Here’s to Your Health! Expatriate Healthcare in the DR
Are you planning on relocating to the Dominican Republic and wondering what you can expect once you relocate abroad? As one of the most popular destinations for retirees as well as entrepreneurs from all over the world, the DR attracts adventure seekers looking for a beautiful, warm, and safe place to call home. With advanced infrastructure, a stable economy and government, and an extremely affordable cost of living, the Dominican Republic is a wonderful place to settle down and embrace the joy of island living.
As one of the DR’s most trusted and longstanding builders (30+ years and counting!), Casa Linda Quality Communities knows how important it is to have the right information on your side before making the leap to moving abroad. Our biggest passion, aside from building luxurious and affordable villas here in the Dominican, is making sure you have everything you need to succeed in paradise. Below, we’ll talk about one of the most important expat details you’ll want to have in mind when moving: health insurance. Read on to learn more!
Healthcare in the Dominican Republic
One of the most attractive aspects of moving the to Dominican is that you can adapt to island living without having to give up a top-tier medical system. The DR has an exceptional medical care system designed to provide quality and affordable care to all citizens and residents. At present the medical system in the DR operates under a 3-tier basis:
- Contributive (for those working in the Dominican and operating with a plan provided by employers)
- Subsidized (for low income, unemployed, or those unable to work due to an existing condition)
- Contributive subsidized (where most foreign residents will fall with private insurance plans etc).
Each tier has its own baselines and parameters, but by and large, the majority of expatriates tend to fall under the third category.
What is Covered by State Healthcare
Over the past few decades, the Dominican government has made significant strides towards universal healthcare, with today’s State coverage extending to primary and hospital care in most cases. Most significant and unanticipated expenses are part of this level of care, but to ensure that you have the coverage you need when it matters most (i.e. prescriptions, surgeries and comfort base treatments, etc.), having some form of privatized insurance is advisable for your own health and peace of mind.
Types of Insurance Coverage in the Dominican
The Dominican Republic has a wide range of insurance options available for expatriates, many of which fall under an “international” category. There is also local health insurance, as well as traveller’s insurance for snowbirds or those who are looking to vacation on the island first before making their big move.
Regardless of what option you choose, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that finding comprehensive and reliable healthcare is incredibly affordable, with some plans starting as low as $100 USD every 3 months!
Living in Paradise is Easy!
Casa Linda Quality Communities is here to help you make the most out of your time in paradise. With affordable custom villages located in our beautiful Cabarete community, the life you’ve always dreamed of is only a call away! Contact us today to learn more!
Healthy Living in the Dominican Republic: Healthcare in the DR
Are you one of the many couples considering making the leap to a permanent expatriate lifestyle? Whether you’re approaching retirement or simply need a change of pace, relocating to the Dominican Republic is a wonderful way to make the most of your new chapter in life. With dependable infrastructure, stable government, plenty of perks for foreign investors, and (of course) beauty as far as the eye can see, it’s no surprise that the DR is a popular destination for expatriates. As a trusted builder on the northern end of the island, Casa Linda Quality Communities is proud to welcome countless newcomers to our beautiful shores and helped you embrace the “life Tranquilo” (laid back and easy going). We know that moving abroad is a big decision, and our team is always here to support you in achieving your dream slice of paradise!
Below, we’ll tackle one of the most asked about aspects of relocating to the Dominican Republic: healthcare. Read on to learn more about this important topic!
Health Matters
While there’s no shortage of details to consider when choosing your new home abroad, it’s easy to see why healthcare is typically at the top of everyone’s list of concerns. Having access to quality care plays a huge role in determining our overall quality of life, and for those with existing health conditions, or concerns for the future, knowing that you’ll have the help you need when it matters most brings priceless peace of mind. Fortunately, in the Dominican Republic, you’ll. Never have to compromise when it comes to healthcare.
World-Class Medical Care
Contrary to a popular point of confusion, the DR is home to exceptional healthcare despite being a smaller country in the Caribbean. The Dominican government has prioritized the healthcare system since 2001, and their medical care has consistently evolved into the world-class standing we have today. The Dominican now has a reputation as a leading medical care provider with highly trained doctors and state-of-the-art facilities designed to treat all levels of need. In short, not only is the Dominican leaps and bounds ahead of other Caribbean countries in terms of the quality of care offered, but shorter wait times and lower costs overall mean that residents have peace of mind here where it counts the most.
