The Cayman Islands is home to a broad range of medical services, including hospitals, clinics, specialist doctors and general practitioners. The standard of healthcare on the islands is excellent. Most of the facilities are located on the Grand Cayman, but there are health centres on all three islands.
The hospitals have received recognition for their technological advancements across several specialities. Healthcare and medication can be costly, so health insurance is necessary.
Public healthcare in the Cayman Islands
Public healthcare is available in the Cayman Islands, but expats planning to use these services will still need to take out compulsory health insurance to cover them while they are on the island.
Public health services are largely cheaper than private healthcare services, but expats can expect longer queues, lower-quality facilities and fewer amenities.
Private healthcare in the Cayman Islands
Most expats in the Cayman Islands will opt to use private healthcare. Due to the high costs associated with this, expats will generally take out a comprehensive health insurance plan which will cover any specialists and emergencies during their time on the islands.
Private healthcare in the Cayman Islands is typically of a high standard, and expats can expect to find well-trained medical professionals and short waiting lists.
Health insurance in the Cayman Islands
Basic health insurance coverage is mandatory for every resident in the Cayman Islands. In fact, the Cayman Islands was one of the first countries to implement this policy. Most international health insurance policies are not accepted in the Cayman Islands, so expats will need to research local government-approved insurance companies to find a suitable plan for their specific healthcare needs.
Expats working in the Cayman Islands must ensure their employer registers them with a Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) on the first day of their employment. Expats will need to undergo a medical examination to determine the level of coverage they will require. The SHIC system typically covers GP visits, hospital stays and surgical care, but the extent of coverage will depend on expats' individual cover.
Emergency services in the Cayman Islands
There are ambulances across the Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac and these can be called using 911.
While the islands are generally well-equipped to handle most medical issues, some complicated surgeries or severe emergencies may require medical evacuation to overseas hospitals. Expats should be sure to take out a medical insurance plan which will cover them for cases such as these.