the local private hospital as a reference to have any real work done in the US. Probably the most advanced procedure you can have here with accuracy is MRI/CAT scans. From there, you are diagnosed and sent to US for treatment," mentioned one expat in Nassau.

"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," commented one expat who moved to 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," remarked one expat living in Nassau.

"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," mentioned one expat in Paradise Island.

"The cities of Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, and Eleuthera are known for having a variety of medical specialists in the Bahamas. The neighboring island of Grand Bahama is also known for its robust selection of medical specialists, including ophthalmologists, psychiatrists, and dentists. Other areas such as the Out Islands, Abaco and Paradise Island offer a variety of general practitioners, internists and other specialty physicians. No matter where you are in the Bahamas, you can be sure to find the healthcare you need with the help of a qualified medical specialist," remarked one expat in Bahamas.

"Nearest is Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Florida. US care is generally very good and efficient," remarked one expat living in Paradise Island.

"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," said one expat living in Nassau.

"Most prescriptions are readily available. I have found for those not commonly at the pharmacies that they will order them for you without a problem. I have a reoccurring prescription that they order from England and I have been getting it every month at my local pharmacy without any problem. The cost is generally a little higher then it would be in the USA but my prescription coming from England is actually cheaper then what I paid for it in Canada. Prescriptions are needed for all prescribed medicines but are easily obtained at any of the clinics," wrote an expat living in Nassau.

"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," said an expat 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 an expat living in Paradise Island.

"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 an expat 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," mentioned one expat in 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," remarked one expat in Bahamas.

"I had an MRI done on my back and hip. And an ultrasound on my testicles. No issues at all. Felt the standard of care was met on all fronts," remarked one expat living in Nassau.