How does healthcare work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

What is the quality of healthcare in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Despite the government’s efforts to improve healthcare, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not the best place to get seriously ill. If this happens, you are likely to need a medical evacuation.
• Healthcare is a mix of private and public healthcare facilities, but the options are quite limited.
• The main hospital is the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown.
• In any case, the vast majority of healthcare is concentrated in Kingstown.
• There is no decompression chamber for divers. The nearest is in Barbados.
• It can be difficult to find pharmacies and medicines in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

How does the public healthcare system work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Foreigners living and working in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines must pay 8% of their income to the National Insurance Services (NIS). 3.5% is paid by the employee, 4.5% by the employer. From this contribution you receive compensation for illness, pregnancy, disability, accidents at work and funerals.
• For a self-employed person and someone who does not work there but does live there, the contribution is voluntary and between 6.5 and 7.5%.
• There are approximately 39 health centres spread across the islands that provide primary care. There are also five district hospitals for primary care.
• Secondary care is available at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown.

How does the private healthcare system work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Private institutions offer better care, shorter waiting times and often employ specialised doctors.
• There are three private hospitals spread across the islands.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• There are a limited number of GPs in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These can be found at both public institutions and hospitals, as well as private healthcare institutions.
• Ask other expats for advice and you may find a good GP.

How is the dentist arranged in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• There are ten public dental clinics that mainly provide preventive care.
• There are also a few private dentists, but only Georgetown on Saint Vincent.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Women have good access to maternity care and a healthcare professional is present at almost all births.
• Most births take place at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. There are also birthing centers in certain districts that also provide support during births.
• Abortion is illegal, except in the case of rape, incest or risks to the mother's health.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is safe for foreign residents. There is little violent crime, but it does occasionally happen that something is stolen from someone.
• Hurricanes and volcanoes are a risk in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Always have transportation and follow government advice.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Zika, chikungunya and dengue are common in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. So make sure you protect yourself from mosquitoes.
• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• The sun can be quite intense. So protect yourself from those bright rays!

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• Driving on the roads of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be quite a challenge due to the narrow roads and poor maintenance.
• Local drivers can be quite aggressive and unpredictable.
• Kingstown can sometimes experience major traffic jams, especially during rush hour and holidays.
• During periods of heavy rainfall, landslides can occur, making routes impassable.
• Buses and taxis are a good option for getting around. Always agree on a price in advance for taxis.
• Water taxis are popular for traveling between islands, but they do not always meet the safety standards.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

• 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.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines if you are going to live there for a while?

• There is no universal health insurance when you live in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Because medical evacuation is often necessary in serious situations, and because private care can be expensive and difficult to access, international health insurance is essential.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.