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

How does the healthcare system work in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Healthcare in Saint Kitts and Nevis is reasonably good, but quite limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) has helped the country with various healthcare challenges, particularly disaster plans.
There are eleven medical facilities in St Kitts and six in Nevis that mainly provide basic care. Specialist care is also available, but much more limited.
There are four hospitals spread across the two islands.
There is no decompression chamber on the islands. If you need one, you will have to be evacuated by helicopter or flight to Saba.
The main hospital is the Joseph N. France General Hospital in Basseterre with 156 beds. On Nevis, the main hospital is the Alexandra Hospital.

There are two different Ministries of Health, each serving an island and working well together.
There is no public health insurance in the country. However, the government does finance part of the care, which keeps the costs low and some services are even free.
There is also a government fund that provides support for health care related to disabilities and pregnancy, among other things.
Working residents contribute part of their salary to the national social security fund. But this only covers sickness at work and pension.
Hospitals offer all kinds of care, but are often limited in specialized medical services.
The two main public hospitals are the Joseph N. France General Hospital in Basseterre and the Alexandra Hospital in Charlestown.
The seventeen health centers offer basic care, including minor surgery, maternity care and wound care.

There are no private hospitals in Saint Kitts and Nevis. There are, however, private clinics where you can receive basic care.
Most foreigners who live in Saint Kitts and Nevis choose private care because it provides more options, as well as shorter waiting times and more personalized care.
Because private care is also limited, it is still possible that you will need a medical evacuation.
The costs for evacuation and for private care can be quite high. For this reason, most people who can afford it take out international health insurance.

There are several family doctors working in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
You can often find family doctors through your own embassy, or other embassies, or you can ask your friends for advice.

Dental care is not subsidized by the government. Most (extensive) dental care is provided by private clinics.
Dental care here is generally of good quality. Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations for a good dental practice!

Saint Kitts and Nevis is quite safe. Pickpocketing does occur, especially in tourist and busy places.
Violent crime is rare. Be careful in remote areas, especially in the dark and especially as a woman.
Scams occur, especially taxis that charge too much and souvenirs that are far too expensive.
The greatest dangers are hurricanes and tropical storms, especially between June and November. So make sure you know what to do in these situations and always follow the advice of the government.

There are several infectious diseases that you should take into account in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Leptospirosis, dengue and zika are quite common.
Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Driving in Saint Kitts and Nevis is fairly quiet. There is little traffic in Nevis in particular.
The roads are reasonably good, but quite narrow. Most expats have their own car (often a big SUV) - with air conditioning! But you can also use public transport - buses.
Taxis are handy for island tours.
There are also ferries and water taxis available between the different ports.

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.

Health insurance is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended because of the 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.

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