Health Care in Las Galeras
Summary: Health Care in Las Galeras: Locate providers, hospitals, and medical centers to find the best health services available for expats and nomads.
The healthcare system in Las Galeras, Dominican Republic, is a mix of public and private facilities. The quality of care varies, with private hospitals generally offering a higher standard of care than public ones.
Dominican Rep's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in the Dominican Republic is known as the Servicio Nacional de Salud (SNS). It is used by both locals and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads. However, the quality of care in public hospitals can be inconsistent, and they are often overcrowded. For serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, many people recommend using private hospitals instead. Private hospitals in Las Galeras and other parts of the Dominican Republic typically offer a higher standard of care, with more modern facilities and equipment. Many expats choose to use private hospitals for this reason.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Las Galeras
Las Galeras is a small town and does not have many hospitals. In case of emergencies or need for specialized care, expats often travel to the nearby city of Samana. Some of the recommended hospitals and clinics in Samana include:
- Centro Medico Dr. Abel Gonzalez - a private hospital located in Samana.
- Hospital Dr. Leopoldo Pou - a public hospital also located in Samana.
Emergency Services in Las Galeras
Emergency services are available in Las Galeras, including ambulance services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911. However, response times can sometimes be slow due to the town's remote location.
Health Insurance Companies in Las Galeras
There are several popular private health insurance companies in Las Galeras, including Universal, Humano, and Monumental. These companies offer a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Many expats and digital nomads choose to use these local companies for their health insurance. However, some prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers, which can offer coverage that is more tailored to their needs.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.