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

How does the healthcare system work in The Bahamas?

The Bahamas is very popular with expats and holidaymakers. The group of over 700 islands is home to excellent healthcare and good doctors, but it can be quite expensive!
Most medical cases can be treated, but in some cases medical evacuation may be necessary.
Health care workers in the Bahamas speak good English and are known for their dedication and friendliness.
Good healthcare is available in both cities and remote areas. On small islands, healthcare may not be available and you may have to travel by boat or helicopter to a healthcare facility.
Just as most things are expensive, medicines are also quite expensive in the Bahamas. Medicines can be picked up at clinics, doctors or pharmacies (often in shopping malls), but a prescription is required.
If you live on a small island, you may have to travel to another island to pick up your medication.
Call 919 or 911 in the event of a medical emergency.

In 2017, the National Health Insurance Authority rolled out the National Health Insurance (NHI) in The Bahamas, giving more locals access to healthcare.
Through the NHI, Bahamians are entitled to free, but limited, preventive and basic healthcare to help prevent serious illnesses. This includes free access to vaccinations, regular health checks, prenatal care, childhood screenings and early diagnosis screenings. Much of the healthcare is not covered.
Secondary and tertiary care is paid for, and can be very expensive. In the event of an emergency, or if you become seriously ill or need surgery, you will have to pay out of your own pocket.
These costs can quickly add up, leaving many locals in particular unable to receive proper care.
The most popular public hospitals are Princess Margaret Hospital, Grand Bahama Health Service and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.
To use the NHI, you must be registered with the National Insurance Board and have a NIB Smart Card.

Since the NHI covers very little healthcare, most people who can afford it have private health insurance. This is especially true for expats. The majority of locals do not have health insurance.
There are two private hospitals: Doctor’s Hospital and Lyford Cay Medical Facility.
There are also private clinics and general practitioners.
Sometimes you have to pay in advance for care, so make sure you always have cash with you.

There are several private GP practices in the Bahamas.
Sometimes you have little choice, but if you live on the larger islands, it can be useful to ask other reliable sources for advice on a good GP.

Broken a tooth because you ran into the water too enthusiastically? Don’t worry, there are many private dental practices in the Bahamas.
The quality of dental care is excellent, but the costs are high. The best way to find a good dentist is to ask other expats for advice. However, you may not have much choice on your island.

Maternity care is of good quality in the Bahamas and medical staff are well trained to manage pregnancies and deliveries.
Basic prenatal care is covered by the NHI for Bahamian residents.
However, deliveries are not covered by the NHI. The cost can be over USD 5,000 for a C-section, and then you often have to pay over thousands of USD for a room including nurses.
Because there is limited space in the neonatal intensive care units, many mothers with high-risk pregnancies travel to the US for the birth.

Despite being popular with tourists, the Bahamas is not a very safe place. Crime is rampant, especially in Freeport and Nassau.
Sexual harassment is unfortunately not uncommon, especially on secluded beaches and in the evenings.
It is possible that someone puts something in your food or drink. So always keep your food and drinks close to you.
Not all water sports companies are registered and meet the correct safety requirements. So make sure you check carefully that the company you choose operates safely.
The Bahamas is located in an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes and heavy rainfall. Hurricanes and rainfall in particular can cause serious damage to infrastructure.
Check the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency for advice on what to do in the event of a natural disaster.

Zika and dengue are present in the Bahamas. So make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
Be aware that HIV/AIDS is relatively common.
Tapwater is generally safe to drink.

Traffic can be quite chaotic and unfamiliar and drivers can drive aggressively. Foreigners are therefore advised to always drive defensively and take three seconds before following the person in front of you (the three-second rule).
Wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all passengers. Wearing a helmet is always mandatory. Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited.
Traffic can become very congested in Nassau. This can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists and scooter riders.
Be aware of motorcycles and scooters that drive criss-cross through traffic.
Rural roads are often narrow, bendy and in poor condition.
Flooding of roads is common. There is public transportation, so-called jitney buses, on some of the islands. However, these buses are not reliable. It is therefore more convenient to rent or buy your own car.
Taxis are a better way to travel around if you do not have a car. Always agree on a price in advance, meters are not used.
To travel to different islands you can take a boat or a plane.

Is the trip to The Bahamas and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

A good, international health insurance is certainly recommended for the Bahamas because of the high costs of private care and the risk of medical evacuation.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Access:

Public

Check related region !