How does healthcare work in Barbados, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Barbados?

Barbados is a popular expat and holiday destination. The country is part of the British Commonwealth, which has helped to ensure that the quality of life and healthcare is high.
The healthcare system is considered to be among the best in the Caribbean. There are both public and private options, the medical facilities are modern and the doctors are well trained.
There is also a psychiatric hospital on the island - the Barbados Psychiatric Hospital.
Not all advanced care is available in Barbados. Therefore, a medical evacuation may be necessary.
The pharmacies are good, the pharmacists are knowledgeable and medicines are easily available.
For emergency medical care, you can call 511. The fastest help is provided in private hospitals. In public hospitals, the wait time is often longer.

Public healthcare is paid for through taxes.
Approximately 65% of healthcare facilities are public sector. The care is good and accessible.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main public hospital in Barbados. The hospital has 600 beds and offers specialist care in a variety of areas.
There are also eight outpatient clinics spread across the island that provide free care to every Barbadian citizen.
Barbadians with chronic illnesses are entitled to free medicines.

About 35% of the healthcare sector is private. Waiting times are shorter here, but care is a lot more expensive.
Most private institutions require payment in advance of treatment.
The largest private hospital is the Bayview Hospital, just outside Bridgetown. The hospital offers specialist care, but not as extensive as the public Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

There are GPs everywhere on Barbados. Most expats choose a GP at a private clinic.
It is useful to ask others for their experiences with GPs as soon as you settle in Barbados. This is usually the quickest way to find the GP that suits you.

Dental care, like the rest of the care, is of good quality.
You can find a dentist through friends or forums, but you can also take a look at the website of the Barbados Dental Association.
Most foreigners living in Barbados pay for dental care through their own private health insurance, or through insurance through their employer.
Another option is to pay out-of-pocket.
At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the costs for dental care are based on the income of the patient (provided that the patient is a permanent resident of Barbados).

There is extensive and good pregnancy care available in Barbados. For example, you will have regular appointments with a doctor or midwife, as well as ultrasounds and examinations. The care is of the same standard as in Western countries.
Most deliveries take place in the hospital or a birth clinic, but home births are also becoming increasingly popular.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Bayview Hospital are popular for deliveries. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is also equipped for high risk pregnancies and premature babies.
IVF treatments are also available in Barbados.
Abortion is illegal in Barbados unless the mother's life is in serious danger.

Barbados is generally a safe country.
Pickpocketing does occur, especially in tourist areas such as Bridgetown and popular beaches.
It is best not to walk alone on deserted beaches and in remote places at night.
Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur from June to November. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast during this time.
Some beaches have dangerous undercurrents, make sure you are familiar with these places.

There have been cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika. So be careful.
The sun is incredibly strong in Barbados. So wear good sun protection and drink plenty of water!
Tap water is generally safe to drink, unless you have a very sensitive stomach.

Driving on the left, narrow roads with many bends and many speed bumps. That is driving in Barbados. In addition, road lighting is sometimes poor and roads can be poorly maintained outside the city.
Rules are not always followed properly. Do not assume that someone will necessarily stop at a stop sign.
Honking is normal and is often used as a warning.
Parking spaces are often free at tourist attractions, but watch out for illegal parking attendants who expect a tip to 'watch' your car.
Buses and minibuses are popular, cheap and widely used. The system can be a bit chaotic though!
Taxis are expensive. Always negotiate the price well before you get in!

Although insurance is usually not mandatory, it can be quite important for those who want to live in Barbados. The cost of using private healthcare is expensive if you are not insured. Medical evacuation or repatriation may also be necessary and you want to be sure that you are not the one paying for these costs.
So… Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries.
International health insurance for Barbados
International travel insurance for Barbados
International life insurance for Barbados
International income protection insurance for Barbados

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