The Bahamas is an increasingly popular destination for people from around the world. It’s easy to see why: it’s a stable country with beautiful beaches and warm weather. Expats from the United States don’t even have to convert funds while living there. The Bahamian dollar has a 1:1 value with the U.S. dollar, and U.S. currency is accepted throughout the country.
But before you pack your bags and book a flight to Nassau, don’t forget about getting health insurance in the Bahamas for expats. As long-term residents, you and your family will have several health insurance options. The Bahamas has a public option, but this insurance focuses on basic needs at public facilities. In contrast, international health insurance can cover a broader range of conditions, and also allows you to visit private care facilities.
Immigrants to the Bahamas are sometimes eligible to enroll in the country’s public health plan. The public option has limited coverage, though, so adding a private policy is a good idea.
You can go to Bahamian-based private insurers for supplemental insurance. Yet the best option for expats is often international health insurance that will cover you in the Bahamas and beyond.
Public Health Insurance in the Bahamas
The National Health Insurance Authority oversees the country’s public health plan, known as the NHI Bahamas. Citizens and legal residents are eligible to enroll in this plan.
First, they have to register with the National Insurance Board and receive an NIB Smart Card. People working in the Bahamas, whether self-employed or not, are required to register with the board. Once registered, they make monthly contributions based on their income.
NHI Bahamas covers basic primary and preventative healthcare services in public facilities. It does not cover complex healthcare needs, which usually require more expensive care.
For example, blood pressure checks are covered, but emergency care for a heart attack is not. Among the other uncovered services are dental care, chemotherapy, and diagnostic imaging.
Healthcare in the Bahamas can be pretty expensive. Even if you qualify for NHI Bahamas, you’ll need to budget for specialty care and emergencies. Another option is to sign up for additional coverage via a private insurer.
Private Health Insurance in the Bahamas
There is also private health insurance in the Bahamas for immigrants. These plans provide more comprehensive coverage than the public option.
You’ll need private insurance if you want to visit specialists and receive care at private hospitals. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay for this care on your own.
Signing up for local Bahamian insurance is one way to get private health insurance. Yet these policies will not cover you outside the country.
Even if you don’t visit other countries, you may need to travel to the United States for medical treatment that is not available at home. With only Bahamian health insurance, an expat could face extremely high bills for U.S.-based care.
International travel medical insurance should cover you both inside and outside the Bahamas. However, it usually covers only emergency medical care and is only suitable for stays of less than one year. Things like maternity care or prescriptions might not be covered at all.
That’s why an international health insurance plan is a better choice for long-term stays in the Bahamas. This insurance can offer full coverage in the Bahamas as well as in other countries.
Expats can also renew their international medical insurance. Unlike travel insurance, there’s no time limit on your coverage.
Plans for Students at Colleges and Universities in the Bahamas
Health insurance probably isn’t the first thing students headed to Bahamian schools are thinking about.
However, finding coverage will make their stay much more pleasant, especially in the event of a medical emergency. And costs shouldn’t keep them from signing up for a policy.
FAQs About Healthcare and Insurance in the Bahamas
Want to learn more about the Bahamas’ health insurance system for immigrants and expats? Here are answers to some of the more common questions about Bahamian healthcare.
Immigrants and long-term visitors don’t have to have health insurance for the Bahamas. But an insurance policy can offer financial protection if you or a family member need any medical care.
Bahamian healthcare services aren’t cheap. If you don’t have insurance, an accident or unexpected illness can really affect your budget.
The cost of health insurance in the Bahamas will vary by policy. It can range from around $200 to more than $700 per month per person.
You’ll pay more for insurance with prescription coverage and specialist visits than for a more basic plan.
If you only need basic coverage for a period less than one year, you can try a travel insurance plan, which will almost always cost less.
Our insurance brokers can help you find a plan that meets your personal needs and fits your budget.
And remember, getting coverage is less expensive than handling treatment costs for a serious illness or injury all on your own.
The Bahamas are right off the coast of Florida. Given that proximity, it seems to make sense that U.S. insurance would work there.
But unless you have a policy that explicitly offers international coverage, your private U.S. insurance won’t work in the Bahamas.
Medicare is a publicly financed program that provides insurance to seniors and some disabled people in the United States.
But your regular Medicare or Medicare Advantage policy will not cover you in the Bahamas. Medigap plans sometimes cover basic care abroad, but they’re very limited.
If you are able to join, then access to the healthcare system in the Bahamas is available through the NHI Bahamas. One of the benefits is that basic care is delivered free of charge.
Yet keep in mind that NHI Bahamas does not cover all types of healthcare, including some medicines, dental care and psychotherapy. And like many public health systems, NHI might frustrate you with long wait times for care.
How to Find a Family GP in the Bahamas
If you have a global health plan or a private policy with a Bahamian insurer, you should be able to find doctors via your insurance company.
NHI Bahamas also maintains a list of primary care providers for you to consult. You don’t need to get your health coverage via NHI Bahamas to visit the doctors on this list.
If you need treatment before finding a doctor, visit a health center or clinic. Wherever you go, you’ll find that medical providers in the Bahamas all speak English.
How to Get Hospital Care in the Bahamas
There are three Bahamian public hospitals. The Public Hospitals Authority oversees these facilities:
The Princess Margaret Hospital on New Providence Island
The Sandilands Rehabilitation Center on New Providence Island
The Rand Memorial Hospital on Grand Bahama
There are also two private hospitals in the Bahamas:
Doctors Hospital on New Providence Island
Lyford Cay Medical Facility on New Providence Island
Joint Commission International has accredited Doctors Hospital as meeting the highest international standards, but all five of these hospitals offer excellent care. The two private facilities deliver more specialized care than the three public hospitals.
If you live on an island without its own hospital, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation. And if you have private insurance, you’ll have to pay your bill when you receive care. You can then ask your insurer to reimburse covered costs.
Sara Kettler is a seasoned freelance writer and Dartmouth graduate who has lived in Japan, France, the UK, and Australia. She shares insights on international relocation, including healthcare, culture, and local laws, helping readers navigate life abroad with ease.
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