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Barbados Expat Health Insurance

Located about 500 kilometers north of Venezuela, Barbados is the most easterly of the Windward Islands and the argument continues to rage whether it is situated the Caribbean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. Considering its picture perfect scenery, with brilliant white sandy beaches and crystal blue water on three sides and a constant onshore breeze to the east making for excellent surf on the other, it hardly seems to matter. Barbados is known for its laid back attitude and love of partying, with festivals throughout the year. As a former British colony, it is now a parliamentary democracy but its population of nearly 300,000 still honors British royal sovereignty, and maintains close ties to its former ruler.

With a booming economy due to strong trade ties with the United States, the United Kingdom, and surrounding Caribbean nations, coupled with a huge tourism industry, agricultural and petroleum exports, and new offshore banking services, Barbados has confidently proclaimed its desire to soon be the smallest developed nation in the world. With an excellent network of infrastructure throughout the island including reliable roads, water, sewer, power and gas it is easy to see how it will likely soon accomplish that goal. Regarding water, Barbados is said to have one of the most pure water sources in the world due to its natural filtration system of subterranean limestone and coral shoals that clean the groundwater which is then pumped to the surface for sterilization and safe drinking. Barbados has also taken steps to pre-treat all waste water prior to returning it to the environment for disposal in order to protect the surrounding waters and marine life and reduce the risk of fecal sourced diseases to the general public.

Travelers and tourists considering visiting Barbados should be aware that dengue fever is fairly common, and asthma sufferers often experience discomfort during the sugar cane harvest season which usually requires the farmers to burn the cane prior to cutting to remove leaves and weeds thus releasing a large amount of smoke. There is no set season as the crop matures for up to 18 months and can be harvested anytime after one year, so it is best to just avoid the area nearby the harvest zone during the burn period. Further concerns include the risk of exposure to hepatitis A and B, and a high proportion of the younger generation is HIV/AIDS positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that in addition to all childhood preventative vaccinations, travelers also receive vaccination for hepatitis A/B and typhoid as a precautionary measure. Since many tourists will be visiting other countries on the same trip, it is also wise to research all vaccinations needed for any country on your itinerary prior to departure and thus be able to receive them all in one series if possible.

Barbados Healthcare System

Access to quality medical care in Barbados should not be a major concern. The United Nations Human Development Index ranks Barbados as number 31 of 159 countries polled in the world for quality of health care services available, and the available care is widely considered to be the best in the Caribbean. Numerous clinics, two medical centers, and two hospitals currently offer modern treatment options. Barbados has a government operated nationalized health care system similar to the one in use in Great Britain and reciprocal care is offered to all British nationals free of charge while visiting Barbados. Other visitors are advised to arrange international travelers insurance prior to arrival as health care costs without insurance assistance are quite high and required to be paid for by the patient if no insurance coverage is presented that is valid in Barbados. Expat health insurance or travel health insurance may fulfill you insurance needs, depending on what coverage you require. Dental services are not included in the nationalized system and must be paid for by all patients.

Health care is offered in both public and private sectors with over 100 doctors practicing on the island. In Bridgetown, the public, state operated Queen Elizabeth Hospital was opened in 1964, and offers a full array of services including pediatric care, women's health services, numerous surgical procedures, laboratory testing, neurology, rehabilitation assistance, an intensive care unit, cardiac care, emergency and ambulance services, and a pharmacy all in a well-maintained 600 bed facility. Queen Elizabeth Hospital is also the teaching hospital for the University of West Indies' Faculty of Medical Sciences offering training to post-graduate doctors and student medical professionals. For diving emergencies, a decompression chamber is available at the nearby Barbados Defense Force Headquarters medical facility also located in Bridgetown.

The privately operated Bayview Hospital, very near the other hospital, offers many of the same services, save for emergency care and ambulance service, in a smaller and newer facility. Both hospitals are very capable of treating nearly any medical problem or accident that travelers or expatriates may experience. Some clinics such as Sandy Shores Clinic and FHM Clinic are now able to provide emergency and accident care as well. Additionally, all pharmaceutical imports are monitored by the government to ensure quality remains high and prices stay affordable. As proof of the success proof of Barbados' health care system, life expectancy for Barbadians is almost 77 years, about the same as the United States.

Barbados Expat Health Insurance

All of these factors along with the convenience of English as the national language are adding up to a burgeoning medical tourism market with plenty of room to grow. Barbados intends to capitalize on this new found source of income by continuing to offer first class care at affordable rates with speedy service. If you are considering traveling to Barbados whether on holiday or relocating permanently, contact Global Health Insurance for a free insurance consultation to help you make an educated decision when purchasing travel or expat health insurance in Barbados. Expat health insurance plans that we work with can provide the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that you, your family, or travel group are protected in case of emergencyContact us now so our Insurance Experts will help you select the international health insurance package best suited to your needs, regardless of nationality, travel plans, length of stay, or budget constraints.