Kingston, Jamaica
Health Care in Kingston
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Kingston: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Kingston.
Kingston has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Jamaica Public Health Service (JPHC). It is used by both locals and foreigners, although many expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare.
Jamaica's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Jamaica is provided by the Jamaica Public Health Service (JPHC). It is used by both locals and foreigners, although many expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare. Public hospitals in Kingston are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. The quality of care at public hospitals in Kingston is often lower than at private hospitals, and wait times can be long. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Jamaica, but many opt for private hospitals for better care. Private hospitals in Kingston are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Kingston offer higher quality care than public hospitals, and wait times are usually shorter.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Kingston
- University Hospital of the West Indies: This is a public hospital located in Kingston. It is the largest hospital in Jamaica and offers a wide range of services.
- Andrews Memorial Hospital: This is a private hospital located in Kingston. It specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, and also offers a wide range of other services.
- Jamaica Kidney Centre: This is a private hospital located in Kingston. It specializes in kidney care and dialysis.
- Jamaica National Health Fund: This is a public health insurance provider located in Kingston. It provides health insurance coverage for Jamaicans and foreigners.
Emergency Services in Kingston
There are ambulance services in Kingston. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number, which is 119. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.
Health Insurance Companies in Kingston
The most popular private health insurers in Kingston are Sagicor Life Jamaica, Guardian Life Jamaica, and Jamaica National Health Fund. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
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.
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