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

How does the healthcare system work in Grenada?

Good news! Grenada has one of the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean. Life is also wonderfully comfortable with lots of local, healthy food, clean air and free time. It is not for nothing that the average life expectancy is 75 years.
You have a choice of both public and private healthcare facilities here.
There are seven major hospitals and 30 health centres. There is a health centre within five kilometres of every home.
The healthcare staff are generally very committed and always do their best to help you as much as possible.
St. George’s University School of Medicine is the pride of the medical field in Grenada. Grenada’s largest hospital, St. George’s General Hospital, is located on the campus.
There are many pharmacies and they are generally well stocked. Traditional medicines are also popular, which means that medical care is often very holistic.
In case of emergency, private emergency care is better than public, but a medical evacuation is still often necessary - and you will get a hefty bill for that. Call 911 in case of a medical emergency. Emergency care is free for everyone.

Basic healthcare is free for residents of Grenada. This includes visits to the general practitioner and specialist (with referral), hospitalization, emergency care, pregnancy care, vaccinations, basic dental care and certain prescription medications.
The government finances healthcare (around USD 535 per resident) from taxes and foreign funds.
There is no national health insurance (yet). There is a kind of national insurance system, but it only covers work-related injuries.
There are three acute care hospitals where everyone can receive free emergency care.
With the exception of children, the elderly and the indigenous population, people usually have to pay for lab tests, physiotherapy and medicines themselves.

In private healthcare you will find more specialists and also better medical facilities.
There are four private hospitals. There are also several health centers, labs and doctors with their own clinics.
Healthcare is usually paid for in cash.
Although private healthcare is more comprehensive than public healthcare, medical evacuation may still be necessary in severe cases.

There are both public and private general practitioners available in the cities of Grenada. Some resorts have their own GP.
GPs can only refer to certain approved specialists.

Basic dental care is available through the public system and is generally available to residents.
More comprehensive dental care is available through private clinics.
The quality of dental care is good.

In general, maternity care is of good quality with regular appointments, check-ups and examinations. The infant mortality rate is also below the global average.
However, certain specialist examinations or treatments may not be available.
Births take place in hospital or at home. In the case of a home birth, the midwife is present. It is usually a well-trained midwife who monitors and supervises the pregnancy.
100% of births are now attended by a healthcare professional.
Abortion is illegal, except when the mother's life is in danger.

Grenada is relatively safe, but things like pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur.
Yachts are also robbed occassionaly on the south coast.
As a woman, be careful when traveling alone. Sexual harassment does occur.
Hurricanes lurk in Grenada. Make sure you know what to do if a hurricane strikes.
Be careful on the coast, there can be strong currents and there are not always lifeguards present.
If you go hiking, make sure you have good insurance, have a guide with you and that you have let someone know where you are going.

There are few infectious diseases in Grenada.
You run the risk of getting dengue, chikungunya and zika. So protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
Tap water is drinkable in Grenada.

There are many narrow and winding roads in Grenada, which makes driving a fun adventure, but can also be nerve-racking.
Since there are virtually no sidewalks, you share the road with pedestrians.
If a pedestrian signals you to stop, do NOT do so. It is often a robbery ploy.
Taxis are available. Agree on a price before you leave.
Minibuses are also an option. Most buses leave from the bus terminal in St. Georges.
You MUST wear a seatbelt in Grenada. If you are not wearing one and are caught, you will receive a hefty fine (around 400 USD).

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.

The costs for private care and medical evacuations can be considerably high. For this reason, good, international health insurance is recommended. This saves you a lot of stress and possibly money.
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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