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Dominican Republic Expat Health Insurance

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. The island was famously visited by explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492. The ‘Ciudad Colonial’ in the capital city of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the oppressive regime of General Rafael Trujillo from 1930 until he was assassinated in 1961, the Dominican Republic has become the Caribbean’s top tourist destination. Although it is still a developing country with extreme income inequality, its degree of wealth lies in stark contrast to the poverty of neighbouring Haiti. The Domincan economy is highly dependent on remittances from its citizens working abroad, particularly the US, home to an estimated 1.3 million Dominicans. The Dominican Republic’s strong Latin Caribbean culture are a major attraction. Baseball and merengue music are two favourite pastimes.

Dominican health care indicators are relatively good considering its low economic status. Life expectancy for males is 71 years and 72 years for females, which is just slightly below that of more developed economies. The Dominican Republic spends USD495 annually per capita on health care, or about 5.9 percent of GDP. The country is highly dependent on aid from international and bilateral donors as well as overseas remittances in funding health care. Local public Dominican Republic health insurance and care is provided by the National Health Service administered by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (SESPAS). The Dominican healthcare workforce is understaffed by regional standards, with 18.8 doctors and 18.4 nurses per 10,000 population – brain drain leads many talented practitioners overseas for more lucrative opportunities. Still it should be noted that this proportion of health care personnel is high for a developing country. Furthermore, resources are concentrated in wealthy urban areas and those frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Dominican Republic Health Insurance and Health Indicators

Like many developing countries, the Dominican Republic bears a disproportionate burden of mortality via communicable diseases. HIV infection rates at 9 per 1,000 adults exceed the global average and is nearly double the Americas norm. Tuberculosis affects 107 of every 100,000 Dominicans. A slight decline in access to improved drinking water sources in urban areas has surely contributed to the burden of communicable disease. However, Dominicans are increasingly battling obesity and concomitant diseases of affluence such as diabetes, cancer and cardiac disease which come with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles.

Despite the best efforts of the National Health Service in the provision of Dominican Republic health insurance and care, maternal mortality remains high, even though there has been a concerted effort to improve antenatal, birth and infant health care. The latest WHO Strategic Agenda for the Dominican Republic includes: improvement of public policy, reform of the National Health Service, sustainable development, public health surveillance and responding to community needs.

Dominican Republic Health Insurance Guide for Expatriates and Tourists

Long popular as a tourist destination, the Dominican Republic has increasingly attracted more expatriates, especially retirees, to its warm tropical climate and beautiful beaches. However, there are several health risks to be considered before deciding to relocate or visit. Updating routine immunisations is strongly recommended, and typhoid vaccination is recommended for those visiting more remote parts of the Dominican Republic with limited access to fresh water. Furthermore, malaria is prevalent throughout the country, including tourist resorts. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellent with DEET are all recommended. Travellers should also seek a physician’s advice on appropriate anti-malarial prescription pills if necessary.

Hispaniola is also very prone to natural disaster, as the major earthquake in Haiti in 2010 has shown. In addition to the immediate damage caused by the quake, follow on effects such as mudslides, contamination of drinking water, and overflowing sewage lines leading to destruction and disease. The Caribbean also suffers from frequent hurricanes and tropical storms. These issues can strain the already limited Dominican Republic health insurance and health care resources beyond their limits.

Dominican Republic Expat Health Insurance

Despite the limitations of the public health care system, many expatriates come to the Dominican Republic due to the low cost of private care in comparison with that of their home country. Although private hospitals and clinics are much more expensive than public hospitals, they are much cheaper than in say the US or Europe. Medical tourism is definitely a growth industry in the Dominican Republic, although standards of care may vary.

When travelling or relocating to the Dominican Republic, it may be wise to take an expat health insurance plans may be a wise investment to protect your health and finances. Local public Dominican Republic health insurance may be inadequate for specialist or emergency care. Even private clinics may not offer the same standards as developed countries in certain cases, and in a serious emergency, medical airlift evacuation to the US may be required, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

There are many options for international health care plans on the market, and choosing the best one for yourself, your family, your tour group or your business can be difficult when looking for appropriate coverage in the Dominican Republic. Expat health insurance that our team of experienced advisors can advise you on ensure that you select the best plan to suit your requirements. Travelling or relocating to an exotic destination like the Dominican Republic is an exciting opportunity, but it can also be a major cause of stress. Global Health International is here to help you cut through the red tape and explain the benefits of each plan. Give yourself the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to protecting your family’s health and contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.