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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Expat Health Insurance

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. It can be found west of Barbados, north of Grenada and south of Saint Lucia, in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The country consists of 32 Islands, inlets and cays. Over recent years the country has seen increasing growth in tourism encouraged by the filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies on the islands. The capital city, Kingston is located on the island of Saint Vincent, which is the largest island; however, tourists are predominantly drawn to island hopping the other 31 deserted islands, inlets and cays that boast white sand beaches, cobalt-blue water and tranquility. The World Health Organization warns that accidents occur in recreational waters, in connection with diving, swimming, sailing and other water-based activities, however the risk of such occurrences can be reduced through taking appropriate precautions such as heeding warnings by authorities, and being aware of any danger areas. In the event something does happen, purchasing a comprehensive global health insurance plan which covers costs for repatriation and evacuation should be considered. The islands are also hit frequently by hurricanes, which often cause considerable damage to infrastructure and crops. The climate varies across the islands, and is slightly warmer and drier in the Grenadines than Saint Vincent.

The economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is reliant on tourism which is steered by seasonal variations. Banana production is the main industry and presents difficulties to the country, as they are reliant on just one type of crop which is vulnerable to fluctuations in price. In 2010 the countries debt burden was over 90 percent of the GDP which limits its ability to adequately respond to such fluctuations. The population is approximately 140,000, with English as the official language; Vincentian Creole is also spoken and is known as the local dialect.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Health Care and Insurance

The Ministry of Health is charged with providing good quality, sustainable, primary and secondary health care. The health care system offers educational programs in health and nutrition as well as health care services. Primary care is delivered in 39 health centers across nine health districts, each staffed by a district nurse and a community health aide. Each health center is designed to offer services to 2,900 people; services which include emergency care, midwifery, medical care and child health services, with patients not having to travel further than 3 miles to receive treatment.

The main hospital is located in Kingston which is the country’s only acute care facility and provides specialist care in most fields; however it may still be necessary to be medically evacuated to Barbados, Trinidad or even the United States in the event of a serious medical condition developing. There are a further five rural hospitals which can provide a minimum level of secondary care and also one mental health care hospital. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has approximately 10 physicians and 22 nurses per 10,000 people. There are also three private health care centers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that provide a relatively good standard of care but still not able to offer the full range of specialties. Life expectancy is 72 years for men and 76 years for women (UN, 2010).

Those visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can expect a basic standard of care should they need medical assistance while in the country, however for more serious illnesses and certain specialties, air evacuation is the only option. The health system responds effectively to basic illnesses or injuries and visitors can be treated immediately at the local health care centers. Treatment in the main hospital in Kingston however, requires a doctor’s referral. As with many countries, treatment is only received following upfront payment or following proof that comprehensive medical insurance coverage exists. It should also be noted that there is no hyperbaric chamber in the country and divers with decompression illness must be evacuated from the island for treatment. Costs associated with such an evacuation are considerable, and it is therefore recommended by travel advisories that expatriates and visitors to the islands purchase comprehensive medical and travel insurance that includes a proviso for air evacuation.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Advice

Before commencement of travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it is suggested that routine vaccinations should be up to date, and expatriate health insurance is arranged in case of illness or injury while travelling. Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid are also recommended by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Typhoid and Hepatitis A are transmitted through contaminated water and food, and due to this risk, strict hygiene practices should be undertaken to minimize exposure; hands should be washed often, with soap or an alcohol based hand sanitizer and wherever possible, bottled water only should consumed and used for food preparation. If bottled water is unavailable, iodine tablets and water filters should alternatively be used to filter the water before use. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through infected blood or bodily fluids. The vaccine is recommended in the event that individuals may be exposed in the course of medical treatment or through unsafe practices such as needle sharing or unprotected sexual contact. The Rabies vaccination is only recommended for travellers that will be partaking in activities that may bring them into direct contact with bats.

The Caribbean islands have experienced dengue fever epidemics, which are common to countries with tropical climatic conditions, and the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have also been afflicted. Transmission occurs following a bite from an infected mosquito. Expatriates should discuss with a medical professional the best ways to avoid this disease before arriving in the country. Measures such as ensuring accommodation is mosquito proof, spraying with bug-spray, using mosquito-nets or sleeping in an air conditioned room are all successful in the prevention of mosquito bites, as is applying insect repellent regularly and covering exposed areas of skin.

Given the country’s location and the propensity for hurricanes, throughout the months of June to November, those visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are recommended to pay attention to local and international weather forecasts for updates on possible or approaching hurricanes. Crime is relatively low across the islands however individuals should always be aware of their surroundings and follow basic personal security awareness. Visitors should avoid walking unaccompanied at night, and should not carry any large amounts of cash or jewelry. Travellers should also take a cautionary approach when driving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Locals demonstrate a relaxed attitude to road-rules, so drivers need to be conscious of this. Advisories note that comprehensive travel and medical insurance should be taken out to help cover any unanticipated expenditure such as medical costs or stolen possessions.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Expat Health Insurance

The health service in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is similar to that of western standards however medical care is only available for limited specialties. For more serious illnesses air evacuation to Barbados, Trinidad or the USA is the only option, and visitors and expatriates are recommended to purchase comprehensive medical insurance in the event of such occurrences prior to arriving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Expat health insurance that Global Health Insurance works with can be tailored to meet any travellers needs, whether it be long or short-term travel to any destination and across a variety of budgets for people going to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Expat health insurance policies can be transferred globally and can include doctor consultations, inpatient services, medications, maternity coverage, repatriation or emergency evacuation. Contact one of our international medical insurance experts for a free expatriate insurance health quote that is right for you and your family. Ensure that a medical emergency does not become a financial burden by contacting us today.