Health Insurance in Guyana, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: Georgetown
Total area: 214,969 km2
Population: 738,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +592 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Guyana

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Guyana has a mixed public-private system. About 40% of healthcare spending is public and 60% private out-of-pocket or insurance.

·      The public system provides free primary care through health centers/hospitals run by regional health authorities and the Ministry of Health.

·      Access to public services varies considerably between urban and rural/interior regions that lack infrastructure and staffing.

·      Private medical practices, hospitals and pharmacies are commonly used due to perceived higher quality of care.

·      Around 30% of Guyanese have some form of private health insurance through their employers or private policies.

·      Guyana faces challenges of brain drain, funding shortages, lack of specialists and equipment across the health sector.

·      Health outcomes have improved but indicators still lag peers - infant/maternal mortality remains relatively high.

·      Communicable diseases pose risks due to inadequate water/sanitation in parts of the country.

·      Life expectancy is 68 years on average but relies heavily on socioeconomic determinants.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase full comprehensive international medical evacuation insurance before arrival. Relying solely on Guyana's public system is not advised.

·      Most expats use private doctors and hospitals in Georgetown exclusively due to limited public infrastructure elsewhere.

·      Ensure insurance provides nationwide coverage as quality declines significantly outside major cities/coastal areas.

·      Bring needed prescription medications due to unreliable local supply and gaps in specialized drugs/treatments.

·      Learn basic medical terms in English and local dialects like Creole for communication if traveling regionally.

·      Strictly follow water/food safety - brush teeth with bottled water due to untreated municipal supply in parts.

·      Exercise caution re tropical diseases like malaria - use nets, repellent and get advice on preventative drugs.

·      Remote worksites/travel makes road evacuation risky. Have a contingency plan in place.

·      Register with an international medical assistance provider and nearby clinic familiar with expat needs.