How to Navigate the Health System in Martinique
Summary: Learn about the health system in Martinique: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Martinique.
Martinique is a French overseas department located in the Caribbean Sea. The healthcare system in Martinique is a combination of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is funded by the French government and is available to all citizens and residents of Martinique. The public healthcare system is known as the Régime d'Assurance Maladie (RAM). Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Martinique. However, the public healthcare system is not widely used by foreigners due to the language barrier and the fact that the public healthcare system is not as comprehensive as private healthcare. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Martinique are generally well-equipped and provide quality care, but the wait times can be long.
Martinique's Private Healthcare System
Private healthcare in Martinique is widely used by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is more comprehensive and offers shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Martinique are well-equipped and provide quality care. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Martinique's Top Hospitals
The top hospitals in Martinique include:
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique (public hospital located in Fort-de-France)
- Clinique du Lamentin (private hospital located in Lamentin)
- Clinique du Centre (private hospital located in Fort-de-France)
- Clinique du Sud (private hospital located in Le Lamentin)
- Clinique du Nord (private hospital located in Le Lamentin)
- Clinique du Centre (private hospital located in Le Lamentin)
- Clinique du Sud-Est (private hospital located in Le Lamentin)
- Clinique du Sud-Ouest (private hospital located in Le Lamentin)
Health Insurance Companies in Martinique
The most popular private health insurers in Martinique are Mutuelle des Français, Mutuelle Générale, and Mutuelle des Hospitaliers. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Martinique: How to Navigate the Health System
"Martinique has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The island has several public and private hospitals, as well as numerous clinics and health centers. The public hospitals offer a range of services, including emergency care, general medicine, and specialized care. Private hospitals provide more specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and medical laboratories located throughout the island," commented one member living in Martinique.
"Healthcare services in Martinique are provided by the public healthcare system, which is managed by the French government. The quality of public healthcare in Martinique is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Martinique can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats can also purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," commented one member living in Martinique.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Martinique Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Martinique
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Martinique
- Best Places to Live in Martinique
- Real Estate in Martinique
- Guide to Real Estate in Martinique
- Pros & Cons of Living in Martinique
- Cost of Living in Martinique
- Pros and Cons of Living in Martinique 2024