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

How does the healthcare system work in Dominica?

In Dominica, you will not only find beautiful beaches, but you will also be in good hands when it comes to healthcare!
In this Commonwealth island, you will find a mix of public hospitals and private clinics that offer good care. However, care is limited, which may mean that in some cases medical evacuation is necessary. It is therefore important to have good insurance.
The country has developed good healthcare policies in several areas, such as mental health, disaster management and health insurance.
Most healthcare facilities can be found in Roseau. The Dominic China Friendship Hospital is the largest healthcare facility.
Since the main language is English, you do not have to worry about not being able to make yourself understood.
In Dominica, natural medicines are a tradition. Alternative care is available, but is usually not covered.
There are several pharmacies in the larger settlements. They are generally open between 8:00 and 18:00/20:00 from Monday to Saturday.
For an ambulance, call 999.

Public healthcare is free for residents and foreigners with legal residency and consists of hospitals and clinics spread across the island.
The system covers GP visits, hospital admissions, emergency care, maternity care, vaccinations, preventive examinations, basic dental care and some medicines.
Waiting times are often long for specialist treatments.
Foreigners who are temporarily living in Dominica can also use healthcare, but must pay for it themselves.

Private healthcare offers more specialist options and waiting times are shorter.
There are a few private healthcare centres that provide good care. Most foreigners opt for private insurance to be able to use this and to be covered for medical evacuation in case of emergency.
The Justin Fadipe Medical Centre is the largest private hospital.

There are plenty of general practitioners in both private and public clinics and hospitals.
Ask other expats for advice on a good general practitioner that suits your needs.

Basic dental care is available through the public health care system.
For more extensive care, you will need to visit a private clinic. You can choose to pay for this yourself or make sure that it is included in your international health insurance package.

Good maternity care is available in Dominica. You can go to general practitioners, gynaecologists and obstetricians.
Prenatal care is as you would expect in the West, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds and blood tests.
Maternity care is free for residents through the public health care system.
Caesareans are possible, but are usually only performed when medically necessary.
The Dominica China Friendship Hospital is equipped with an Intensive Care Unit for babies.

Dominica is generally safe. You can usually walk the streets alone, even in the evening.
The most common crime is petty theft such as pickpocketing.
In terms of natural hazards, hurricanes can be a problem. Make sure you know what to do in the event of an approaching hurricane!

There are few infectious diseases in Dominica.
There is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika.
It is usually hot, sunny and humid in Dominica. So you run a considerable risk of dehydration and sunburn. Prevent this by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.

The roads are often narrow and can also be quite steep, so driving can be quite a challenge.
As in some other countries, it is usually the minibus drivers who pose the greatest danger on the road - they can stop suddenly and drive recklessly here and there.
A few rules: everyone must wear a seat belt, on the scooter or motorcycle both the driver and passenger must wear a helmet.

Is the trip to 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.

Purchasing international health insurance for a stay in Dominica is important because the costs for private care can be quite high and medical evacuations may be necessary in serious cases. If you are officially registered as a resident, you enjoy free basic care, but in addition to that, most expats still opt for extra private insurance for these, and other, reasons.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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