Healthcare in the Cayman Islands

Access to healthcare in the Cayman Islands is generally good, with a broad range of medical services available, 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.

Cayman Islands 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. 

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. By law, the employer is required to cover 50 percent of the cost of health insurance.

For a list of health insurance providers and other useful resources, visit the website of the Cayman Islands Insurance Association (CIIA).

Pharmacies and medicine in the Cayman Islands

Pharmacies are easy to find in the Cayman Islands and are generally well stocked. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and will be able to advise on basic injuries and ailments. Typical hours are 8am or 9am to 5pm or 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Some pharmacies have slightly longer hours and may be open on Sundays as well.

Vaccinations for the Cayman Islands

Recommended vaccines for the Cayman Islands include those for Hepatitis A and B as well as typhoid and rabies. Routine vaccinations such as those for mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) and tetanus should also be kept up to date.

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.