Health Insurance in Antigua and Barbuda, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: St. John's
Total area: 442 km2
Population: 85,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +1 268 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Antigua and Barbuda

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:

·      Antigua and Barbuda has a publicly funded healthcare system available to all residents. The government spends over 10% of its annual budget on healthcare.

·      Primary care is provided free of charge through over 30 public health centers located across both main islands and outlying islets. These act as the first point of contact for residents.

·      The main hospital is the Mount St. John Medical Center in Antigua, providing secondary and some tertiary care including surgery and maternity services. It also acts as the national referral center.

·      Some specialist services are unavailable locally and patients must travel to neighboring islands like Barbados for advanced procedures.

·      The system faces challenges of limited facilities, equipment, medicine supplies and healthcare professionals for the population.

·      Private health services supplement the public system but tend to be expensive for most residents.

·      Preventative public health programs address issues like tropical diseases, chronic conditions and health education.

·      Medical tourism also contributes as foreigners access services at competitive costs compared to countries of origin.

·      Ongoing efforts aim to strengthen primary care, upgrade hospital infrastructure and expand available specialties.

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

·      Register with a local public health center to establish primary care access for minor issues.

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical insurance before arrival as a backup.

·      Serious or complex care will require medical evacuation to regional islands like Barbados.

·      Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications needed long-term.

·      Ensure routine vaccines are up-to-date, especially for tropical diseases like hepatitis A.

·      Water safety - only consume bottled, boiled or treated water. Thoroughly cook foods.

·      Monitor potential impacts of tropical climate on health like heat illnesses.

·      Rural health center access may be limited - consider location carefully.

·      Register address with your home embassy in case of emergency assistance abroad.

·      Supplemental travel health insurance provides coverage for unexpected claims.

·      Learn basic medical terminology in English and Spanish if possible.

·      Natural disasters are a risk - keep emergency supplies and plans updated.