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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Trinidad & Tobago | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Trinidad & Tobago

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 08, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Trinidad & Tobago is generally considered to be good, though it may not be on par with the medical care available in the United States. Emergency services are generally reliable and ambulances can be called by dialing 999.

How are healthcare services Trinidad & Tobago?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Trinidad & Tobago, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Trinidad & Tobago are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Trinidad & Tobago can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," commented one expat living in Trinidad & Tobago.

What are medical services in Trinidad & Tobago like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Trinidad & Tobago, they replied:

"Medical services in Trinidad & Tobago are generally of a high standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The country also has a number of private medical facilities, offering a range of services from general practice to specialist care. The government also provides free or subsidized medical care for those in need. In addition, the country has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications," commented one expat living in Trinidad & Tobago.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Trinidad & Tobago?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Trinidad & Tobago can be expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the cost of health insurance can be even higher. The cost of health insurance is often based on the type of coverage and the number of people covered. Additionally, the cost of health insurance can vary depending on the provider," wrote one expat.

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What are emergency services like in Trinidad & Tobago?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Trinidad & Tobago wrote:

"Emergency services in Trinidad & Tobago are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the public can call the emergency hotline at 999 to request an ambulance. The ambulance service is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is staffed by trained medical personnel who are able to provide medical assistance and transport to the nearest hospital," commented one expat who moved to Trinidad & Tobago.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Port of Spain is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, including general practitioners, surgeons, and specialists in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. San Fernando, the second largest city in Trinidad & Tobago, also has a wide selection of medical specialists, including those specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and orthopedics. The city of Arima is also home to a number of medical specialists, including those specializing in endocrinology, gastroenterology, and urology. Additionally, the towns of Chaguanas and Point Fortin have a selection of medical specialists, including those specializing in dermatology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry," remarked one expat in Trinidad & Tobago.

Are common prescription medications available in Trinidad & Tobago?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Trinidad & Tobago. Most pharmacies carry a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and other medications used to treat a variety of conditions. Many of these medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. In addition, many pharmacies also offer generic versions of brand-name medications, which can be more affordable for those on a budget," wrote one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Trinidad & Tobago?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Trinidad & Tobago are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The government also provides free healthcare to citizens and permanent residents, and there are a number of private healthcare providers available. In addition, the country has a number of medical research centers and universities, which are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality healthcare," wrote one expat.

As a foreigner living in Trinidad & Tobago, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Trinidad & Tobago have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Trinidad & Tobago is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The country has a number of public hospitals and clinics, as well as a network of private healthcare providers. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for citizens and permanent residents. However, foreigners may be required to pay for some services," remarked one expat in Trinidad & Tobago.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Trinidad & Tobago if they have access to public healthcare in Trinidad & Tobago. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Trinidad & Tobago. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, including the introduction of a national contact tracing system, the implementation of social distancing protocols, and the provision of personal protective equipment. Additionally, the government has increased the number of hospital beds and ventilators available to treat COVID-19 patients. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the number of cases, leading to long wait times for appointments and delays in receiving test results. Furthermore, the government has implemented a number of restrictions on movement and gatherings, which has made it difficult for many people to access healthcare services," commented one expat living in Trinidad & Tobago.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Trinidad & Tobago?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Trinidad & Tobago about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Trinidad & Tobago before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local maternity and childcare services available. Additionally, it is a good idea to connect with other expat parents who have had babies in Trinidad & Tobago, as they can provide valuable advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in a new country," wrote a person living in Trinidad & Tobago.

Are healthcare services good in Trinidad & Tobago?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Trinidad & Tobago. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Trinidad & Tobago are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare services are also available and are typically more expensive than public services. The country has a number of hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide a range of medical services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialty care. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide over-the-counter medications and other health-related products," said one person in Trinidad & Tobago.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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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