How does the healthcare system work in Trinidad and Tobago?

What is the quality of healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago consists of both public and private institutions. As almost everywhere, the quality of the private sector is much better than that of the public sector.
• The quality of care is reasonable, but medical evacuation may be necessary in serious cases.
• Standard medicines are easily available.
• The emergency number is 811. You will then be taken to the nearest emergency room. The government emphasizes that the ambulance service is limited, so call only in case of an emergency.

How does the public healthcare system work in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Trinidad and Tobago offers free public healthcare for residents and partly for expats!
• The quality of public healthcare does not meet the standards of more developed countries. In the cities, care is reasonable, but care is limited. This is especially true for care outside the cities and for more specialized care.
• Unfortunately, public healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago suffers from long waiting times and shortages of medical staff and medical equipment.
• Almost all major hospitals and healthcare institutions can be found in Trinidad. Tobago has only one large hospital.
• There are several public clinics and health centres spread throughout the country. These health facilities generally provide free primary care, including for foreigners who are (temporarily) living in the country, and are usually open between 8 AM and 4 PM.
• Most locals use District Health Facilities (DHF). DHFs are often open 24 hours a day and offer a variety of care, including maternity care, dental care, fitness programs, pharmacy services, radiology and some specialist services.
• Foreigners do have to pay for a number of services. These include for example treatments for chronic diseases, HIV/AIDS tests and medicines, cancer treatments and medicines.
• You can often just walk in the facility and do not need to make an appointment in advance.

How does the private healthcare system work in Trinidad and Tobago?

• The private sector is smaller than the public sector, but the quality of care is often better. Foreigners therefore usually use and preferably use private healthcare facilities.
• Specialized care is sometimes only available at private clinics. Think of dialysis, chemotherapy, operations, etc. However, care is also limited and the institutions are often not well equipped to deal with serious conditions and long-term care.
• There are four private hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago.
• For private care needs to be paid in advance. Care is quite expensive and most expats purchase private health insurance for this reason. You can do this locally, or you can purchase international health insurance, so that you are also covered for medical evacuation and repatriation.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Trinidad and Tobago?

• General practitioners work at public and private healthcare institutions and hospitals throughout the country.
• General practitioners are the first point of contact and provide basic care. They also write referrals to specialists.
• Check with other reliable sources, where you can find a good general practitioner who suits you.

How is the dentist arranged in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Dental care is only available by appointment and care is generally limited. Dental care for children is often provided at specific times and days in public clinics.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Maternity care is widely available in Trinidad and Tobago, both in public and private health facilities.
• Almost all deliveries in Trinidad and Tobago take place in hospitals.
• Pregnant women living in Trinidad and Tobago can receive free maternity care at public health facilities.
• A referral from a doctor at a general hospital, a private doctor or the result of a pregnancy test is required.
• Most deliveries therefore also take place in public hospitals due to the lower costs.
• Home births are also an option, but it is recommended by the government that a midwife or other health professional is present.
• Abortion is illegal, except when the mother's life is in danger.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Trinidad and Tobago?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Trinidad and Tobago is not a very safe place to live in. The crime rate is high and there is a lot of violent and gang related crime, including murder.
• Areas where there are a lot of serious crimes commited are downtown Port of Spain, Laventille, Barataria, Beetham, Caranage, Sea Lots and Morvant, the harbours, Barataria, Cocorite and in Queens Park Savannah.
• Bag snatching and pickpocketing are also common.
• Tobago has a much lower level of violent crime, making it a safer place to base yourself.
• Avoid areas without lighting and stay in areas with lots of other people.
• Crime is common in vehicles. This ranges from robbery to sexual assault, kidnapping and even murder.
• So always use reputable taxi companies, be wary of people who offer you a ride, don’t use shared taxis, always keep your windows and doors closed when driving yourself and follow local advice regarding safe areas.
• Multiple different dating apps are often used to scam or attack people. 
• Last but not least, Trinidad and Tobago can experience hurricanes (especially June-November), earthquakes and severe weather conditions (all year round). Always follow local advice and keep your passport in a safe, waterproof case.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, zika and malaria occur. So protect yourself well against mosquitoes!
• HIV/AIDS is relatively common, so be aware of this. If you are the victim of a sexual crime, seek medical help as soon as possible.
• Diseases that are transmitted through water or food, such as parasites and infectious diseases, are also common. So only drink well-boiled or filtered water and only eat food that has been safely prepared.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Driving in Trinidad and Tobago can be quite chaotic. There are small, winding roads with a bad surface, and good highways where people drive far too fast.
• Local drivers sometimes drive unpredictably.
• Beware of the deep gullies along the country roads.
• It is better not to drive at night. Many roads are unlit and it can be dangerous.
• The Beetham Highway is a dangerous place. People may run into the street, or even throw things at your car to stop you and rob or attack you. If you can drive on, do not stop until you are in a safe place.
• Bump and rob cases also occur. You are advised to get out of the car, and then robbed of your belongings. There have even been cases of murder.
• Accidents related to alcohol consumption occur mainly on weekends and in the evening.
• Only use reputable taxi companies (ask your local friends or colleagues for advice).
• On public transport you run the risk of being robbed or attacked. It is therefore generally not safe.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Trinidad and Tobago?

• Is the trip to Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidad and Tobago if you are going to live there for a while?

• In general, having your own insurance is not mandatory for a visa, but it is a must to avoid high costs. Most foreigners prefer private healthcare due to multiple reasons. The costs of the private healthcare can be quite high. It is also possible that you need medical evacuation or repatriation, especially because of the state of healthcare and the security situation in the country.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.