Healthcare in the Cayman Islands

Access to healthcare in the Cayman Islands is generally excellent, offering a wide range of medical services, including hospitals, clinics, specialist doctors, and general practitioners. Most medical facilities are in Grand Cayman, but all three islands have health centres.

Cayman Islands hospitals are known for their advanced medical technology and high standards of care. However, medical treatment can be expensive, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents.

Public healthcare in the Cayman Islands

Public healthcare in the Cayman Islands is overseen by the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA). If you’re a legal resident, you have access to public healthcare but must have a valid health insurance plan. Employers typically provide coverage, but you can also arrange it privately.

While public healthcare meets high standards, specialist care usually requires referrals, and waiting times can be long. Public hospitals are well maintained but may not offer the same level of comfort and advanced treatments as private hospitals. The government is working to expand mental health services and improve specialist access, but demand often outpaces availability.

Private healthcare in the Cayman Islands

Many residents prefer private healthcare in the Cayman Islands for its efficiency and direct access to specialists. Private hospitals and clinics offer a broad range of services, including cardiology, dermatology, orthopaedics, and cosmetic treatments.

Private care comes with shorter wait times and a more personalised experience, but it comes at a cost. Most residents take out comprehensive private insurance to cover specialist consultations, elective procedures, and emergency care. Without insurance, private medical services can be expensive.

Health insurance in the Cayman Islands

Health insurance in the Cayman Islands is mandatory for all residents, including expats. The country was among the first to introduce a universal health insurance policy, ensuring everyone has access to basic healthcare services.

If you are working in the Cayman Islands, your employer must enrol you in a Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) from your first day of employment. Employers are required by law to cover at least half of the cost. If you’re self-employed, you’ll have to arrange your own health insurance with an approved provider and bear the full cost.

The SHIC covers general practitioner visits, specialist care (with referrals), hospitalisation, emergency medical services, maternity care, and essential prescription medications. Many residents opt for private insurance plans to access enhanced coverage, faster specialist appointments, and additional benefits like dental and vision care.

Common exclusions in health insurance policies include elective cosmetic procedures, alternative therapies, some mental health treatments, and experimental medical procedures. Understand exactly what your plan does and does not cover before committing.

Useful links

• Cayman Islands Insurance Association (CIIA).

Pharmacies and medicine in the Cayman Islands

Pharmacies in the Cayman Islands are easy to find and generally well-stocked. Pharmacists can provide guidance on minor ailments and injuries. Most pharmacies operate between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday, with some extending hours or opening on Sundays. The symbol for pharmacies in the Cayman Islands is the green cross, similar to the UK and Europe.

Prescription medications require a doctor’s prescription and are typically covered under health insurance plans, subject to co-payments. Medications requiring prescriptions in the Cayman Islands but available over the counter in the US/UK include codeine-based painkillers, pseudoephedrine-based decongestants, and certain antibiotics. Some medications available over the counter in the Cayman Islands but requiring prescriptions in the US/UK include low-dose antibiotics, certain antifungal medications, and some steroids for skin conditions.

There are strict rules regarding the importation of personal medication. You can bring up to a 30-day supply, but it must be in its original packaging with a doctor’s prescription. Certain controlled substances require pre-approval from the Cayman Islands Pharmacy Board.

Health hazards in the Cayman Islands

The tropical climate of the Cayman Islands presents several health risks that you should be aware of. While the islands maintain high healthcare standards, preventive measures can help you stay safe and healthy.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya have been reported in recent years. While Zika virus cases are rare, it is still advisable to take precautions. The government actively controls mosquito populations through aerial spraying and genetically modified mosquito programs.

Heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and dehydration, are common due to high temperatures and humidity. Staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and using sunscreen can help mitigate these risks.

Vaccinations for the Cayman Islands

Before travelling to or residing in the Cayman Islands, you should ensure your vaccinations are up to date. The Cayman Islands follows WHO and CDC guidelines but also recommends hepatitis A & B for long-term residents and healthcare workers, typhoid for those travelling to rural areas, and tetanus/diphtheria boosters every 10 years.

Covid-19 vaccinations are no longer required for entry into the Cayman Islands but are recommended for vulnerable individuals.

Emergency services in the Cayman Islands

Emergency services in the Cayman Islands are reliable, with ambulances available across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. You can call emergency services by dialling 911.

On Grand Cayman, response times in urban areas are typically 10 to 15 minutes. However, on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, emergency services are more limited, and serious cases may require transport to larger medical facilities.

Expats are typically directed to George Town Hospital (public), Doctors Hospital (private), and Health City Cayman Islands (private, specialises in advanced care).

For severe medical emergencies, air evacuations to Miami or Jamaica may be necessary. Medical evacuations typically go to hospitals such as Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health, and Cleveland Clinic (Miami), as well as University Hospital of the West Indies (Jamaica). Air ambulances work with local insurance providers to facilitate evacuation based on policy coverage.