How does the healthcare system work in Guyana?

What is the quality of healthcare in Guyana?

• This tropical country offers the best healthcare in the Caribbean. However, it still falls short of the standards that people from Western countries are used to.
• Guyana offers both public and private healthcare. The quality of care depends on where you are, with, as in most countries, the best care in the capital Georgetown. In remote areas, care is difficult to access or even non-existent.
• All visitors to Guyana have access to healthcare, but most foreigners living in Guyana opt for private care or care in Colombia or the US. Medical evacuation is also sometimes necessary in the case of serious medical conditions or emergencies.
• Pharmacies are mainly found in urban areas.
• The emergency number for an ambulance is 913, but this only works in and around Georgetown. In other parts of the country, emergency medical care depends on local health centres and district hospitals.

How does the public healthcare system work in Guyana?

• Guyana has a universal healthcare system. The Ministry of Public Health coordinates public healthcare. Healthcare is partly free for all residents of Guyana, but often there is an additional charge.
• In the public healthcare institutions in Guyana, you will mainly find basic care. Unfortunately, the staff and resources are often limited.
• The costs are low, or the care is even free, for residents.
• Specialist care is very limited and sometimes only available in private clinics.
• The Georgetown Public Hospital is the most important public hospital.

How does the private healthcare system work in Guyana?

• Private healthcare in Guyana is a lot better than public healthcare, but very limited.
• In private healthcare, you will find specialists, shorter waiting times and better medical facilities! The costs are a lot higher and you often have to pay in advance.
• The private hospitals are only found in Georgetown. The well-known private institutions are St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Woodlands Hospital.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Guyana?

General practitioners are available through the public health centres or through private healthcare. The latter is of course faster, but also more expensive.

How is the dentist arranged in Guyana?

• There are both public and private dental care institutions. Most private institutions are sole proprietorships.
• You can get basic dental care in the state hospitals.
• Private dental care is of higher quality and offers more options. Many expats opt for a private clinic.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Guyana?

• Basic pregnancy care is available in the public hospitals, but the quality varies. In general, private care is more comfortable and the monitoring is better.
• Infant mortality in Guyana is higher than in Western countries. This is mainly due to the limited care in rural areas. Women sometimes have to walk for hours and cross several rivers to receive care.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Guyana?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Guyana?

• Guyana is not a very safe country. Violent crime is quite common and there are tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. Pickpocketing and armed robberies occur, especially in Georgetown. It is therefore not recommended to go out alone in the evening.
• There are disturbances at the border with Suriname and the border with Venezuela. Always use the official border crossings.
• Flooding is a risk during the rainy season. There can also be major tropical storms that damage roads and infrastructure.
• Political and social unrest occurs occasionally, especially during election periods.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Guyana?

• Various tropical diseases occur in Guyana. Protect yourself well against mosquitoes and discuss the necessary vaccinations with a doctor well in advance.
• HIV/AIDS is common, it is recommended to take this into account.
• Diseases that are transmitted through water are also common. Always drink boiled or filtered water.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Guyana?

• The roads are not really in good condition in Guyana. In recent years, good roads have been built in the capital, but outside of it, it is quite bumpy.
• There are many accidents. That is not surprising when cars, cyclists, cattle, pedestrians, sleeping animals and aggressive drivers all share the same roads. There is a lot of reckless and aggressive driving and traffic rules are not always followed.
• Minibus drivers in particular are known for their reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance. Most accidents occur with minibuses, so it is better to avoid them.
• Seatbelts are mandatory and using a phone while driving (unless hands-free) is illegal.

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

• Is the trip to Guyana 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 Guyana if you are going to live there for a while?

• Good international health insurance is a must in Guyana to avoid financial surprises when you have to be evacuated abroad for medical care.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.