Affordable Insurance
While most basic healthcare in the DR is offered free of charge, healthcare insurance is available from many different providers to assist with any procedures, prescriptions or additional needs that are not covered. There are several types of plans available to choose from and the average cost of an advanced plan ranges from approximately $700 to $1500 USD annually (per couple). Plans cover doctor’s visits, hospital stays, in-hospital medicines, dental procedures, ambulance services, etc. and can be purchased on a yearly or quarterly basis, making them the perfect choice for part-time residents as well as those looking to make a permanent move.
Existing Prescriptions
For those who are concerned about being able to fill current prescriptions, you’ll be happy to know that doctors here prescribe the same as other places in the world, and our local pharmacists are well trained and able to advise on health issues and medicines. If you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll still be able to receive service in English at many pharmacies.
Relax in Paradise
Are you ready to discover life in the sun? Contact Casa Linda today to learn how you can get started building your dream home!
Your Health Matters: Medical Care in the Dominican Republic
Medical Care in the Dominican Republic
Are you planning to retire in the Dominican Republic in the coming future and feeling a little confused while researching some key details? Casa Linda is here to help! As a trusted builder on the northern end of the island, we’ve welcomed countless expats to our beautiful shores and helped them embrace the “life tranquilo” (laid back and easy going) here in the Dominican Republic. We know that moving abroad is a big decision, and our team is always here to support you in achieving your dream slice of paradise! Below we’ll talk about one of the most important aspects for any relocating couple to consider before moving abroad: healthcare. Read on to learn more!
Dispelling the “Rumours”
If you’re under the impression that the Dominican Republic has subpar healthcare due to it being a smaller country, you couldn’t be more wrong. In reality, healthcare in the Dominican Republic has seen vast improvements and expansion since 2001, and now has a world-class system that is carefully designed to provide optimal service at costs that make coverage accessible to everyone. Since introducing the reformed system several years ago, the country has garnered a reputation for leading medical care across the globe and has several state of the art facilities dedicated to advance care with service available in English and Spanish. Not only is the Dominican leaps and bounds ahead of other Caribbean countries in terms of the quality of care offered, but shorter wait times and lower costs overall mean that residents have peace of mind here where it counts the most.
Many of our Casa Linda owners have experienced outstanding service for basic medical care all the way to life saving surgery. Bournigal Hospital in Puerto Plata has an International Center that deals with expats and tourists by providing English speaking doctors and personnel, and assists with navigating the medical system here. It is a full service hospital with a variety of specialists, full operating theaters and no wait times.
HOMS Hospital in Santiago would rival any large facility in the US or Canada and even does robotic surgery! One entire building is devoted to cancer care. This hospital specializes in cardiovascular care and has a bariatric and metabolic surgery center tool
Insurance You Can Rely On
In addition to having one the most advanced medical systems in the Caribbeans, the Dominican’s readily accessible healthcare insurance is designed to make coverage straightforward and affordable. There are several types of plans available to choose from and the average cost of an advanced plan ranges from approximately $700 to $1500 USD annually (per couple). Plans cover doctor’s visits, hospital stays, in-hospital medicines, dental procedures, ambulance services, etc. and can be purchased on a yearly or quarterly basis, making them the perfect choice for part-time residents as well as those looking to make a permanent move.
Local Hospitals
As we mentioned above, the Dominican has exceptional facilities for care, including dedicated services for a wide range of specialists, surgeries, MRIs and more. With multiple facilities located within a 5-30 minute radius of Casa Linda, you can have peace of mind knowing that the help you need is always close by.
Medicine
For those concerned about current prescriptions, you’ll be happy to know that doctors prescribe the same as other places in the world, and local pharmacists are well trained and able to advise on health issues and medicines. If you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll still be able to receive service at many pharmacies and generally speaking there is typically little difficulty keeping up with your usual prescription.
Relax in Paradise
The World Health Organization ranks the Dominican Republic healthcare system within their top 100 systems worldwide, meaning that your quality of life is never a point of concern while you adapt to life in paradise. For those looking to take the leap and enjoy safe living in the Caribbean, there couldn’t be a better fit than the Dominican Republic.
Are you ready to discover life in the sun? Contact Casa Linda today to learn how you can get started building your dream home!